In response to the recent cholera outbreak affecting several regions of Nigeria, including Anambra State, Mrs. Nonye Soludo, the wife of the Anambra State Governor, has called on households, schools, and public caretakers to implement strict preventive measures to curb the disease’s spread.
In a statement released in Awka, Mrs. Soludo emphasized the urgency of the situation, noting that Anambra is among the 31 states grappling with the outbreak. She highlighted the importance of protecting vulnerable groups, particularly children and pregnant women, by ensuring that drinking water is safe and healthy.
Mrs. Soludo, who also leads the “Healthy Living with Nonye Soludo Initiative,” outlined essential cholera prevention practices. These include frequent handwashing with soap and water, consuming only safe or well-boiled water, and using clean water for brushing teeth. She also advised thorough cooking of food, cautious consumption of street food, and proper washing of fruits with clean water.
She urged immediate medical attention for anyone displaying symptoms of cholera, such as severe diarrhea and dehydration, and warned against self-medication. Mrs. Soludo also reminded schools and markets that received free hand-washing buckets from her NGO to maximize their use during this critical period.
The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has reported over 1,528 suspected cholera cases across 31 states. The outbreak is primarily attributed to contaminated water and poor sanitation, exacerbated by the rainy season’s flooding and compromised water sources.
Currently, no cholera vaccines have been distributed, with authorities focusing on prevention and prompt treatment due to the short immunity period provided by the vaccine. Mrs. Soludo assured that the state government is working tirelessly to contain the disease and safeguard public health in Anambra.
