We have put structure in place to combat cholera outbreak in Ondo
Ondo Health Commissioner
As Cholera outbreak ravages two states in the south west, Nigeria, Ondo State commissioner for Health Dr Banji Awolowo Ajaka has said the state has activated its surveillance for immediate response to any case of cholera in the state
Speaking to Journalists in his office , Dr Ajaka noted that there were two cases in Okitipupa Local government Areas in the state sometimes during the beginning of the year and it was curtailed by the Rapid Response team of the state
Ajaka averred that the state has strengthened the Rapid Response Team which includes PHC coordinators , lab focal persons, Disease Survellance officers in the 3 senatorial districts of the state through the COPREP program
In his words “the surveillance team was also strengthened by the COPREP program with community informants / contact tracers trained and placed on stipends for 8 months , they however would be deployed for active case search in preparation for cholera outbreak”
Ajaka explained that an emergency preparedness committee would be put place to work on issues such as provision of portable water, sanitation, strengthening of the health institutions and other relevant sectors which would be a collaborative effort between all the Agencies in the health sector and other MDAs such as Ministries of Environment, Agriculture, information, Water Resources and Waste management Agency
The commissioner also mentioned that an incident management system would be set up through the EOC which would facilitate case detection,isolation and treatment of cases including complications
He promised that the government would play it’s part by sensitizing and creating awareness in the mass media and also through community engagement.
He appealed to citizens of ondo state to maintain a high level of personal and food hygiene and report promptly to the hospital in case of diarrhoea and vomiting
Cholera is a bacterial infection that can cause severe diarrhea and dehydration. The symptoms of cholera can include Diarrhea, Vomiting and Dehydration amongst others
Bisi Lawani
Ministry of Health
