By Chioma  Obinna
LAGOS — Worried by the outbreak of cholera in some parts of the country, the Lagos State government is addressing inadequate water supply to slum areas in the state, including Orile-Iganmu and Agege with a view to preventing possible cholera outbreak.

To this end, Lagosians have been urged not only to ensure that all drinking water are properly boiled but to enusre full personal hygiene and report possible case of cholera to a nearby government-owned health facility.

Briefing journalists, Monday, in Lagos, the state Commissioner for Health, Dr. Jide Idris who alerted Lagosians on hygiene practices to prevent cholera infection noted that the prescence of slums in Lagos was an obstacle to tackling cholera.

Recently, there has been increasing death from cholera in states like Oyo, Osun, Nasarawa amongst others following floodings in those areas.

Idris noted that following impending rains, it had become necessary to alert Lagosian on simple hygienic measures to avert diseases and ensure good health.

Acknowledging that some parts of Lagos are still facing acute water shortage, he said the long term deterioration of infrastructure including water-piping networks is being massively addressed under the multi-sectoral World Bank Slum Rehabilitation Programme.

His words, “Under the slum upgrade programme, the world body is addressing the issues of health facilities, environment, education and all infrastructure required to mitigate against some of the problems facing the populace. Ours is to enlighten the public on some of the problems that these situations can pose.”

He further explained that most under five mortality in Nigeria resulst from diseases that are in one way or another related to poor hopusing conditions, unsafe water supply, inadequate water supply, inadequate sanitary facilities and unhygienic behaviour.

The Commissioner noted that contaminated water and unsanitary means of excreta disposal are closely associated with diarrheoal diseases, which accounts for about 20 per cent of under five mortality, as well as diseases such as cholera and typhoid.

He advised that in the absence of appropriate public water source, any source of water should be properly boiled, adding that people who have the culture of storing water, could drop small quantity of chlorine tablest to avoid having side its own side effect.

“Everyone should also learn how to prepare oral rehydration solution (ORS) at home if you suspect cholera to minimize body water loss and immediatel report to the health facility symptoms for further treatment or call the Diseases Control Directorate on: 08033329327 and 08023228573. According to Dr. Idris, cholera epidemic in neighboring states has become a concern for Lagos state and government views the spread as largely due to poor hygiene and sanitation practices by the people.

Giving insight on how to prepare Oral rehydration therapy, the Director of Disease Control in the State, Dr Femi Taiwo explained that “on the onset of cholera, it is advised that you get boiled clean water of about 1 litre, mix with one level teaspoon of salt, eight level teaspoons of sugar, stir the mixture till the sugar dissolves. The mixture will not be used more than 24 hours.”