- By Demola Atobaba, Ado-Ekiti
The Commissioner for the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources, Erelu Tosin Aluko-Ajisafe, has emphasized the critical need for preventive measures to curb the spread of cholera in Ekiti State.
In a press briefing held in her office and made available to TopNews, she outlined several steps that residents should follow to protect themselves and their communities from the disease.
The All Progressives Congress stalwart expressed deep concern over the potential for a cholera outbreak, given recent reports of cases in neighboring regions. She stressed that proactive measures are essential to prevent the spread of this waterborne disease, which can have devastating effects on public health.
According to her, “Cholera is a serious disease that can spread rapidly if not contained. It is imperative that we take all necessary precautions to protect the health of our residents,” she stated.
The Commissioner highlighted several preventive measures for residents should ensure safe drinking water ,Proper sanitation practices, such as disposing of waste correctly and keeping latrines clean. “Maintaining personal hygiene through regular hands-washing with soap and water, or using hand sanitizers, is crucial. Food safety should be prioritized by cooking food thoroughly, eating it while hot, avoiding raw foods that cannot be peeled, and storing food in covered containers” she stated.
Erelu Aluko-Ajisafe assured the public that the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources, in collaboration with the Ministry of Health, is committed to monitoring water quality and sanitation conditions across the state. She also announced plans for an extensive public awareness campaign to educate residents on cholera prevention,as Environmental officers are out to sanction houses with no toilet facilities .
“The government is taking all necessary steps to ensure the safety and well-being of our people. However, we need the cooperation of every resident to succeed in this fight against cholera. Together, we can prevent an outbreak and protect our communities,” she concluded.
The Commissioner’s call to action comes at a crucial time, urging all Ekiti State residents to adhere strictly to these preventive measures to safeguard their health and that of their neighbors.
