As schools reopen after the mid-term break and Sallah holiday on Wednesday, concerns are rising about the risk of cholera spreading among students.
Cholera is a disease caused by eating food or drinking water contaminated with the vibrio cholera bacteria.
Health experts warn that the disease, which has recently broken out across the country, could spread quickly in schools if preventive measures are not taken.
Celine Lafoucrier, Chief of UNICEF’s Lagos Field Office, has called for strong measures to protect children. She emphasized the need to prevent disruption in education due to the spread of cholera.
The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) recently alerted the public about the increasing cholera cases as the rainy season continues.
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From January 1 to June 11, 2024, there have been over 1,141 suspected and 65 confirmed cases, leading to more than 30 deaths in 96 local government areas across 30 states.
The NCDC highlighted that 10 states, including Bayelsa, Zamfara, Abia, Cross River, Bauchi, Delta, Katsina, Imo, Nasarawa, and Lagos, account for 90% of the current cholera cases.
Lafoucrier explained that children, especially those under five, are at high risk. Severe dehydration and higher mortality rates are major concerns.
Post-recovery issues can include malnutrition, stunted growth, and weakened immune systems, making children more vulnerable to other diseases. She stressed the urgent need for clean water and sanitation.
“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,” said Lafoucrier.
She also pointed out that cholera outbreaks can disrupt education, as illness and caring for sick family members can lead to school closures and poor attendance.
She urged state policies to focus on providing high-standard water and sanitation facilities, improving healthcare systems, and educating the public about cholera prevention to protect children and the broader population.
Beyond Boders further reports that Professor Kayode Osagbemi, a public health expert at the University of Ilorin, stated that cholera could spread in schools if preventive steps are not taken.
He noted that sharing items among students can lead to infections, especially in boarding schools where water and food contamination can occur.
Professor Osagbemi recommended that students bring their own water bottles and that schools provide hand-washing facilities.
He advised students to wash their hands and bathe before eating when they return home. He also suggested avoiding sharing items in schools during the outbreak.
To prevent the spread of cholera, clean food, water, and proper hand hygiene are crucial for students.
