The Anambra State Government has expressed fear over possible outbreak of cholera and other infectious diseases in the state following devastating flood.
Dr Chioma Ezenyimulu, the Executive Secretary, Anambra State Primary Healthcare Development Agency (ASPHCDA), raised the concern at a one-day media engagement on Thursday, October 20, 2022, in Awka, the state capital, ahead of forthcoming State Measles Campaign.
Ezenyimulu, who was represented by Dr Placid Uliagbapusi, the State Director, Disease Control and Immunisation, said that the campaign would begin on Oct. 25 and end on Nov. 2.
The ASPHCDA boss said that though the state had scheduled the measles vaccine campaign, the flood disaster in seven out of the 21 local government areas had heightened fears of possible outbreak of cholera and other diseases.
She added that “we are worried that with the devastating flood disaster, the state might witness cholera and other infectious diseases.”
The health official, therefore, urged the public to observe good hygiene and keep the environment clean to avoid any outbreak.
While responding to questions from journalists, she explained that the measles vaccine campaign would be shifted in the seven local government areas where the impact of the flood disaster is high.
She said that the forthcoming campaign is a stand-alone, targetting 95 per cent baseline coverage of the state, adding that “the target group is nine to 59 months.”
Mr Christian Maluchukwu, an official of World Health Organisation (WHO), in a goodwill message urged the media and the public to support the campaign.
He said that the state recorded the death of 19 children and 500 cases due to measles recorded in 16 local government areas recently.
Maluchukwu said measles usually happens around November and February, adding that if people participate actively, the problem will be avoided.
Representatives of United Nations International Children Emergency Fund (UNICEF) and National Primary Healthcare Development Agency (NPHCDA) delivered messages at the event, attended by more than 60 media and other participants.
By Francis Onyeukwu
