From Owen Akenzua, Asaba
Delta State government has assured residents that it will collaborate with the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control, NCDC, to curb the spread of cholera.
Commissioner for Health, Dr Joseph Onojaeme gave the assurance yesterday while responding to questions on the efforts to curb the spread of cholera in the state.
He disclosed that from the three outbreaks which occurred in February, March and June, a total of 118 cases were recorded in the state, adding that from the current outbreak, no death was recorded, but unfortunately, seven deaths occurred in the previous outbreaks in February and March.
“Cholera is basically a water-borne disease and that is why it is common in riverine areas. We have some local government areas that we call hot spot areas, but fortunately, we have not recorded any case there such as Ughelli South, Warri South, Warri South West and Warri North, but we are currently having it in Warri South West and in only three wards.
“We have actually curtailed it in the state and we are working closely with NCDC to provide commodities for patients, and also do a lot of advocacy. I use this medium to enjoin the media to help spread the message that the disease is preventable,” the commissioner explained.
On her part, the State Epidemiologist, Dr Mildred Okowa said the state government is using a multi-sectoral and multi-partner response to address the spread of the disease.
“It is important to note that it is not just the Ministry of Health, but we are also working closely with the Ministries of Environment and Water Resources, and we have had several meetings. We are working closely with community leaders who are helping to spread the message to our people,” she said.
Okowa said cholera is a waterborne disease transmitted by contaminated food and water, but could be prevented through practicing personal hygiene such as washing the hands with soap and running water, and ensuring that the environment is kept clean at all times.
Warning against any form of open defecation, including into water bodies, Okowa disclosed that in Warri South West, health promotion officers are talking to residents in the language they understand about what cholera is, the dangers and how they could prevent it.
She said health promotion officers are visiting schools, markets, places of worship and other public places for sensitisation, while the Social Mobilisation Unit in the Ministry of Health has also drawn a
