We’re Proactive About Stopping Cholera Outbreak – Abia Govt.

The Abia State Government has affirmed that it is working hard to stop a cholera outbreak in the state. 

Dr. Kalu Kalu, Executive Secretary, Abia State Primary Healthcare Development Agency (ASPHDA), revealed their plans to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), Umuahia, on Wednesday.

Kalu hinted that part of the strategy was the agency’s insistence on the promotion of public hygiene and environmental sanitation across the state.

On his part, the agency is also collaborating with key stakeholders to strengthen the campaign for the prevention of cholera outbreaks in Abia State. 

Dr. Kalu said that cholera is a faecal-oral disease that spreads when poop from an infected person gets into someone else's food or water.

The ASPHDA personnel also noted that cholera could be considered a waterborne disease since polluted water remained a common vector for its transmission.

Kalu advised Abia residents to drink water from only safe sources and warned food vendors against selling contaminated food to members of the public.

“We in Abia State are taking steps to prevent cholera outbreaks entirely. Our goal is to have zero cases. To achieve this, we have launched a strong public awareness campaign. Our healthcare workers are taking advantage of every opportunity to teach people how to stay safe from the disease.

He said, Our jingles are already running, and fliers and posters are ready. Health campaigns are ongoing at health facilities across the state.

We shall use town criers to reach out to the hinterlands. We must imbibe the habit of personal hygiene; we must avoid eating foods that are unwashed.