Cholera: Nigeria must prevent spread in schools—UNICEF

Following the outbreak of cholera in Lagos and some states, the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has called for extensive measures to protect school children.

The UN organisation, in a statement, also called for concerted efforts to prevent disruption in the academic calendar over the spread of the disease.

Celine Lafoucrier, the chief of UNICEF Lagos Field Office, who made the call, said the cholera outbreaks critically affected children and the young population.

According to Lafoucriere, these vulnerable groups face substantial health risks particularly children and young adults attending schools.

She noted that children were prone to severe dehydration and a high mortality rate.

“There is, therefore, an urgent need for good sanitation, hygiene practices, improved access to clean water, regular handwashing with soap and clean water to combat the outbreak in schools,” she said.

Lafoucrier, however, solicited adequate awareness across the country to sensitise the populace on the cholera outbreak and preventive measures as part of efforts to address the issue.