By George George Idowu
The Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation (FMWRS) has launched a comprehensive water quality analysis across the country
This was disclosed a statement released by the ministry and signed by the permanent secretary, Alhaji Shehu Aliyu Shinkafi on Thursday.
The statement further stated that to combat the outbreak, the Ministry has mobilized teams from the National Water Quality Reference Laboratories in Lagos, Enugu, and Sokoto.
These teams are tasked with collecting water samples in the affected areas to identify the presence of Vibrio cholera.
The outbreak underscores the urgency of addressing waterborne diseases, particularly cholera, which is caused by the bacterium Vibrio cholera and spreads through contaminated water and food.
Cholera, characterized by symptoms such as vomiting, severe dehydration, and diarrhea (notably rice water stools), can be fatal if not promptly treated. The Ministry expresses its condolences to the families affected by this tragic situation.
In addition, the Ministry’s WASH in Emergency Technical Working Group (WiETWG) is coordinating with state-level Technical Working Groups and the Rural Water Supply and sanitation agencies (RUWASSAs) to implement a unified response.
This collaboration builds on prior training provided to state groups on cholera preparedness, prevention, and response, including hygiene promotion and water safety planning.
States impacted by the outbreak have intensified community sensitization efforts to reduce cholera cases. These initiatives also support the campaign against open defecation, a critical factor in cholera transmission.
The ministry urges the public to take precautionary measures to protect themselves and their families such as Boiling or treat drinking water before consumption, wash hands with soap under clean, running water regularly, especially before meals and after using the toilet, clean fruits and vegetables with safe water and salt before eating and seek immediate medical attention if experiencing cholera symptoms.