In an effort to prevent cholera outbreak, the Osun State government has advised residents to avoid consuming unhygienic food.
The State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, made this call on Saturday during the commissioning of primary health centres and borehole water projects implemented by the state’s community and social development agency in the Odo-Oba community, Iwo area of the state.
Recall that in June, the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) announced that the country recorded 53 deaths and 1,528 suspected cases of cholera across 107 local government areas (LGAs) in 31 states.
The fatalities represent a case fatality rate of 3.5 per cent since the beginning of 2024.
Mr Adeleke urged residents to maintain environmental hygiene, wash their hands with soap and water and thoroughly wash vegetables and fruits before consumption.
His words: “Before I end my address, I want to remind all and sundry that the Cholera outbreak is still in the country; therefore, let us ensure that we maintain personal and environmental hygiene. Wash your hands regularly with soaps and water, and wash thoroughly your fruits and vegetables before eating or cooking to put cholera away.”
The governor also implored the residents to visit health centres for medical attention immediately if they feel distress in their bodies.
“Go quickly to the available hospital or health centre whenever you feel any discomfort in your body. A ko ni se aisan o,” he added.
His administration, Mr Adeleke stressed, would prioritise the healthcare system of the state.
“Factors such as clean and drinkable water, health care services, safe communities and good roads have been found to contribute to good health, especially for women, infants and children. They all have an interplay on the health of the people.
“That is why this present administration is embarking on systematic interventions, taking practical steps and pragmatic approach in providing social infrastructural facilities that will make life more meaningful and impact the public health outcomes,” the governor added.
Mr Adeleke advised the residents to maintain the primary health centres and borehole water projects.
“I must especially appreciate the good work that Osun CSDA is doing in ensuring that the dividends of democracy reach the nooks and crannies of the state. I assure the agency of continuous support of the State Government.”
In her own remarks, the Managing Director of Osun CSDA, Aderonke Abokede, said about 31 micro projects were marked for funding in the Iwo area of the state.
Mrs Abokede said the projects were funded by the state’s social and development agency under the Osun CARES, a World Bank intervention programme.
She expressed appreciation to the governor for making the fund available to the agency and urged residents to maintain the facilities.
