***Reaffirms commitment to ensuring cholera-free environment
By Friday Idachaba, Lokoja.
KOGI State Government has unveiled comprehensive infection prevention tools and reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring a cholera-free environment across the state.
Dr Abdulazeez Adams Adeiza, Commissioner for Health, who disclosed this in a statement on Tuesday said the State Government had taken decisive actions in response to the recent outbreak of the disease in the country.
Commissioner Adeiza described Kogi as being fortunate to have minimal impact from the current cholera outbreak, as not more than two confirmed cases have been identified in Lokoja and Omala LGAs.
He noted that fortunately, no fatality has been recorded adding that one of the cases was treated and discharged while the other is currently undergoing treatment.
As part of measures to keep the disease at bay, the Commissioner said that the Ministry of Health had implemented stringent surveillance protocols.
He said that the Ministry had also provided extensive training to healthcare professionals, and conducted widespread awareness campaigns to combat the spread of the disease.
Adeiza emphasized the state’s combat readiness, saying, “We have equipped our healthcare workers with the necessary training and resources to ensure a swift and effective response to any potential outbreak.”
The Commissioner stressed the importance of community involvement, as he revealed that government was collaborating closely with community leaders, religious figures, and traditional rulers to educate the public on preventive measures against cholera.
“Citizens are encouraged to uphold good hygiene practices, such as regular handwashing and consumption of clean water”, he said.
In addition, he disclosed that a dedicated cholera response team has been constituted, comprising healthcare workers, surveillance officers, and laboratory technicians.
The team, according to him, is saddled with investigating reported cases, collecting samples, and administering appropriate treatment in established cases. (Ends)