LAGOS, UNICEF COLLABORATE TO COMBAT CHOLERA IN BADAGRY LGA

… Conduct Two-day Advocacy, Sensitisation Visit to Badagry Communities

Lagos State Government, in collaboration with the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), has intensified efforts to combat cholera through a comprehensive and meetings with community leaders, aimed to raise awareness and promote preventive measures against the disease.

During a recent two-day Lagos State Risk Communication and Community Engagement (RCCE) team visit to Badagry communities, the State Health Educator, Mr. Olusegun Badejo emphasised the government’s commitment to strengthening collaborative advocacy with UNICEF to curb the spread of cholera.

 “We are here as the Risk Communication and Community Engagement (RCCE) team from Lagos State Ministry of Health, Lagos Primary Health Care Board, and other local health authorities to sensitise to people about the cholera outbreak in the state. We aim to ensure that everyone takes precautionary measures to stay safe and protected,” Badejo stated.

Director of Health Education and Promotion Services at the Lagos State Primary Health Care Board, Mrs. Adesola Honfor highlighted the importance of training community mobilizers to keep residents informed. 

“Our goal is to protect the health and dignity of our people through effective risk communication and community involvement”, she said. Honfor praised the efforts of local mobilizers and town announcers, stating that their support has been invaluable in spreading key messages and ensuring community engagement.

UNICEF’s Social and Behaviour Change Specialist, Aderonke Akinola-Akinwole commended the state’s proactive efforts. “Communities are crucial in stopping the spread of cholera, but they must be actively engaged to take preventive measures. We have seen a well-informed community in Badagry, thanks to the local government’s ongoing sensitization efforts”, Akinola-Akinwole noted. 

She added that UNICEF’s collaboration with the state government aims to ensure that all communities are equipped to respond to and prevent the spread of cholera.

Chairman of Badagry LGA, Hon. Olusegun Onilude Adeniran expressed gratitude for the state’s involvement and outlined local measures to combat cholera including public enlightenment campaigns and environmental sanitation. 

However, he highlighted challenges like insufficient waste disposal operators and lack of potable water, calling for state intervention. “We appreciate the state’s interest in our local affairs and look forward to effective solutions to our challenges”, Adeniran said.

The Medical Officer of Health (MOH) of Badagry LGA, Dr. Wale Akeredolu emphasised the importance of community participation and ongoing activities like school monitoring and sensitisation.

The State RCCE team attended the CDC meeting of Badagry LGA enlightening members on cholera prevention and management. They later visited Badagry West LCDA, meeting with the Executive Chairman Hon. Whenu Joseph, who was represented by Vice Chairman Rauf Ibrahim. Ibrahim. He praised the state’s RCCE activities, stressing that the local council’s proactive steps have been crucial in controlling the spread of cholera.

The team also visited the Nigeria Correctional Facility, Badagry Medium Prison, conducting an enlightenment campaign for staff. They also visited the Palace of Jegen of Badagry, where White Cap Chief Micheal Akapo pledged to disseminate cholera prevention information within the community. 

Throughout the visits, the team consistently emphasised the importance of maintaining personal and environmental hygiene, proper waste disposal, and safe water practices. The collaborative efforts between the state government, local authorities, and community leaders aim to ensure a comprehensive approach to cholera prevention and management, safeguarding the health and well-being of all residents in Badagry.

The RCCE team plans to continue these efforts and ensuring that accurate information and preventive measures reach every corner of the affected areas.