The Lagos State government has activated its Public Health Emergency Operations Centre at Mainland Hospital, Yaba, following the outbreak of Cholera in the state.
This is coming after the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNCF) appealed to the Lagos State Government to promptly provide high-standard water and sanitation facilities to the communities in the state in order to curb the outbreak.
According a statement released in the wee hours of Sunday, on the government’s website, PHEOC was gathered to address the increasing number of severe gastroenteritis cases across the several local government areas in Lagos.
The statement also revealed that the state Commissioner for Health, Prof. Akin Abayomi, was taking steps to control the outbreak in Lagos.
Recall that the state Ministry of Health, had on Saturday, confirmed 350 suspected cases of cholera in 29 wards across the many LGAs in the Lagos. Already, there are 17 confirmed cases and 15 deaths.
The PUNCH reports that thethe state government must strengthen its healthcare systems and make them capable of responding to the demand in times of outbreaks.
What They’re Saying
The Chief of UNICEF, Lagos Field Office, Celine Lafoucrier, had on Saturday, clamoured for the fatality reports of the cholera outbreak to be reduced.
He had said:
“Addressing the challenges of cholera outbreaks requires a deliberate focus of state policies to provide high-standard water and sanitation facilities, as well as strengthened healthcare systems capable of responding to the demand in times of outbreaks, and state-led educational campaigns on cholera prevention to protect children and the population at large.“To alleviate cholera outbreaks, a comprehensive approach is essential. Sustainable WASH infrastructure and strengthened health systems capable of anticipating epidemics as well as, effective community engagement strategies are crucial to halt transmission.”
Why It Matters
The activation of Lagos’ Public Health Emergency Operations Centre is a critical step in fighting the cholera outbreak that has already claimed a lot of lives. It also signifies a proactive approach to public health crises, ensuring rapid response and containment.
