Photo Illustration: Cholera Patients Receiving Treatment

By Emmanuel Olabiwonninu

The Lagos State Public Health Operations Centre (PHEOC) has begun emergency operations in centres across the state in response to the cholera outbreak.

The move comes in response to the increasing number of severe gastroenteritis cases reported across multiple local government areas.

As of the latest update, the Lagos State Ministry of Health confirmed 350 suspected cases of cholera in 29 wards across various local government areas, with 17 confirmed cases and 15 deaths.

The outbreak involves the Cholera subtype O-1, known for causing more severe disease. The number of new cases per day varies across the areas, reflecting the dynamic nature of the outbreak.

State Commissioner for Health, Prof. Akin Abayomi, emphasized the importance of ongoing surveillance and intervention efforts, noting a decrease in cases in previously affected areas but a rise in new cases in other regions.

He urged residents to adhere strictly to personal and environmental hygiene measures to curb the spread of the disease.

He said”The activation of the PHEOC and the ongoing surveillance and monitoring efforts reflect our proactive measures to control the outbreak.

”The state government is working closely with healthcare providers to ensure rapid response and treatment for affected individuals.

”Community members are encouraged to maintain high standards of hygiene, including using clean water, practising safe food handling, and maintaining sanitation in their surroundings.

”Public health campaigns are also being intensified to educate the population about preventive measures.” Prof. Abayomi added

On its part, the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has urged the Lagos State Government to urgently provide high-standard water and sanitation facilities to communities to combat the cholera outbreak.

Chief of UNICEF Lagos Field Office, Celine Lafoucrier, highlighted the need for strengthened healthcare systems to reduce fatalities associated with cholera.

Lafoucrier stressed the importance of state policies focusing on sustainable Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) infrastructure, strengthened health systems, and state-led educational campaigns on cholera prevention.

She stated that a comprehensive approach is essential to alleviate cholera outbreaks, emphasizing the need for effective community engagement strategies to halt transmission.

”The cholera outbreak in Lagos highlights the urgent need for improved water and sanitation facilities, robust healthcare systems, and continuous public education on hygiene practices.

”With coordinated efforts from the government, international organizations like UNICEF, and the community, the spread of cholera can be controlled, and future outbreaks can be prevented,” she noted.

Recently, there has been concern expressed by the Rivers State Government regarding a possible cholera outbreak in Ngo village, in Andoni Local Government Area.

In a voice note sent to newsmen in Port Harcourt on Saturday, the state Commissioner for Health, Dr Adaeze Oreh, emphasized the importance of residents seeking medical attention at primary healthcare facilities if they experience any health issues.

”This advisory comes in response to recent nationwide reports of cholera outbreaks in various states across Nigeria,” she stated.

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