By Chukwudi Nwauba :
Anambra State Ministry of Health has sensitized the Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) on the use of water guards to prevent diseases.
The massive sensitizations were carried out simultaneously at the various IDPs Camps across affected Local Government Areas of the state.
Commissioner for Health, Dr. Afam Obidike said that the administration of Gov. Charles Soludo’s priority is the prevention of diseases, and that’s the reason for the ongoing massive hygiene sensitization.
Dr. Obidike said this while rounding his visits at one of the IDP camps in Odekpe, Ogbaru Local Government Area.
According to him, the water guard will help them to be free from all forms of waterborne diseases if only they practice what we have taught them to do when they finally go back to their respective homes.
“There are often germs in our household water that can cause us to become sick, and get many illnesses like diarrhea and even cholera. We cannot see those germs because they are small things in the water but they are harmful to us if we drink them.
“Even water from any source can be contaminated due to breaks in the system, poor upkeep, maintenance, flooding, or groundwater contamination but in all let’s treat our water before consuming it.
“So prevention of cholera is dependent on access to safe water, adequate sanitation, and basic hygiene needs and that’s why we are taking time to sensitize and as well educate our people, not only those affected by the flood but the general public.
He explained cholera as a bacterial disease usually spread through contaminated water that can also cause diarrhea and dehydration noting that if left untreated can be fatal within hours and even in previously healthy people.
“The risk of a cholera epidemic is highest when poverty or natural disasters like this year’s flooding forces people to live in crowded conditions without adequate sanitization.”
The commissioner commended Gov. Soludo for giving his ministry the necessary support that helped them in establishing temporary clinics in all the IDP camps.
“We must not forget our partners the World Health Organisation, United Nations Children’s Fund, and other partners in the state for their massive support.”
Officials from the WHO, UNICEF, and the State Ministry of Health accompanied him during the visit.
