FCTA ups measures to combat Cholera as suspected cases hit 514

By Stanley Onyekwere

The Federal Capital Territory Administration(FCTA) has said several measures have been taken to stop the spread of Cholera as well as provide the highest level of care to those affected by the disease in the Territory.

A statement signed by the Senior Special Assistant (Media) to the FCT Minister, Abubakar Sani, revealed that as at 8th July, 2021, the FCT has recorded 514 suspected cases, out of which 8 laboratory investigations were confirmed to be Cholera.

Recall that the FCTA had on June 24, confirmed the outbreak of cholera in Abuja, the nation’s capital city, with a total of 91 suspected cases enlisted in Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC) and in Gwagwalada and Bwari Area Councils.

According to the statement, “some of the measures already taken from early May 2021 when we started having the diarrhea disease in the FCT include: formation of Cholera emergency operation centres, appointment of an incidence manager and other relevant medical personnel along with Stakeholders from the FCT Water Board, Abuja Environmental Protection Board, Rural Water and Sanitation Agency (RUWASA) etc.

“Prepositioning of drugs and consumables for the free treatment of all identified cases in both secondary and Primary Care facilities of the FCT; and provision of free portable water through water tankers from the FCT Water Board to all affected communities.

“Training and Sensitisation of health care providers in both secondary and primary healthcare facilities including some private ones; and sensitisation of the General Public through the media on all issues concerning the Cholera outbreak and preventive measures.”

It added that others include: “Community sensitisation on causes and means of treating and prevention of Cholera. All communities that have outbreak are being visited and monitored by relevant medical personnel and other stakeholders.

“High level engagement of all the six Area Councils Chairmen, religious and Traditional Leaders in the Six Area Councils.”

Furthermore, the statement noted that continuous surveillance on communities with suspected cases are being conducted in all the communities in the six Area councils of the FCT to confirm the prevalence of Cholera.

However, the FCT Administration disclosed that it is also working very closely with the National Primary Healthcare Development Agency (NPHDA) on all the important interventions to end the scourge of the disease in the Territory.