The Ogun State government has acknowledged a cholera outbreak across the region and is mobilizing resources to contain its spread effectively.
According to officials, 25 cases have been reported in seven local government areas, resulting in one death.
Speaking at a press briefing held at the Olusegun Osoba Press Centre in Abeokuta, Health Commissioner Dr. Tomi Coker, alongside Environment counterpart Mr. Ola Oresanya, identified Ado-Odo/Ota, Remo North, Odeda, Sagamu, Ijebu-North, Ewekoro, and Obafemi-Owode as the affected LGAs.
Dr. Coker highlighted collaborative efforts with stakeholders from various ministries, private hospitals, and emergency services to manage the crisis. Measures include activating emergency response operations and enhancing sanitation to curb open defecation and improve hygiene.
“We have strategically positioned medications and essential supplies across LGAs and health facilities to ensure uninterrupted treatment at no cost in government facilities,” Dr. Coker assured.
Efforts to disseminate cholera prevention information via social media, radio, and TV are underway, spearheaded by the Ministry of Information and its risk communication team.
Dr. Coker emphasized the role of contaminated food, poor sanitation, and personal hygiene in spreading cholera, urging the public to practice hand hygiene, wash food thoroughly, and avoid open defecation.
Acknowledging federal support from the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), she noted ongoing technical assistance and the supply of protective gear to health personnel.
Meanwhile, Environment Commissioner Mr. Ola Oresanya disclosed measures to test water sources and enhance sanitation, including the construction of public toilets to deter open defecation.
The Ministry of Education has intensified monitoring in schools to promote handwashing and maintain clean environments, reported Oluwole Majekodunmi, representing the Ministry of Education, Science, and Technology.
In a bid to ensure safe drinking water, the Ogun State Water Corporation has scaled up water treatment capacity and increased water supply to Abeokuta from 82 million to 162 million litres.
The public is urged to seek medical attention at government health facilities if experiencing symptoms such as watery stool and to call designated helplines for immediate response.
