Some 28 persons have died of cholera ravaging some parts of Ebonyi State.
The disease started in Ndiokote, Ezza-Inyimegu community in Izzi Local Government Area of the State where it claimed 14 lives and spread to some other communities, including Oferekpe in the local government and Okpuitumo in Abakaliki Local Government Area.
So far, 10 out of the 13 local government areas of the State have been affected by the virus, with 364 cases recorded.
As part of efforts to combat the disease, wife of the State Governor, Mrs. Mary-Maudline Nwifuru has launched a preventive initiative against the virus and distributed essential drugs and hospital consumables to some general hospitals across the State.
Distributing the drugs in Iboko General Hospital, Izzi Local Government Area, Mrs Nwifuru emphasized the importance of collective action in combating the disease, stating that it is part of her pet project to launch the Initiative across the state.
Shev thanked the state ministry of health, Doctors-without-Borders and the World Health Organization for their support, calling on local government chairpersons, community leaders, religious leaders and civil society organizations to join forces in raising awareness about the disease.
“Our traditional rulers, youth groups, market women and local organizations all have critical roles to play in preventing the spread of cholera,” she said
She reiterated her commitment to supporting the state government’s efforts at tackling the outbreak, appreciating interventions and support from the state government, and international partners in ensuring that morbidity and mortality are kept at the barest minimum.
The state Commissioner for Health, Dr. Moses Ekuma disclosed that 364 cases and 28 deaths have been recorded across communities in 10 local government areas of the state since the 24th of last month.
He attributed the outbreak to contaminated water, poor sanitation and improper disposal of refuse and urged residents to visit any of the six emergency treatment centres designated to handle cholera cases.
Daniel Hernandis, Project Medical Referral for Doctors Without Borders, expressed concern over the severity of the outbreak.
“Two and a half weeks ago, we were called to respond to a cholera outbreak, and we have tried to do our best to tackle the most pressing issues,” Hernandis agonized.
