‘.FG deploys contingency resources for cholera outbreak, says Ali Pate’ The Federal Government (FG) has deployed contingency resources to states affected by the recent cholera outbreak in Nigeria, according to Dr. Faisal Shuaib, the Executive Director of the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA). Dr. Shuaib, who made this disclosure at a press briefing in Abuja, stated that the FG is collaborating with relevant stakeholders, including the World Health Organization (WHO), UNICEF, and state governments, to contain the outbreak. “The FG is deeply concerned about the recent cholera outbreak in the country and has taken immediate steps to address the situation,” Dr. Shuaib said. “We have deployed contingency resources, including medical supplies, personnel, and technical support, to the affected states.” He further disclosed that the NPHCDA is working with state governments to strengthen surveillance and case management systems, conduct risk communication and community engagement activities, and ensure access to safe water and sanitation. “We are also supporting the vaccination of high-risk populations in affected areas,” Dr. Shuaib added. The FG has also activated its Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) to coordinate the response to the outbreak. The EOC will provide real-time monitoring of the situation, facilitate the deployment of resources, and ensure the timely execution of control measures. Dr. Shuaib advised the public to take preventive measures to avoid infection, including washing their hands thoroughly with soap and water, consuming only safe water and food, and practicing good hygiene. Meanwhile, the Minister of Health, Dr. Osagie Ehanire, has urged Nigerians to support the efforts of the FG and state governments in controlling the outbreak. “We have the capacity to prevent and control cholera in Nigeria,” Dr. Ehanire said. “I call on all Nigerians to cooperate with health authorities and take personal responsibility for their health by adhering to recommended preventive measures.”Government Mobilizes Resources to Combat Cholera OutbreakGovernment Mobilizes Resources to Combat Cholera Outbreak The Coordinating Minister for Health and Social Welfare, Muhammad Pate, has announced that the federal government is actively working to contain the spread of cholera in the country. Pate made the announcement during an appearance on Channels Television’s “The Morning Brief” program. He disclosed that a technical working group is being established through the Nigeria Center for Disease Control (NCDC) to assist states in reducing disease transmission. “We anticipated the seasonal outbreak a few months ago,” said Pate. “The president approved contingency funding for the NCDC, and it has been used in addition to technical funding.” Pate emphasized that states also have a role to play in releasing their own funds to combat the outbreak. He added that 31 states and 107 local governments are currently affected, with around 1,500 cases of cholera recorded nationwide. The Minister of Health assured Nigerians that the outbreak would be curbed. He highlighted the importance of addressing open defecation to prevent fecal contamination of food and water. Pate attributed the cholera outbreak to global factors, including poor sanitation, infrastructure deficit, and development challenges. He called for a multi-sectoral approach to preventing infectious diseases, emphasizing the roles of various stakeholders. “It’s not just about cholera,” stated Pate. “There are other infectious diseases such as typhoid fever and tuberculosis. As we improve physical infrastructure, urbanization, and public services, we should start to see healthier populations.”The Federal Government has deployed contingency resources to states affected by the cholera outbreak, the Executive Director of the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA), Dr Faisal Shuaib, has said. Shuaib, who is also the Incident Manager of the Cholera National Emergency Operations Centre (EOC), disclosed this at a press briefing in Abuja on Thursday. He said the resources included cholera vaccines, Rapid Diagnostic Test(RDT) kits, Personal Protective Equipment (PPEs), Oral Rehydration Salts (ORS) and Zinc tablets. Shuaib said the EOC had been activated with the support of partners to coordinate the response to the outbreak. He said the agency had also trained health workers on case management, surveillance and communication. Shuaib said the government was collaborating with the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) and other partners to strengthen surveillance and laboratory capacity in the affected states. He urged the public to maintain good hygiene practices, including regular hand washing, safe food and water handling, and proper waste disposal. Shuaib said the government was committed to containing the outbreak and ensuring the safety of Nigerians. He said the EOC would continue to monitor the situation and provide updates as necessary.