Akwa Ibom mobilises resources to combat cholera outbreak

Akwa Ibom State Government has mobilised resources to curtail the Cholera outbreak reported in Emeroke Community of Eastern Obolo Local Government Area.

Accordingly, health officials have already visited Emmanuel Hospital, Eket where those affected have been receiving treatment as well to the Emeroke Community to ascertain the exact number of cases as a result of the disease.

Patrick Essiet, a Medical Doctor and Permanent Secretary, Ministry ofHealth, who confirmed the outbreak in a statement made available to the Media, said the State Epidemiologist had been sent to the Community to begin enlightenment campaign on ways to mitigate the outbreak.

“The Ministry of Health hereby advises members of the community and the environs that as an immediate intervention, proper hand washing should be done especially after defecation, that drinking water should be boiled before consumption and all persons with symptoms of diarrhoea or vomiting should seek immediate treatment at the nearest health facility.

“Furthermore, the Ministry reminds community leaders to enforce the existing ban on open defecation by the Government.

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“While the State Government is working on a long-term solution, the Ministry is currently mobilising supplies to the community as an immediate and short-term measure”, he said.

He however advised the public to report all suspected cases of Cholera to the director of public health, ministry of health.

Meanwhile, the Local Government Council has assured of its readiness to provide succor to the Community.

Samuel Nteogwuijah, Council Chairman, gave the assurance when he visited the Emereoke Communities, adding that a coordinated effort to combating the deadly disease that had infested the area was being made.

He said, “plans are underway to partner with the state government and relevant agencies to prevent further infestation of the area with the terminal disease”

Nteogwuijah urged the people not to panic but to maintain top-notch hygiene, eat cooked food, drink boiled water, and report suspected cases.

He noted that funds, materials, and human resources have been redeployed to the hospital while pledging a lasting solution to the challenge, lauding Governor Umo Eno for his swift and effective intervention in directing the Ministry of Health and relevant Agencies to provide urgent assistance to the affected communities and help rescue the situation.