Olawale Ajimotokan
The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has confirmed that 54 deaths out of 604 suspected cases of cholera have been recorded in the six FCT Area Councils.
FCT Minister of State, Dr. Ramatu Tijjani Aliyu, confirmed the figures when she flagged off community sensitisation on cholera and other severe acute diarrhea diseases outbreaks in the nation’s capital.
The minister expressed concerns over the increasing number of suspected cases during the flag off ceremony held at the palace of Agora of Zuba.
She said that since May 2021, the FCT had recorded a total of 604 suspected cases of cholera in the six area councils with 54 deaths recorded and nine cases positive for cholera on rapid diagnostic test.
She revealed that the outbreak had affected over 120 communities across the six area councils.
The Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC) has the highest cases followed by Gwagalada and Bwari area councils respectively.
The minister listed some of the affected communities to include Gwagwalada, Zuba, Shenagu, Katse 1 and 2, Tunga Gaya, Chitumu, Yimi, Ikwa, Tunga-Maje, Anagada, among others. She, however, advocated for good personal hygiene as well as proper disposal of sewage and refuse, good hand washing practices and consumption of safe water as means of curbing further spread of the disease in the territory.
“In addition, community engagements for positive behavioural changes and improved sanitation and quick access to treatment are essential. Protect your water source from contamination, boil your water before drinking with a clean cup, cooperate with health officials who will come to teach you home treatment of water for domestic use and drinking,” she said.
She revealed that the FCT Administration had taken several measures to stop further spread of the disease as well as provide adequate care to those affected.
The measures according to her, include formation of Cholera Emergency Operation Centre, appointment of Incidence Manager and other relevant medical personnel along with stakeholders from the FCT Water Board and RUWASA, prepositioning of drugs and consumables for the free treatment of all identified cases in both secondary and primary healthcare facilities of the FCT amongst others.
In his remarks, the FCTA Permanent Secretary, Mr. Olusade Adesola, who was represented by the Acting Secretary, FCT Health and Human Services Secretariat, Dr. Mohamed Kawu, said the Secretariat was working with development partners and in collaboration with the six area councils to curb the spread.
He, however, commended the FCT Minister of State for her leadership role and how to move board room resolutions to the field, stressing that her roles in successful community sensitisation and mobilisation in maternal, newborn and child health care, Universal Health Coverage activities, wild polio virus eradication and the ongoing COVID-19 preparedness and response in the FCT were appreciated by residents.
