By Correspondent in Minna.
No fewer people 100 persons have so far died as a result of the outbreak of cholera across the 25 Local Government Areas of Niger state from April to date, according to the Commissioner for Health and Hospital Services, Dr. Mohammed Makun-Sidi.
The Commissioner,who made the disclosure this in an interview in Minna on the sideline the training workshop for journalists sponsored by Pathfinder International, identified open defeacation as the main source of the infection.
The Commissioner,who called on the people to have a change of attitude on issues bordering on personal hygiene, especially rural dwellers, lamented the destructive effects of open defeacation and poor waste disposal habits.
He said unless wholistic approach by relevant stakeholders is adopted in tackling the menace, with emphasis placed on the on the people adopting preventive measures to avoid further loss of lives, the annual menace of cholera would unabated.
MakunSidi advised infected persons to quickly seek for medical attention from public health facilities in their communities once they notice diarrhea or frequent stooling and vomiting.
While applauding Pathfinder International for the training which dwelt more on issues of Family Planning and Child Spacing programmes, Makunsidi said the feat was key to achieving Universal Health Coverage as well provide technical support to the state.
The Commisioner enumerated some of the challenges of Family Planning (FP) to include; running out of commodities, inadequate funds and insecurity affecting about 8 Local Governent Areas of the state.
He called for intensified training or enlightenment of stakeholders and embrazing of best hygiene practices, especially anong rural dwellers, to curb the disease to the barest minimum in the state.
