The Rivers State Government has raised concerns about a suspected cholera outbreak in Ngo community, located in Andoni Local Government Area.
In a voice note sent to newsmen in Port Harcourt on Saturday, the state Commissioner for Health, Dr Adaeze Oreh, emphasized the importance of residents seeking medical attention at primary healthcare facilities if they experience any health issues.
”This advisory comes in response to recent nationwide reports of cholera outbreaks in various states across Nigeria,” she stated.
She continued, “In the past couple of days, there have been nationwide reports about cholera outbreaks across some of the states in Nigeria.
“I would therefore like to share a brief update to the public on the status in Rivers State.”
She revealed that the Rivers State Public Health Emergency Operation Centre received notification on June 9, 2024, of suspected cholera cases in Ngo, Andoni Local Government Area.
“The state rapid response team mobilized to support the local government area rapid response team to ascertain that diagnosis, manage and contain the incident.
“Suspected cases were managed at the General Hospital, Ngo, and the team interacted with the doctors who were available at the time of the visit,” Dr Oreh explained.
She added that the cholera case management protocol was reviewed for a common understanding and that the Rivers State Ministry of Health provided the facility with medical supplies, educational materials, and infection prevention and control commodities.
Dr. Oreh reassured the public, stating, “I wish to therefore emphasize here that there are currently no active cases that have been reported in Rivers State.”
She advised residents to boil their water before drinking to prevent cholera and encouraged the public to report suspected cases for necessary follow-ups through dedicated telephone lines available in the public domain.
Meanwhile, Dr. Salma Ibrahim Anas, the Special Adviser to the President on Health, has unveiled a comprehensive health policy approach to ensure service delivery in Nigeria.
During a media briefing on President Bola Tinubu‘s “Renewed Hope” agenda for health, Dr. Anas emphasized the Federal Government’s role in shaping health policies, coordinating efforts, and harmonizing practices to achieve a unified national health agenda.
Dr Anas pointed out that the impact of the efforts is already visible in various states, with improved health indicators due to better resource allocation and strategic direction from the Federal Government.