The Lagos State government has announced that it is receiving additional support from the World Health Organization (WHO) to address a cholera outbreak at Kirikiri prison.

In a recent update, Commissioner for Health Prof. Akin Abayomi detailed the successful implementation of urgent medical and environmental interventions. "We have supplied Kirikiri medium prison with intravenous fluids, infection prevention supplies, and other health consumables," Abayomi stated. He also noted that WHO donated 10,000 doses of pharmaceuticals to aid the prison's health facilities in preventing cholera among the approximately 3,200 inmates if needed.

Immediate water and sanitation issues at the prison have been addressed, and inspections of other correctional facilities in the state are ongoing. Abayomi revealed that the cholera outbreak in Lagos was traced to unregulated street beverages and contaminated water supplies, identified as primary sources two weeks ago. Samples collected by undercover environmental officers from the Environmental Protection Agency (LASEPA) and the Ministry of Health confirmed the presence of Vibrio cholerae bacteria in these beverages.

"None of the containers had NAFDAC accreditation numbers, indicating they are produced by small, informal units. Identifying the manufacturing locations has been challenging, and the directorate of environmental health plans to seal these unregulated units and arrest those involved in producing or distributing beverages without NAFDAC numbers," Abayomi said.

Despite the challenges, there has been a significant decrease in daily cholera cases since the spike reported two weeks ago. While some cases continue to present at hospitals, no new deaths attributable to cholera have been reported in the past 72 hours. The government is intensifying efforts to eradicate transmission completely.

Abayomi highlighted that the decrease in new cases and the absence of recent deaths indicate that interventions are working. He emphasized the importance of residents adhering to public health advice and seeking healthcare promptly when symptoms arise.

The state government, through its interagency “One Health” approach, is implementing environmental health measures in collaboration with the Lagos Water Corporation and sanitation agencies (LAWMA and LASWAMO). These measures include widespread sanitation efforts, inspection and disinfection of boreholes, provision of safe drinking water to affected local governments, and stricter regulations on local beverage manufacturers.

"From now on, as approved by Mr. Governor, we will enforce higher sanitary and regulatory standards for eateries, food handlers, beverage manufacturers, and groundwater to curb the burden of food and water-borne diseases in Lagos," Abayomi added.

The commissioner stressed the importance of ongoing vigilance and compliance with public health precautions. He urged the public to take personal responsibility by consuming safe water, food, and beverages, maintaining good personal hygiene, initiating oral rehydration therapy, and seeking immediate medical attention if symptoms like diarrhea and vomiting occur. He also emphasized that suspected cholera treatment remains free of charge at all government hospitals.

Abayomi reassured the public that there is no cause for panic and expressed confidence that, through ongoing collaboration, vigilance, and commitment from all stakeholders, the state is effectively combating and controlling the spread of cholera, thereby safeguarding the health and well-being of its residents.