By Omrigbe Esther Iyiowo
The World Health Organisation (WHO) has stepped in to assist Lagos State in managing a cholera outbreak at Kirikiri prison, providing much-needed medical supplies.
Lagos State government officials, led by Health Commissioner Prof. Akin Abayomi, have been working closely with WHO to address the crisis. The outbreak has been primarily contained within Kirikiri medium prison, Lagos.
The outbreak was reported two weeks ago, with ongoing intervention efforts and daily updates on the situation. The cholera outbreak has been attributed to contaminated street beverages and water supplies, which have tested positive for Vibrio cholera.
The state has implemented urgent medical and environmental interventions, including providing intravenous fluids and other health consumables to the prison.
While the WHO has donated 10,000 doses of pharmaceuticals to support the prison’s health facilities, aimed at preventing further infections among the 3,200 inmates.
The state government is cracking down on unregulated street beverage production. Samples collected revealed that many lacked NAFDAC accreditation, indicating they were produced in informal, backyard settings. Efforts are underway to identify and shut down these operations.
The government has ramped up environmental health measures, in collaboration with the Lagos Water Corporation and sanitation agencies, including the inspection and disinfection of boreholes, provision of safe drinking water, and stricter regulations on local beverage manufacturers.
Although, the number of new daily cholera cases has decreased, some low-grade community transmission persists. The government continues to promote adherence to public health guidelines, urging residents to maintain good hygiene and seek immediate medical attention if symptoms arise.
The interventions are showing positive results, with a reduction in new cases and no new cholera-related deaths reported in the past 72 hours. The state remains vigilant and committed to eradicating cholera transmission entirely.