By Christiana Ekpa
The House of Representatives on Tuesday called on the Federal and State governments to take immediate action to check the spread of cholera in the country immediately.
The lawmakers equally urged the Federal and State governments to put in place measures to effectively check the outbreak of cholera in the country.
They also mandate the House Committees on Information, National Orientation, Ethics, and Values to carry out massive public orientation, enlightenment, and education of the citizenry on the need to maintain personal hygiene at all times.
Furthermore, the House Committee on Healthcare Services is mandated to liaise with relevant stakeholders in the health sector to investigate the root cause of the outbreak and report back to the House within two weeks for further legislative action or intervention.
Recall that the outbreak had raised serious public health concerns, with several casualties and deaths reported.
The House resolutions followed a motion brought under matters of urgent public importance by the Minority Leader, Rt. Kingsley Chinda
Presenting the motion, Chinda noted with serious concern the recent outbreak of cholera in Lagos State and other parts of the country, which has been reported and confirmed by the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC).
The House Notes with very serious concern the recent outbreak of cholera in Lagos State as well as several] other parts of the country
“Also notes that the latest outbreak of the disease in the country which has been reported and confirmed by the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) raises very serious public health concern for the government and the citizenry alike.
“Notes also that the outbreak of the disease which was first widely reported in Lagos State is now reported to have spread to other parts of the country, with several casualties and deaths reported.
“Aware that health is of utmost importance and one of the key areas that the Government ought to give priority attention to in order to enhance the well-being and overall welfare of the people.
“Aware also that according to the NCDC, while the latest outbreak of the disease continues have been reported in Lagos and 31 other States across the country, including Abia, Bayelsa, Bauchi, Cross River, Delta, Imo, Nasarawa, Katsina and Zamfara States, amongst others. “
