By Daniel Tyokua
The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), said it has taken steps to curb the spread of Cholera as well as provide help for those affected by the disease.
Senior Special Assistant (Media) to the minister of FCT, Sani Abubakar in a statement, said the Administration had formed cholera emergency operation centres with appointment of incidence managers.
The statement listed other measures to include involvement of relevant medical personnel along with stakeholders from the FCT Water Board, Abuja Environmental Protection Board, Rural Water and Sanitation Agency [RUWASA).
It said,”Training and Sensitization of Health Care Providers in both Secondary and Primary Healthcare facilities including some private ones.
“Community Sensitization 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 [6] Area Councils Chairmen, Religious and Traditional Leaders in the Six [6] Area Councils.
Meanwhile 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.
As at 8th July, 2021, the FCT has recorded Five hundred and fourteen (514) suspected cases. Out of this number, Eight [8] laboratory investigations were confirmed to be Cholera.
According to the statement: “From May 2021, FCT began to receive reports of sporadic cases of gastro-enteritis in some communities in FCT namely; Wassa Community (IDP Camp), Dei Dei, Zuba Community, Shenagun and Kubwa, drawn from three area councils in the FCT of Abuja Municipal, Bwari and Gwagwalada Area Councils in the Federal Capital Territory.
“As at June 23, a total of 91 suspected cases have so far been enlisted with seven deaths in AMAC and no death in Gwagwalada and Bwari Area Councils. Out of these, three of the cases tested positive for Cholera using the Rapid Diagnostic Test kit.”
