Following the outbreak of cholera in Lagos, the state government has activated its Public Health Emergency Operations Centre (PHEOC) at Mainland Hospital, Yaba, to address the increasing number of severe gastroenteritis cases across multiple local government areas.
According to the state Commissioner for Health, Prof. Akin Abayomi, the laboratory investigation and test results have confirmed Cholera sub-type O-1, which is associated with more severe disease. As of Saturday, the state Ministry of Health has confirmed 350 suspected cases of cholera in 29 wards across multiple LGAs, with 17 confirmed cases and 15 deaths.
The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has urged the Lagos State Government to provide high-standard water and sanitation facilities to communities to curb the disease. The organization’s Chief of Lagos Field Office, Celine Lafoucrier, emphasized the need for strengthened healthcare systems capable of responding to the demand during outbreaks.
Lafoucrier stressed that addressing cholera outbreaks requires a deliberate focus on state policies to provide high-standard water and sanitation facilities, strengthened healthcare systems, and state-led educational campaigns on cholera prevention. A comprehensive approach, including sustainable WASH infrastructure, strengthened health systems, and effective community engagement strategies, is essential to halt transmission.
The state government’s activation of the PHEOC and UNICEF’s call for urgent action aim to contain the outbreak and prevent further spread of the disease. Residents are advised to adhere strictly to precautionary, personal, and environmental hygiene measures to prevent the spread of cholera.