Federal Government Launches Initiative to Combat Cholera Outbreak
In response to the recent surge in cholera cases across several states, the Federal Government of Nigeria has unveiled a comprehensive plan aimed at curbing the spread of the disease. The initiative was announced following a Federal Executive Council meeting held in Abuja on Tuesday.
Dr. Ali Pate, the Minister of Health, detailing the government’s strategy to tackle the cholera outbreak revealed President Tinubu has directed the establishment of a cabinet committee tasked with overseeing operations at the cholera emergency operation centre operated by the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC).
The newly formed committee will include representatives from key ministries such as Health, Finance, Water Resources, Environment, Youth, Aviation, and Education.
This inter-ministerial approach underscores the government’s commitment to mobilizing resources across various sectors to combat the outbreak effectively.
Dr. Pate underscored the urgency of the situation, noting that as of now, 31 states have reported a total of 1,528 cholera cases resulting in 53 fatalities.
He emphasized the need for concerted efforts both at the federal and state levels to address the underlying causes of cholera, such as open defecation, which contributes significantly to the spread of the disease.
“In addition to this, the state governments will be co-opted so that Nigeria makes progress in reducing open defecation because cholera is a developmental issue that requires a multi-sectoral approach,” Dr. Pate stated.
Cholera outbreaks are not unique to Nigeria; they are part of a global challenge. Dr. Pate highlighted that globally, cholera remains a persistent concern, with hundreds of thousands of cases reported annually. He stressed the importance of a coordinated international response to mitigate the impact of the disease.
The Minister also touched upon the emergence of yellow fever in Bayelsa State, indicating that health authorities are monitoring and responding to multiple public health threats simultaneously.
The Federal Government’s proactive measures, including the establishment of the cabinet committee, are expected to bolster ongoing efforts to contain the cholera outbreak, safeguard public health, and mitigate the socio-economic impacts associated with such epidemics.
The committee’s mandate will include resource mobilization, strategic planning, and coordination of interventions aimed at preventing further transmission of the disease across affected communities.
The government has urged citizens to remain vigilant, adhere to hygiene protocols, and seek medical attention promptly if symptoms of cholera are suspected
