Dr. Jide Idris, Director General of the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC), has warned that a state of emergency may be declared for cholera if cases rise beyond a controllable level. Speaking at the Adetokunbo Alakija Memorial Travel Medicine Lecture organized by the Nigerian Society of Travel Medicine (NSTM) in Victoria Island, Idris emphasized the urgency of the situation, pending reports from ongoing investigations.
Dr. Idris highlighted that cholera outbreaks are often due to inadequate access to clean water, poor sanitation, and lack of personal hygiene. He stressed the government's responsibility to provide clean water and sanitary facilities, especially in impoverished areas where these diseases are prevalent. "Health is everybody’s business," he stated, advocating for a change in behavior and preventive measures as more cost-effective solutions than treatment.
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Tope Adeniyi, Managing Director of Axa Mansard Health Limited, urged traveling citizens to invest in health insurance for emergency protection and emphasized the importance of preventive care, including proper nutrition and lifestyle choices. Dr. Nkechi Ilodibia, President of NSTM, added that the event aimed to honor Alakija's legacy while promoting global awareness of travel medicine in Nigeria.
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