Cholera Outbreak:Oyo Attributes Preparedness and Environmental Policies for Zero Cases

Health/Wellness

Cholera Outbreak:Oyo Attributes Preparedness and Environmental Policies for Zero Cases

Reported by Ayooluwa Afolabi

The Oyo state government has attributed the zero case of cholera outbreak in the state to its preparedness in tackling unforeseen epidemic circumstances, and its recent environmental reformations and policies.

The state deputy governor, Bayo Lawal, explained how the state improved its environmental sanitation drive, thereby resulting in a cleaner environment throughout the state.

According to the NATION, He spoke during the commemoration of the 2024 National Environmental Sanitation Day, with the theme: “Environmental Sanitation in the Era of Climate Change”.

The National Environmental Sanitation Day is held every June 28th annually to drive awareness on the need to imbibe personal and environmental hygiene among Nigerians. However, Oyo State commemorated the day on Tuesday, July 9, 2024.

Lawal said the fear that cholera is contagious and that it has spread to neighboring states, led to the success recorded in putting all medical personnel on red alert and making sure all suspected cases are speedily attended to.

He noted that the state government has over the years embarked on several positive and monumental environmental policies, which has improved on safer environment against the impact of climate change across the nooks and crannies of the state.

He reiterated that the administration policies on zero tolerance against filth and indiscriminate refuse dumping, clearing, and expansion of river channels across all the geopolitical zones are great factors.

Lawal appealed for attitudinal change among residents, urging them to prioritize healthy living against any form of communicable disease, most especially, cholera.

He charged the public, to henceforth dissuade from dumping refuse in drainages, rivers, road medians, and unauthorized places, promising to consolidate on the gains so far achieved.

The deputy governor, who spoke on behalf of the governor pledged to give the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources, all necessary support to achieve its mandate.

He said everyone should rise to the challenges of climate change which has not spared any part of the world, calling on residents along river banks in the state to be extremely vigilant.