Cholera Outbreak: FG To Conduct Sanitary Inspections in Restaurants, Schools

As part of efforts to tackle the cholera outbreaks, Minister of Environment, Mohammad Abubakar, has disclosed that the federal government will deploy sanitary inspectors to restaurants and schools in the country.

According to the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), Nigeria has recorded over 800 deaths and more than 30,000 suspected cases of Cholera Between January 1 and August 1.

Speaking at a media briefing on Monday, Abubakar noted that there will be sensitization exercises across the country to enlighten citizens on how to prevent cholera and there will also be environmental health surveillance of hotspot communities.

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The Minister said “The ministry had requested the EHOs in the states and local governments across the country to intensify their efforts in carrying out a sanitary inspection of premises,”

Also Read: Cholera Outbreak Kills 20 in Delta Communities

“[There will be] sanitary inspection of schools primary and secondary in affected communities as well as training of community volunteers on safe water handling, environmental sanitation, and hygiene practices.

“Also, a sanitary inspection of food business premises of affected communities, advocacy, sensitization and community town hall meetings on control of open defecation practices and its health impact, among others.”

“This year’s outbreak is very serious and has continued to ravage many states with more fatalities being reported on a daily basis,” he said.

“The country continues to suffer from a cholera epidemic and other sanitation-enabled diseases every year. This is largely due to our collective behavior and attitude towards environmental sanitation and hygiene practices which are very poor.”