By Joke Kujenya
URGENT AND extensive public awareness campaign to curb the spread of cholera have been called for by Lagos State legislators.
Already, cholera has claimed 29 lives across several local governments as they psyche all relevant government offices to launch a widespread public awareness campaign to educate residents on effective methods to prevent the spread of cholera in the state.
During Tuesday’s session, the legislators made the call to action which also included appeals for the enforcement of specific health laws to tackle the escalating crisis.
The Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa, stressed the necessity of a thorough investigation into the origins of the outbreak.
Obasa noted that understanding the source of the bacterial disease is crucial for the government to develop effective strategies to address the situation as he also urged that public sensitization efforts be conducted in all languages spoken within the state to ensure comprehensive outreach.
Hon. Lawal Aina Musbau, Chair of the Health Committee, highlighted the immediate need for the government to deploy resources and personnel to combat the cholera outbreak.
In his motion, Musbau stressed the importance of educating residents on basic hygiene practices and ensuring sanitation officers perform their duties diligently.
In addition, lawmakers Hon. Sa’ad Olumoh and Gbolahan Yishawu emphasized the critical role of providing access to safe drinking water as they argued that ensuring clean water supply is a fundamental step in preventing both the spread and recurrence of cholera in Lagos.
In general, the Assembly’s discussions reflected a multifaceted approach to managing the health emergency to comprise focusing on public education, infrastructure maintenance, and legislative enforcement.
They also hinged on the urgency of the measures proposed which, they said, highlights the Assembly’s commitment to protecting public health and preventing further fatalities, according to a release signed by Eromosele Ebhomele, Chief Press Secretary to the Speaker.
