FG deploying contingency resources for cholera outbreak, says Ali Pate

According to Muhammad Pate, the coordinating minister of health and social welfare, the federal government has taken action to control the spread of cholera in the nation by mobilizing resources.

During his appearance on The Morning Brief show on Channels Television last Wednesday, Pate mentioned the creation of a technical working group by the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) to assist states in curbing disease transmission.

He noted that preparations for the seasonal outbreak had been made several months ago and that the president had sanctioned contingency funding for the NCDC, which has been utilized alongside technical funding.

In addition to the national government’s contributions, individual states must also contribute their own funds. The impact of the outbreak is widespread, with 31 states and 107 local governments affected by cholera.

To date, approximately 1,500 cases of cholera have been reported in the country. The health minister has reassured the public that efforts are underway to control the outbreak.

Addressing the issue of open defecation is crucial to prevent the contamination of food and water with feces, which is essential for combating the global cholera outbreak.

Cholera, a significant public health crisis, spreads through contaminated food and water due to inadequate sanitation, developmental obstacles, and infrastructure deficiencies.

The prevalence of open defecation in various regions is exacerbating the outbreak. Pate emphasized the need for a collaborative, multi-sectoral strategy to curb infectious diseases in the country.

He emphasized the importance of all stakeholders taking proactive measures to reduce the prevalence of various infectious diseases, not just cholera.

By enhancing physical infrastructure, urban development, and supporting utilities, we can expect to witness improved public health outcomes in the future.