The National Committee on Diseases and Pandemic Awareness of the Nigerian Medical Association has urged all levels of government to take action to stop the potential emergence of epidemics in the wake of the nation’s disastrous flooding.
The NMA National Committee on Epidemics and Pandemic Awareness called on governments to provide potable water to the affected communities in a statement made available to journalists on Monday by the Chairman, Dr. Abubakar Hassan, and the Secretary, Dr. Enejo Joseph, in Lokoja. The bodies of water in these areas were severely polluted and unfit for consumption.
The Federal Government’s announcement to provide water purifiers is a positive move, and it should be implemented in all the impacted communities, the statement claims.
The NMA recommends that bed nets that have been treated with insecticides be made available in habitable settlements.
They urged the government to continue and perhaps expand the current immunization programs. It’s also important to step up awareness campaigns for practices like hand washing, proper utensil washing, and environmental sanitation.
They said although the government is making attempts to provide potable water, sufferers should be encouraged to boil their water if necessary and allow it to cool before drinking.
They added that adequate safeguards must be put in place immediately to prevent epidemics. The price of prevention is much lower than the price of controlling any epidemic outbreak.
