Lagos, UNICEF To Combat Cholera In Badagry

Lagos State government, in collaboration with the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), has intensified efforts to combat cholera through a comprehensive advocacy and sensitization campaign in Badagry local government and local council development areas.

The campaign, which involved visits to local councils, markets, correctional centers, and meetings with community leaders, aims to raise awareness and promote preventive measures against the disease.

During the two-day Lagos State Risk Communication and Community Engagement (RCCE) team visit, the State Health Educator, Mr. Olusegun Badejo emphasized the government’s commitment to strengthening collaborative advocacy with UNICEF to curb the spread of cholera.

“We are here as the Risk Communication and Community Engagement (RCCE) team from Lagos State Ministry of Health, Lagos Primary Health Care Board, and other local health authorities to sensitise people about the cholera outbreak in the state. We aim to ensure that everyone takes precautionary measures to stay safe and protected,” Badejo stated.

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The director of health education and promotion services at the Lagos State Primary Healthcare Board, Mrs. Adesola Honfor highlighted the importance of training community mobilizers to keep residents informed.

“Our goal is to protect the health and dignity of our people through effective risk communication and community involvement,” she said. Honfor praised the efforts of local mobilizers and town announcers, stating, “Their support has been invaluable in spreading key messages and ensuring community engagement.”

UNICEF’s social and behaviour change specialist, Aderonke Akinola-Akinwole, commended the state’s proactive efforts. “Communities are crucial in stopping the spread of cholera, but they must be actively engaged to take preventive measures. We have seen a well-informed community in Badagry, thanks to the local government’s ongoing sensitization efforts,” Akinola-Akinwole noted. She added that UNICEF’s collaboration with the state government aims to ensure that all communities are equipped to respond to and prevent the spread of cholera.

The chairman of Badagry LGA, Hon. Olusegun Onilude Adeniran, expressed gratitude for the state’s involvement and outlined local measures to combat cholera, such as public enlightenment campaigns and environmental sanitation. However, he highlighted challenges like insufficient waste disposal operators and lack of potable water, calling for state intervention. “We appreciate the state’s interest in our local affairs and look forward to effective solutions to our challenges,” Adeniran said.

The medical officer of Health  of Badagry LGA, Dr. Wale Akeredolu, emphasised the importance of community participation and ongoing activities like school monitoring and sensitization.