Bogoro LG intensifies Cholera prevention campaign
By Hussaini Aliyu
The Primary Health Care and Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) Departments of Bogoro Local Government Area have embarked on a sensitisation campaign to prevent and contain possible outbreaks of cholera in communities across Bar, Tadnum, Gobbiya and Bogoro.
The campaign, sponsored by the Bauchi State Primary Health Care Board in collaboration with FHI 360, is being conducted under the theme, “Eliminate Cholera, Stay Clean.”
The sensitisation exercise is aimed at educating residents on the causes, signs and symptoms of cholera, as well as promoting proper hygiene, sanitation and safe water practices.
Speaking during the exercise, the Health Education Officer of Bogoro LGA, Mr. Ayuba Dogara, described cholera as a dangerous but preventable disease, mainly transmitted through the consumption of food or water contaminated by the bacteria that causes the infection.
Mr. Ayuba Dogara urged residents to protect themselves and their communities by washing their hands regularly with soap, ensuring proper food hygiene and consuming safe drinking water.
He also advised people experiencing diarrhoea to begin taking Oral Rehydration Solution (ORS) and seek immediate medical attention, particularly when symptoms such as severe diarrhoea or vomiting occur.
The Health Education Officer also sensitised residents on Lassa fever, explaining that the disease could be transmitted through contact with food or household items contaminated by urine or droppings of infected rodents.
He therefore urged residents to keep their surroundings clean and adopt measures to prevent contact with rats and other rodents.
In his remarks, the Director of the WASH Department, Bogoro LGA, Mr. Timothy Bitrus Landi, demonstrated proper hand-washing techniques using running water and soap, alongside other measures for ensuring safe water and maintaining a clean environment.
Mr. Timothy Landi advised residents to boil drinking water, wash their hands regularly with soap and maintain clean surroundings, stressing that collective action was essential to preventing the spread of cholera.
He emphasised that clean hands, safe water and proper sanitation remain key measures for protecting communities against cholera and other waterborne diseases.
In a vote of thanks, the Village Head of Gobbiya, Mr. Markus Wakili, commended the Bauchi State Government and Bogoro Local Government for their intervention and efforts towards preventing the spread of the disease.
He urged residents to adhere to health guidelines and preventive measures provided by health officials, assuring that community leaders would help ensure that the messages reach a wider section of the population.
