Concerned by the rising number of deaths linked to a cholera outbreak in Bayelsa State, over 25 key stakeholders from civil society, the media, and the health sector gathered over the weekend to discuss urgent intervention strategies.
The meeting, organised by Women Organized for Mentorship and Advocacy Network (WOMAN) to mark its first anniversary, served as a platform to foster collaboration in addressing the public health emergency. Participants emphasized the need for coordinated efforts to curb the spread of cholera, a life-threatening waterborne disease.
Earlier, the Bayelsa State government had dismissed that there was no case of fatality recorded in the recent diarrhea cases in three local government areas of Nembe, Sagbama and Kolokuma/Opokuma.
According to the commissioner for Health, Professor Seiyefa Brisbe, upon receiving reports of rising vomiting and diarrhea cases in Isoni, Sagbama LGA, the health emergency team responded within 24 hours, providing essential supplies and linking affected areas to healthcare facilities.
“I am relieved to report that we have not recorded a single mortality in any of our health facilities”, Prof Brisbe said.
Conversely, the Health Commissioner, however, acknowledged the reality of a cholera outbreak in the state when he appeared on a recent radio Bayelsa audience participatory programme, ‘Talk to Bayelsa’, reversing an earlier stance that downplayed the severity of the situation.
Speaking at the event, the chairman of the Bayelsa Non-Governmental Organizations Forum (BANGOF), Mr Taritein Boco, expressed concern over the lack of potable water in many local communities. He stressed that without urgent intervention to improve water infrastructure, cholera outbreaks would continue to pose serious threats to public health.
Cholera, known for causing severe diarrhea and vomiting, can lead to rapid dehydration and organ failure if not treated promptly. Health experts at the gathering called for increased government and donor support to provide safe drinking water and strengthen healthcare response systems.
Pharm Anthony Oraekeye, Executive Director of Comfort of the Afflicted, said the persistent loss of bodily fluids is frequently accompanied by vomiting, leading to rapid dehydration and loss of essential salts.
Oraekeye said, “When the body loses these critical salts, such as zinc and electrolytes, it disrupts normal physiological functions, resulting in muscle cramps and weakness. If not promptly treated, severe dehydration can lead to organ failure and even death.
“This is why cholera outbreaks are considered a public health emergency that requires urgent intervention. Whether at the state primary healthcare level or the national health ministry, prompt reporting is critical to containing the spread.
“Cholera outbreaks affect not only individuals but also entire communities. If an outbreak occurs, businesses shut down, the workforce is reduced, and the economy suffers. People avoid gatherings for fear of infection, and students are unable to attend school. The overall impact extends beyond health—it disrupts livelihoods and social activities.”
Earlier, Lady Eunice Nnachi, Executive Director of WOMAN, underscored the organisation’s commitment to empowering women and fostering community development. She emphasized that collaboration among stakeholders is vital for creating sustainable solutions to public health challenges.
