Following a cholera outbreak in Lagos, the state government has activated its Public Health Emergency Operations Centre (PHEOC) at Mainland Hospital, Yaba. The move comes as the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) urged the state to urgently provide high-standard water and sanitation facilities to curb the disease.
In a statement released on Sunday on the government’s website, the PHEOC was convened to address the rising number of severe gastroenteritis cases across multiple local government areas in Lagos.
State Commissioner for Health, Prof. Akin Abayomi, detailed the steps being taken to control the outbreak. The state Ministry of Health reported 350 suspected cholera cases in 29 wards across multiple LGAs, with 17 confirmed cases and 15 deaths.
“The laboratory investigation and test results have so far confirmed Cholera sub-type O-1. This subtype is associated with more severe disease. The pattern of new cases per day varies across LGAs, according to our ongoing surveillance and monitoring updates,” Prof. Abayomi said.
“Although this is an increase from the numbers published three days ago, cases are now dramatically subsiding in previously affected LGAs due to our interventions and surveillance efforts. However, we are recording some new cases in previously unaffected LGAs, signaling the need for residents to adhere strictly to precautionary, personal, and environmental hygiene measures.”
UNICEF Lagos Field Office Chief, Celine Lafoucrier, emphasized the need for the Lagos State Government to strengthen its healthcare systems to effectively respond to cholera outbreaks. She called for the provision of high-standard water and sanitation facilities to communities.
“To reduce the fatality associated with cholera, the state government must strengthen its healthcare systems and make them capable of responding to the demand in times of outbreaks,” Lafoucrier said.
Addressing the challenges of cholera outbreaks requires focused state policies on providing high-standard water and sanitation facilities, strengthening healthcare systems, and conducting educational campaigns on cholera prevention.
“A comprehensive approach is essential to alleviate cholera outbreaks. Sustainable WASH infrastructure and effective community engagement strategies are crucial to halt transmission,” Lafoucrier added.
