Cholera Outbreak: Water Resources Ministry to Carry Out Water Analysis

To curb further loss of lives following the outbreak of cholera in some states, the Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation is set to carry out water analysis to safeguard Nigerians and halt the spread.

This is contained in a statement signed by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation, Alhaji Shehu Aliyu Shinkafi in Abuja.

According to the statement, the Ministry has dispatched a team from the National Water Quality Reference Laboratories in Lagos, Enugu, and Sokoto to collect water samples and investigate the presence of the causative organism (Vibrio cholerae) in the hotspot areas.

“The Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation is deeply concerned about the reported outbreak of cholera in some States of the Federation resulting in the death of 30 persons which attests to the severity of the situation” he states.

It adds that the Ministry through the WASH Emergency Technical Working Group (WiETWG), is urgently reaching out to States’ Technical Working Groups and the Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Agencies (RUWASSAs), where applicable, to holistically address the outbreak.

“Prior to the outbreak, the National WASH in Emergency Technical Working Group had trained the States’ working groups on preparedness, prevention, and response mechanisms, as well as on hygiene promotion and water safety planning approaches to prevent and respond to cholera outbreaks” Alhaji Shinkafi stresses.

“Expectedly, these states have intensified similar sensitization efforts in their respective communities to reduce the number of cholera cases. They are also promoting the campaign against open defecation, which is a means of transmitting this deadly disease, ” the Permanent Secretary emphasizes.

The statement, while consoling with the families of the deceased and their loved ones, urges Nigerians to remain vigilant and take precautions to protect themselves and their families from the infection.

It further appeals to Nigerians to boil or treat drinking water before consumption, always wash their hands with soap under running and clean water regularly, especially before eating and after using the toilet.

“Wash fruits and vegetables with safe water and salt before eating. Seek medical attention immediately if you experience any symptoms of cholera, such as vomiting, profuse dehydration, and diarrhoea (rice water stools).

According to the statement, the Ministry promises to provide updates as received from the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) and its response efforts as the situation evolves.

By Georgina Humphrey