TheCable

The federal government has asked states to develop emergency preparedness and response plans ahead of the rainy season to prevent probable cases of cholera.

Elizabeth Ugoh, director of water quality control and sanitation at the ministry of water resources, who spoke in Abuja on Tuesday, said states need to take charge of their challenges and prevent cholera outbreaks ahead of the rainy season.

Ugoh, represented by Ibiyemi Olu-Daniels, deputy director of water quality and sanitation, at the monthly meeting of the water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) emergency working group, said states should not depend only on the federal government and development partners in forestalling emergencies.

She raised concern over the surge in cholera cases in Cross River and Ebonyi, noting that only states in the north-east were making progress in developing emergency response and preparedness plans for cholera.

“WASH plays a crucial role in preventing the spread of diseases, reducing poverty, and improving the quality of life for all,” she said.

“However, WASH is still a significant challenge in many parts of Nigeria, particularly in emergency settings.”

The director said over 60 persons died from cholera in Cross River and Ebonyi states in February.

“I want to remind us all of the urgent need to prioritise WASH in emergency response. This is particularly crucial in the context of the ongoing cholera outbreak spree, which has highlighted the critical role of WASH in preventing the spread of infectious diseases,” she added.