The Water Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) Media Network in Bauchi has urged the state government to intensify public awareness campaign on hygiene in communities to stem cholera outbreak in the state.
Mr David Ayodele, the Chairman of WASH Media Network made the call in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Tuesday, in Bauchi.
He said several cases of cholera had been confirmed since the outbreak began in May, leaving 37 people dead and over 300 hospitalised.
“It was established that Bauchi South and Bauchi North have been affected, with the estimated 1.6 million people across the state now at risk.
“Cholera is triggered by the infection and inflammation of the digestive system. Symptoms could include abdominal cramps, diarrhoea and vomiting,’’ he said.
Ayodele urged governments and the media to intensify awareness campaigns on hygiene to the general public, especially those in rural communities.
“The campaign should involve the use of television and radio advertisements, jingles, text messages, posters, leaflets, stickers.
“School exercise books in schools for pupils to promote messages about good hygiene and cholera prevention practices among teachers, students, parents and community members
The WASH media Chairman said that the lack of knowledge among at risk communities was one of the reasons for the large scale spread of the current outbreak.
He said the communities were also faced with the lack of clean drinking water and good condition latrines.
“We are calling on the government and the partners to also address the underlying problems in the communities where most of the cholera-related deaths are occurring”, he added.
Ayodele noted that cholera is an acute intestinal infection picked up through contaminated food or water.
“It can result in diarrhoea that could lead to severe dehydration and even death, without prompt treatment,’’ he said.
He also explained that due to lack of access to potable water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) services posed yet another key public health challenge, especially for flood-prone areas.
“The situation is worrisome. For the people, issues of water and sanitation can be life threatening, especially when disaster occurs, government should look into that,’’ he said.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the State Primary Healthcare Development Agency had confirmed 37 deaths and over 300 hospitalised cases of cholera outbreak in the state. (NAN)
