… sensitises on prevention of cholera

By Adesina Wahab

The leadership of the National Association of Nigerian Students, NANS, in the Southwest, has charged the public to take the issue of personal hygiene serious, so as to prevent the spread of diseases such as cholera that is currently ravaging some parts of the country.

The Zonal Coordinator, Comrade Alao John, gave the charge on Friday in Ibadan while leading a walk by students across the city to awake people’s consciousness about the spread of the communicable disease.

He also urged government at all levels and public spirited individuals and organizations to show more interest and commitment to the issue of the well being of the citizens.

“It is an honour to stand before you today as we embark on a vital mission—sensitizing our communities about the importance of education, vaccination, and action against cholera. As young leaders, we have the energy, the passion, and the drive to make a real difference. Today, I urge you all to join me in this fight against a preventable and treatable disease that continues to impact so many lives.

“Cholera remains a significant public health challenge, particularly in areas with limited access to clean water and adequate sanitation. Yet, despite its devastating impact, cholera can be effectively prevented and treated. Our mission is to spread this crucial message far and wide, ensuring that no one in our communities remains uninformed or unprotected.

“First and foremost, education is our most powerful tool. Knowledge is the key to prevention. We must educate our communities about cholera—how it spreads, its symptoms, and, most importantly, how to prevent it. This means conducting workshops, utilizing social media, distributing pamphlets, and organizing community meetings. It is our responsibility to make sure everyone, from children in schools to elders in villages, understands the importance of hygiene, clean water, and proper sanitation.

“Next, we must advocate for vaccination. Cholera vaccines are an effective way to protect individuals, especially in areas prone to outbreaks. By raising awareness about the availability and importance of cholera vaccines, we can encourage more people to get vaccinated. We should work with healthcare providers to set up vaccination drives, ensuring that these life-saving vaccines are accessible to all, particularly the most vulnerable.

“Finally, we must take action. Education and vaccination are critical, but they must be complemented by concrete measures to improve living conditions. This includes advocating for better water and sanitation infrastructure, ensuring that every community has access to clean water and proper waste disposal systems. We must also push for better healthcare facilities equipped to handle cholera cases and provide timely treatment.

Our actions should not be limited to advocacy alone. We must lead by example, practicing and promoting good hygiene, volunteering in community clean-up initiatives, and supporting efforts to improve water and sanitation infrastructure.

“Our demand is a call to action from government agencies, bodies,  parastatal, NGOS,  communities,  individuals,  communities and schools to support this movement by creating awareness and also providing social amenities, vaccination and other resources to fight against this deadly outbreaks in our communities.

“In conclusion, as Nigerian Students, we have the unique opportunity and responsibility to drive change. Our voices are powerful, our actions are impactful.

Let us rise to the occasion and lead the charge in educating our communities, promoting vaccination, and taking decisive action against cholera. Together, we can create a healthier, safer future for all.”