Cholera Outbreak: Plateau State Government Takes Proactive Measures
From Tongnaan Bawa, Jos
The Plateau State Government has activated measures to prevent and control the spread of cholera in the state following outbreaks in thirty- three states across Nigeria.
This was disclosed by Engineer Jonathan Malann, the state program coordinator, Plateau State sustainable urban and rural water supply sanitation and hygiene (SURWASH) Program on cholera out break in the state at the NUJ Press Centre Jos, on Wednesday.
He said although no official cases have been recorded in Plateau State, the government is taking proactive steps to ensure public health security.
Malann said in using Multisectoral Approach, the government is working with local and international stakeholders to respond to the outbreak.
According to the program coordinator, “The Sustainable Urban and Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Hygiene (SURWASH) Program, supported by the World Bank, is being implemented to increase access to water supply, sanitation, and hygiene services”
He explained that the Preventive Measures to avoid cholera are access to safe drinking water, Proper waste management, and Hand washing with soap or ash and Proper food handling and storage and also to avoid open defecation.
Malann urged the public to take collective action to prevent the spread of cholera assuring that government would Invest in water, sanitation, and hygiene infrastructure which is crucial to achieving a cholera-free Plateau.
While acknowledging the support of partners, he called on the media to disseminate harmonized messages on cholera prevention, using various channels, including mass media and interpersonal communication.
