Cholera: Direct health ministry to conduct statewide vaccination campaigns, Kwara assembly tells Gov AbdulRazaq
The Kwara State House of Assembly has urged the state governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, to direct the Ministry of Health to conduct statewide cholera vaccination campaigns.
This resolution follows a motion moved by the House Leader, Hon. Magaji Oba Abdulkadir (Ilorin Central), and seconded by Hon. Abolarin Ganiyu Gabriel (Ekiti).
Hon. Abdulkadir led the debate, invoking Order VII Rule 40 of the House Rules to discuss the public health importance of averting a cholera outbreak in the state.
He pointed out that cholera, caused by the Vibrio bacterium, spreads rapidly through contaminated water and food, posing a serious threat to public health, adding that recent reports from across Nigeria have shown a worrying increase in cholera cases and fatalities, indicating an imminent danger to the citizens of Kwara State.
He emphasised the need for access to clean drinking water, proper sanitation facilities, and hygiene education to prevent the spread of cholera.
Citing data from the National Center for Disease Control’s (NCDC) monthly Epidemiological Report 10, he noted that, as of July 7, 2024, there were 2,800 suspected cholera cases reported in 33 states, with 82 deaths, and Lagos State alone accounting for 56% of suspected cases.
He pointed out that, while no cholera cases have been reported in Kwara State, the disease has been found in neighboring states of Oyo, Niger, Osun, and Kogi.
He called for proactive measures, such as vaccination campaigns, community awareness programs, and enhanced surveillance, to mitigate the risk of an outbreak in Kwara.
The house, in its resolution, commended the governor for his efforts in providing clean and safe drinking water and funding water and sanitation programs.
They further urged him to direct the Ministries of Health and Environment to enhance sanitation infrastructure, ensure proper waste management, and collaborate on comprehensive hygiene promotion campaigns in all languages to educate communities on the importance of handwashing and safe food handling practices to prevent cholera and other diseases.
