The Lagos State government has received additional support from the World Health Organisation (WHO) as it addresses a cholera outbreak at Kirikiri prison. Commissioner for Health, Prof. Akin Abayomi, highlighted successful interventions, including the supply of intravenous fluids and infection prevention measures.
The WHO donated 10,000 doses of pharmaceuticals to aid the prison’s health facilities in preventing cholera among the 3,200 inmates. Immediate water and sanitation issues at Kirikiri have been resolved, with ongoing inspections at other correctional facilities in the state.
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Abayomi attributed the recent cholera outbreak to unregulated street beverages and contaminated water supplies. Samples collected by environmental officers confirmed the presence of Vibrio cholerae bacteria in these beverages, which lacked NAFDAC accreditation numbers. Efforts are underway to shut down unregulated production sites and apprehend those involved.
Significant improvements have been noted, with a decline in daily cholera cases and no new deaths reported in the past 72 hours. The state government continues to implement extensive sanitation measures and enforce stricter regulations on local beverage manufacturers to curb the spread of food and water-borne diseases. Public compliance with health guidelines remains crucial to these efforts.
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