The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), on Saturday called on Lagos State Government to provide sustainable water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) infrastructure to tackle the recent cholera outbreak in the state.
The Chief of UNICEF Lagos Field Office, Celine Lafoucrier made the call while speaking with journalists in the state.
Celine noted that the WASH infrastructure will prevent 1.4 million child deaths from diarrhea, 500,000 deaths from malaria, 860,000 child deaths from malnutrition, and protect 10 million people from serious illnesses such as lymphatic filariasis and trachoma.
She also outlined that the outbreaks make vulnerable groups experience substantial health risks and largely affect under-5 children who are vulnerable to severe dehydration and higher mortality rates.
Her words, “Despite the state government’s efforts to provide water to its population, the current outbreak demonstrates the need for an urgent government focus on ensuring the water provided to the population is clean and risk-free.
“Safer water could annually prevent 1.4 million child deaths from diarrhea, 500,000 deaths from malaria, and 860,000 child deaths from malnutrition, and protect 10 million people from serious illnesses like lymphatic filariasis and trachoma.
“Prevention is more cost-effective than cure; thus, communities should establish systems that promote key hygiene practices, transforming them into a cultural norm. Community-led surveillance can enforce sanitation practices, with empowered local monitors ensuring compliance.
“Ultimately, access to clean water and sanitation is critical in preventing outbreaks. Communities must take collective action to ensure clean water access and maintain good hygiene. Identifying and empowering positive role models within the community can encourage the widespread adoption of healthy practices.
“To alleviate cholera outbreaks, a comprehensive approach is essential. Sustainable WASH infrastructure and strengthened health systems capable of anticipating epidemics as well as, effective community engagement strategies are crucial to halt transmission.
“This includes enhancing water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) infrastructure, implementing rapid surveillance, promoting social mobilization, administering treatment, and utilizing oral cholera vaccines (OCV).
“Ultimately, preventing cholera centers on good sanitation and hygiene practices. Key actions include proper disposal of feces, eliminating open defecation, and ensuring access to potable water. Regular handwashing 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”.
