Medical doctors with the Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH) have called for increased hygiene awareness to stall the increasing cases of Cholera in Nigeria.
Dr. Oladipipo Opemipo and Dr. Prela Akangbou on a Channels Television’s programme, ‘Rubbin’ Minds’ said that the increasing number of deaths as a result of the epidemic was due to poor enlightenment and awareness.
“Ignorance and poor hygiene are the major causes of the spread in the northern part of the country. The low socio-economic class people tend to pay less attention to the need for them to wash their hands and ensure proper hygiene.
“If one person gets infected, others get it,” Dr. Opemipo explained.
Dr. Akangbou pointed out that as much as the government was trying to make sure the epidemic did not recur, the people should play their own role to make sure they are protected.
“It has been recurring and this tells you that there is low sanitary practice in some states.
“How many people adhere to simple healthy cooking practices?” He asked.
He, however, said that the provision of good drinking water and better sanitary facilities by the government would go a long way in curbing Cholera.
For over two weeks, cases of Cholera outbreak have been reported in different states in Nigeria, with Lagos, one of Nigeria’s most populous states, recording at least 13 cases.
At least 50 deaths have been recorded in Zamfara in north central.