The Federal Government has issued a stern warning to Nigerians against consuming locally prepared drinks such as kunu, zobo, and fura, in a bid to prevent the spread of cholera disease.
Minister of State for Environment, Iziaq Salako, emphasized the directive in a statement released on Monday in Abuja. He urged the public to prioritize good sanitation and hygiene practices both at home and in workplaces to curb the ongoing cholera outbreak.
Salako stressed the importance of using clean and safe water, advising that water from questionable sources should be thoroughly boiled or treated with chlorine solution.
He cautioned against consuming locally prepared drinks unless their preparation is confirmed to be hygienic and safe.
“Wash hands regularly with soap under running water, especially after using the toilet, before preparing food, and after playing with animals,” Salako emphasized, outlining crucial preventive measures.
The minister called upon state and local governments to heighten environmental health surveillance in areas where food and drinks are sold, including markets, schools, and public venues. This initiative aims to prevent further transmission of cholera and enhance disease control efforts nationwide.
Highlighting the severity of the current situation, Salako cited statistics from the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), which reported 1,159 suspected cases, 65 confirmed cases, and 30 deaths across 30 states. He identified states such as Bayelsa, Lagos, Zamfara, Abia, Bauchi, and others as the most affected.
Salako underscored the role of the Ministry of Environment in conducting water and food testing, organizing environmental sanitation campaigns, and promoting household water chlorination to mitigate the cholera outbreak.
Cholera, caused by Vibrio cholerae bacteria, is a highly infectious disease primarily transmitted through contaminated food and water. Its symptoms include watery stool, nausea, vomiting, and can lead to death if untreated promptly, particularly in areas with poor sanitation and hygiene practices.
As Nigeria grapples with seasonal outbreaks of cholera exacerbated by climate events like flooding, the World Health Organization (WHO) has classified the current situation as a grade three public health emergency, necessitating a robust response from health authorities.
The federal government continues to collaborate with stakeholders to address the resurgence of cholera cases, aligning efforts with global health standards to safeguard public health across the nation.