Cholera: Oyo State Govt Intensifies Efforts On Outbreak Prevention

The Oyo State Government has been relentless in its efforts to prevent cholera outbreak in the State, maintaining that no single case of the disease has been recorded so far.

Commissioner for Health, Dr. Oluwaserimi Ajetunmobi, stated this while discussing with journalists in her office.

She reassured the public that since the outbreak of the disease in neighbouring States, there have been only a few suspected cases in Oyo State, all of which have been successfully managed.

She said, “As at epi week 26, a total of fourteen (14) suspected cases of cholera have been reported.

Appropriate samples were taken for confirmation and came out as negative. I can confidently tell you that as of today, there is no positive case of cholera disease in Oyo State.”

The Commissioner also highlighted the activities that have been implemented by the Public Health Emergency Operation Center (PHEOC), which includes, activation of the Infectious Disease Centre, Olodo – to effectively manage any possible cholera cases, inauguration of Multisectoral Cholera Technical Working Group (TWG),distribution of Cholera RDT kits to UCH and PHCs in the state; media engagement to raise public awareness on BCOS, NTA, TVC and other media houses, airing of audio jingles on cholera prevention in media houses and various social media platforms.Others include distribution of IEC materials to various social media platforms,roadshow and awareness creation in collaboration with Red Cross Society of Nigeria in major markets in Ibadan Metropolis as well as development and dissemination of cholera messages to the public and market places.

She hinted further that the Ministry has activities lined up to prevent the outbreak and spread of cholera in the State.

These activities include continuous sensitization of the populace through the media and physical meetings with private medical practitioners on the enhancement of surveillance of cholera cases.

Also,advocacy visits to the market and religious leaders in the State, capacity building of health workers on the preventive measures of cholera and other infectious diseases, sensitization campaigns in all major markets and motor parks across all the LGAs by the LGA Health Promotion Officers, printing and distribution of IEC materials and distribution of water treatment materials to major markets in the State for treatment of their water sources.

Dr. Oluwaserimi therefore, urged the people of Oyo State to be vigilant during this rainy period and take responsibility for maintaining proper hygiene.