The Plateau State government has warned citizens of the state that cholera remains a significant threat to human lives, particularly in areas with inadequate water supply, sanitation and hygiene.
Programme Coordinator of the Plateau State Sustainable Urban and Rural Water Supply, Sanitation, and Hygiene (SURWASH) programme, Jonathan Malann stated this while addressing journalists in Jos, the Plateau State capital.
As a result, Malann said the state has taken a big step to prevent cholera outbreak in the state, following reports of the prevalence of the disease in 33 states across Nigeria.
He emphasised that cholera is a highly contagious and potentially deadly disease which is also preventable with the right measures.
Malann identified common sources of cholera infection to include contamination of drinking water, uncooked food made with or washed with contaminated water, and seafood taken from contaminated water.
“Cholera is a severe diarrheal disease caused by the ingestion of food or water contaminated with the bacterium Vibrio cholerae. It remains a significant threat to health, particularly in areas with inadequate water supply, sanitation, and hygiene.
“It is a highly contagious and potentially deadly disease, but it is also entirely preventable with the right measures,” he said.
He stressed that the Plateau State government has put in place multi-sectoral coordination mechanisms to control the spread of the disease, including working with local and international stakeholders.
Malann highlighted the importance of early identification of cholera cases, procurement of water treatment chemicals, and access to safe water in preventing the spread of the disease.
“The government has also procured bulk assorted water treatment chemicals for water supply agencies and is working to increase access to water supply services in the state,” he said.
The SURWASH boss then called on the public to take collective action and make choices to treat their water, wash their hands all the time, and avoid open defecation.
He further explained that the government has also partnered with the media to deliver Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene messages to the public to prevent cholera and other water-related diseases.
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