Following Lagos State government’s confirmation of 17 cholera cases out of 350 suspected cases across 29 wards in the state. The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has raised concerns about the recurrent cholera outbreaks in Nigeria, highlighting their critical impact on children and the broader population.
In a statement issued over the weekend, Celine Lafoucrier, Chief of the Lagos UNICEF Field Office, responded to the cholera outbreaks in Lagos and other parts of the country.
She emphasized the substantial health risks faced by children, particularly those under the age of five, who are more susceptible to severe dehydration and higher mortality rates.
Lafoucrier urged governments at all levels to prioritize the provision of clean and safe water to prevent the spread of cholera.
She noted that, despite efforts by the Lagos State government to provide water, the current outbreak underscores the urgent need for ensuring that the water supply is both clean and safe.
“Addressing the challenges of cholera outbreaks requires deliberate state policies,” she said. “This includes the provision of high-standard water and sanitation facilities and strengthened healthcare systems capable of responding to outbreaks. There should be campaigns on cholera prevention to protect children and the population at large.”
Lafoucrier highlighted the critical role of good water and sanitation infrastructure in reducing disease outbreaks like cholera, which causes an estimated 100,000 deaths annually.
She emphasized that Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) interventions are fundamental in preventing and responding to cholera epidemics. Key elements in this effort include safe water supplies, hygienic sanitation, and effective water management.
“Preventing cholera centers on good sanitation and hygiene practices,” Lafoucrier continued. “Key actions include proper disposal of feces, eliminating open defecation, and ensuring access to potable water. Regular hand washing with clean, running water and soap is vital. Additionally, avoiding the consumption of uncooked vegetables, unwashed fruits, raw or undercooked seafood, and food from street vendors is important to reduce the risk of cholera infection.”
She also noted that safer water could annually prevent 1.4 million child deaths from diarrhea, 500,000 deaths from malaria, and 860,000 child deaths from malnutrition, while protecting 10 million people from serious illnesses like lymphatic filariasis and trachoma.
Lafoucrier warned that disease outbreaks ultimately hinder Nigeria’s progress in achieving health-related Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 3, which focuses on ensuring healthy lives and well-being for all.
