The recent outbreak of cholera in different parts of the country once again reminds us of the pathetic conditions under which our people, especially the illiterate and poor, daily contend with.

Barely two years after the 2011 outbreak which recorded over 2,000 deaths, the statistics for this year, though much smaller, is rising steadily as more reports come from across the country.

For instances, Lagos State reported three deaths from stricken poor neighbourhoods and health officials attributed it mainly to contaminated foods and water from unwholesome wells and boreholes. In Oyo, eight deaths and scores of hospitalised casualties were recorded, while the situation in Zamfara was grim, with 72 deaths reported out of 1,117 cases.

In Namu, Plateau, the 6,000 internally displaced persons, who fled from the Ombatse cult attacks in Obi Local Government Area of Nasarawa State are exposed to great risk, as cholera outbreak was reported in their camp, where they have no access to potable water and sanitation practices are nothing to write home about.

Cholera is a bacterial infection; a very highly communicable disease that thrives in humid and dirty environments, particularly in the tropical zones. The World Health Organisation describes it thus: “Cholera is an acute intestinal infection caused by ingestion of food or water contaminated with the bacterium Vibrio cholerae. It has a short incubation period, from less than one day to five days, and produces an enterotoxin that causes a copious, painless, watery diarrhoea that can quickly lead to severe dehydration and death if treatment is not promptly given. Vomiting also occurs in most patients.”

It is obvious that cholera is an affliction of the poor, illiterate, and downtrodden people; the most vulnerable in society, who are less likely to provide for themselves the simple amenities of life that government is expected to do. The frequent return of this and other epidemics targeting the lower strata of society is an indication that governance is not effectively impacting the lives of the ordinary people.

The greatest weapon against cholera and related diseases is not money and drugs, though these always come in handy when attacks take place. The greatest weapon is awareness.

The people need to be frequently bombarded with the need to maintain clean environments and observe the simplest rules of personal hygiene and environment-friendly living. This involves drinking water from safe sources and avoiding defecating indiscriminately in the bush, open drainage systems or near sources of water or food supply.

The government must lead the way towards the eradication of cholera and harmful epidemics. This they can do by providing potable water, creating awareness in the citizens, enforcing environmental and sanitation laws and providing medical care in case of outbreaks.

Surely, death through such diseases as cholera are avoidable, and we must put hands on deck to ensure it is eradicated once and for all.