By Providence Ayanfeoluwa

A group, the Society for Testing Laboratory Analysts of Nigeria, SoTLAN has urged the government to partner authorized professionals on food and water testing.

President of SoTLAN, Prof. Olugbenga Ogunmoyela, said in a statement that the involvement of certified public analysts was crucial in guiding the ongoing discourse and implementation of remedial measures.

This includes disinfection, provision of safe drinking water and public sensitization to the predisposing factors after analysis.

He said public analysts are the only professionals authorized to carry out water and food testing to ascertain their wholesome for public consumption.

Ogunmoyela stated: “Certified public analysts in both public and private sectors possess the skills and expertise required to identify and mitigate such contamination and other pre-disposing factors responsible for the cholera outbreak, whether food or water, in all affected areas.

“SoTLAN is confident that with proper engagement and support, these professional certified public analysts can play a key role in helping to contain the outbreak and preventing future occurrences.

“Collaboration between the Ministry of Health and Ministry of Water Resources and public analysts is needed to ensure a co-ordinated and effective response to this current cholera disease outbreak.

“Government should intensify awareness campaigns to educate the public about steps on how to protect themselves during this outbreak. SoTLAN remains committed to supporting the government in addressing this public health issue, to overcome the challenge and ensure the well-being of Nigerians”, he said.

Also, Chief Executive Alfa Laboratories Limited, Chogwu Akoh, advised residents to take precautions to protect themselves against cholera by ensuring that all drinking water is boiled or treated before consumption.

Akoh, also Publicity Secretary of SoTLAN, advised further that citizens must regularly wash hands thoroughly with soap and clean water, especially before eating or preparing food, and after using the toilet, and also wash all fruits and vegetables before eating.

She stated: “Other precautions include, citizens should use only water from safe sources for drinking or washing foods and avoid drinking water from unverifiable sources, and seek immediate attention for any victim that experiences symptoms of cholera, such as severe nausea, diarrhea, stooling, and vomiting.”