Ayade steps up anti Cholera sensitisation in high risk communities in Cross River State

0
220
Reading Time: 2 minutes

Charles Ekanem|28 September 2016 
Following the recent Cholera outbreak in some states in the country which has claimed many lives, the pro-health proactive Governor of Cross River state has provided for increased sensitisation campaigns in all high risk communities in Cross River State NegroidHaven has learnt.
Cross River State Primary Healthcare Development Agency (CRSPHCDA) last week intensified its response effort to prevent any outbreak of cholera in Cross River by embarking on a sensitisation visit to several communities in the southern senatorial district one of which was the Hausa Communities in Calabar.
Prior to this response, CRSPHCDA had partnered with Clinton Health Access Initiative (CHAI) to preposition Diarrheal Disease Management Kits across the state for immediate response to diarrhea and cholera outbreaks, as well as train health workers including doctors, nurses, laboratory technicians, pharmacists and community health extension workers on cholera case management, and infection prevention and control.
Speaking, Dr Betta Edu told the Muslim women in Hausa that the disease can be contained if they practice good environmental and personal hygiene habits in the communities by keeping a clean environment, washing hands before eating and after visiting the toilet.
She advised them not to drink water from sources they were not sure of. "if you are not sure of the source of water you should boil it, clean your surroundings and cover your toilets," the DG noted
Finally she said some early symptoms of Cholera are Diarrhea, nausea, vomiting and dehydration which occur especially in the early stages of cholera. Severe dehydration can lead to death as such affected persons should make use of the nearest health facility.
She disclosed that the government had scaled up activities to prevent the disease outbreak through embarking on sensitization activities across the State. Calling on everyone to push this message in churches and mosques. As well as in our villages.
She taught the women an children anti- cholera songs in Hausa and helped them do a thorough sanitation, which she advised must be done on a routine basis.
Excited communities had several testimonies. Hajia Amina of Hausa community had this to say "Dr Betta is part of our communities, the children know her, everyone knows her here. Whenever we see her we are happy because she has come to teach us something new to save the lives of our mothers and children. We just love her". 
Charles Ekanem
Is a Health Reporter