The Abia State Government is actively taking steps to prevent cholera outbreaks, according to Dr Kalu Kalu, Executive Secretary of the Abia State Primary Healthcare Development Agency (ASPHDA). In an interview in Umuahia on Wednesday, Dr Kalu highlighted the agency’s focus on promoting public hygiene and improving environmental sanitation throughout the state.
Dr Kalu emphasised that collaborating with key stakeholders is crucial in intensifying efforts to prevent cholera outbreaks in Abia State. He explained that cholera, transmitted through contaminated water or food contaminated with infected faeces, is a fecal-oral disease.
Highlighting the waterborne nature of cholera, the ASPHDA official urged residents to only consume water from safe sources. He also cautioned food vendors against selling contaminated food to the public.
He said, “I can tell you that as a state, we are on top of the situation, our target is not to record any single case of cholera. This is the reason we have kick-started a robust sensitisation campaign. Our health workers are taking advantage of every opportunity to educate people on how to prevent the disease. Our jingles are already running, fliers and posters are out. Health talks are ongoing at health facilities across the state. We shall use town announcers to reach out to the hinterlands. We must imbibe the habit of personal hygiene, we must avoid eating foods that are not well-washed.’’