To help stop the spread of cholera, the Environmental Health Council of Nigeria (ECHON) has warned Nigerians to avoid eating at uncertified restaurants and food vendors. This call was made during a press briefing in Abuja by the Registrar of ECHON, Yakubu Mohammed Baba.
Baba revealed that about 80% of the food and water samples collected by environmental practitioners tested positive for contamination. He emphasized the need for food vendors to undergo mandatory health screenings to ensure they are fit to handle food.
Baba also urged environmental health authorities to set up and maintain isolation centers and disinfection points across various zones. He stated, “We are quite aware that the Council that regulates environmental health is a key stakeholder in providing pharmaceutical intervention towards cholera outbreak… Let us also avoid eating from places that are not certified by environmental health practitioners across the country.”
He added that all food establishments must be certified by local government health authorities to ensure they meet safety standards. The Council is ready to enforce these regulations to protect public health.
Additionally, Baba stressed the importance of isolation centers and continuous disinfection in health facilities. He encouraged healthcare providers to use protective equipment and follow strict disinfection procedures to prevent the spread of the disease. “We don’t want to lose any of our health personnel because of negligence,” Baba said.
Highlighting the need for improved hygiene, Baba mentioned that the State Minister of Environment had presented a memo to the Federal Executive Council to strengthen environmental health surveillance in the 31 states of the Federation. The initiative includes the activation of the Environmental Health Emergency Volunteer Corps to handle environmental health emergencies. Baba noted that over 200 water and food samples have been collected so far, with more than 80% testing positive for contamination.
“Our men in the field are creating awareness and ensuring that water sources in reported infected communities are being chlorinated. This is to ensure that people have safe water to drink,” he said. Baba concluded by urging Nigerians to adopt environmental strategies to contain the outbreak. “Let’s embark on massive hygiene measures in our homes, in our schools, and in all public spaces,” he added.