The Lagos state government, in collaboration with the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), has intensified efforts to fight cholera through a comprehensive advocacy and sensitisation campaign in Badagry.

Tunbosun Ogunbanwo, director, public affairs at the Lagos state ministry of health, stated this in a statement on Sunday in Lagos.

According to Mr Ogunbanwo, the campaign will involve visits to local councils, markets, correctional centres, and meetings with community leaders, aimed at raising awareness and promoting preventive measures against the disease.

Also, Olusegun Badejo, state health educator, reiterated the government’s commitment to strengthening collaborative advocacy with UNICEF to curb the spread of cholera.

According to him, the Risk Communication and Community Engagement (RCCE) team from the state ministry of health, Lagos Primary Health Care Board, and other local health authorities are to sensitise people about the cholera outbreak in the state.

“We aim to ensure that everyone takes precautionary measures to stay safe and be protected.

We are committed to providing clear guidance and fostering community engagement to mitigate cholera spread,” Mr Badejo said.

Also, Adesola Honfor, director, health education and promotion services at the state Primary Health Care Board, highlighted the importance of training community mobilisers to keep residents informed.

“Our goal is to protect the health and dignity of our people through effective risk communication and community involvement,” she said.

Ms Honfor praised the efforts of local mobilisers and town announcers, saying, “Their support has been invaluable in spreading key messages and ensuring community engagement.”

Similarly, Aderonke Akinola-Akinwole, UNICEF’s social and behaviour change Specialist, commended the state’s proactive efforts toward the outbreak.

“Communities are crucial in stopping the spread of cholera, but they must be actively engaged to take preventive measures.

“We have seen a well-informed community in Badagry; thanks to the local government’s ongoing sensitisation efforts,” she said.

Ms Akinola-Akinwole added that UNICEF’s collaboration with the state government aimed to ensure that all communities were equipped to respond to and prevent the spread of cholera.

“Together, we can overcome the challenges posed by cholera and ensure a healthier future for our communities,” she said.

Also, Olusegun Adeniran, chairman of Badagry LGA, expressed gratitude for the state’s involvement.

He outlined some of the local measures to combat cholera, including public enlightenment campaigns and environmental sanitation.

Mr Adeniran, however, highlighted challenges of insufficient waste disposal operators and lack of potable water, while calling for state intervention.

“We appreciate the state’s interest in our local affairs and we look forward to effective solutions to our challenges,” Mr Adeniran said.

Dr Olatunde Bakare, medical director, General Hospital, Badagry, had disclosed that two persons died from cholera outbreak in Badagry.

He said that five people were hospitalised, adding that the patients were brought to the hospital by officials of the Correctional Centre in the town.

(NAN)