Non Governmental Organisation tasks Nigerian government on menace of cholera
The Centre for Environmental Sustainability and Development Awareness (CESDA) has called on Nigerian Government to come to the challenges of cholera outbreak in the country before it get out of hand.
Penpushing reports that centre made the urgent call in a statement signed by Executive Director, Olusola Babalola, lamenting over number of deaths so far recorded by the menace in the last nine months.
‘So Far, over three thousand Nigerians have been reportedly died of the disease in the last 9 months in the country with the death toll covering 31 states including the Federal Capital Territory (FCT)’, the body noted.
‘Though treatable if detected early, Cholera has been identified as a water borne disease that kills faster than some dreadful diseases known if adequate attention is not accorded or not managed on time; Babalola said.
Penpushing further reports that, the statement emphasised that, following the spike in the number of cases and death recorded in the country, it becomes imperative for the governments at all levels and relevant agencies to intensifying efforts in bringing lasting solution to the menace.
‘We therefore urge the government to bolster commodities for case management and laboratory diagnosis, materials for risk communication, response guidelines among other supports that are provided to the affected States’.
‘Similarly, we apprise that Nigerians should make sure that their surroundings are kept clean always, refrain from poor hygiene practices such as open defecation and indiscriminate disposal of refuse and instead embrace good water and sanitation and hygiene (WASH) practices.
Penpushing also reports that, Centre for Environmental Sustainability and Development Awareness (CESDA) pointed out that it is important to note that these wrong practices are triggers and endanger the quality of household water used.
The body declared that, it will continue to seek partnership with relevant stakeholders and advocate for actions that will bring about lasting solutions in communities through public awareness campaigns and sensitization on basic sanitation and good hygiene practices across communities.
‘We therefore call on Nigerians to refrain from open defecation, indiscriminate refuse dumping, ensure proper disposal of waste and frequent clearing of sewage and sewage ways around them’.
‘In addition, people with cholera related symptoms such as vomiting nausea and weakness should report at the nearest health facilities within their communities for testing and treatment’, the body advised.
‘As part of our mandate, Centre for Environmental Sustainability and Development Awareness will continue to engage stakeholders on tackling the outbreak of the disease, while we implore governments at all levels to prioritize and be committed to providing inclusive access to safe water supply, proper sanitation, hygienic and sustainable environment’, Babalola wrote.
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