..urges residents to maintain high level of hygiene, promptly report of suspected symptoms

As cholera outbreaks affect two states in southwestern Nigeria, Ondo State Health Commissioner Dr. Banji Awolowo Ajaka announced that the state has activated its surveillance system for an immediate response to any cholera cases.

Speaking to journalists, Dr. Ajaka noted that two cases were reported in Okitipupa Local Government Area earlier this year. These cases were swiftly managed by the state’s Rapid Response Team.

Dr. Ajaka highlighted that the state has reinforced its Rapid Response Team, which includes PHC coordinators, lab focal persons, and Disease Surveillance Officers in the state’s three senatorial districts through the COPREP program.

“The surveillance team has been strengthened by the COPREP program, which trained and placed community informants and contact tracers on stipends for eight months. They will be deployed for active case searches in preparation for a cholera outbreak,” he said.

Dr. Ajaka also explained that an emergency preparedness committee will be established to address issues such as the provision of potable water, sanitation, and the strengthening of health institutions. This effort will involve collaboration among various health agencies and other ministries, including Environment, Agriculture, Information, Water Resources, and the Waste Management Agency.

Additionally, the commissioner mentioned that an incident management system would be set up through the Emergency Operations Center (EOC) to facilitate case detection, isolation, and treatment of cholera cases, including complications.

Dr. Ajaka assured that the government would play its part by raising awareness through mass media and community engagement.

He therefore appealed to residents of Ondo state to maintain a high level of personal and food hygiene and report promptly to the hospital in case of diarrhoea and vomiting