The Lagos State government, led by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has confirmed an outbreak of cholera at the Kirikiri prison. State Commissioner for Health, Prof. Akin Abayomi, provided updates on the situation, noting that the government has received additional support from the World Health Organisation (WHO) to combat the infectious disease.
Abayomi reported that the government has successfully implemented urgent medical and environmental intervention measures. “We were able to supply Kirikiri medium prison with intravenous fluids, infection prevention supplies, and other health consumables. Additionally, the WHO has donated 10,000 doses of pharmaceuticals, which have been delivered to the prison to support health facilities with prevention strategies for approximately 3,200 inmates if required. Immediate water and sanitation issues have been corrected, and inspections of other correctional facilities in the state are ongoing,” he said.
The cholera outbreak in Lagos has been traced back to unregulated street drinks and contaminated water sources. Samples from popular sobo street beverages, collected by undercover environmental officials from the Environmental Protection Agency (LASEPA) and the Ministry of Health, confirmed the presence of Vibrio cholerae bacteria. “All of the containers lacked NAFDAC accreditation numbers, indicating they are produced in small, informal backyard units. Identifying the precise locations of manufacture has been difficult. The directorate of environmental health plans to seal any such unregulated operations and make arrests of anyone involved in the manufacture or distribution of beverages without NAFDAC numbers,” Abayomi stated.
Abayomi noted a significant decrease in daily cholera cases compared to the spike recorded two weeks ago. He acknowledged the ongoing low-grade community transmission, with a few cases still being reported in hospitals. There have been no new cholera-related deaths in the past 72 hours, and efforts are being intensified to completely eliminate transmission.
The reduction in new cases and the absence of recent deaths indicate that the interventions are effective. Abayomi stressed the importance of residents following public health guidelines and seeking medical help promptly when symptoms appear. The state government, through its collaborative “One Health” approach, is implementing environmental health measures with the Lagos Water Corporation and sanitation agencies (LAWMA and LASWAMO). These measures include extensive sanitation activities, inspection and disinfection of boreholes, providing safe drinking water to affected areas, and enforcing stricter regulations on local beverage producers.
“Henceforth, as approved by Mr. Governor, a higher sanitary and regulatory standard for eateries, food handlers, beverage manufacturers, and groundwater will be implemented and enforced to curb the burden of food and water-borne diseases in Lagos,” he added.
Abayomi emphasized the necessity of continuous vigilance and adherence to public health precautions. He called on the public to ensure the consumption of safe water, food, and drinks, maintain proper personal hygiene, start oral rehydration therapy, and promptly seek medical help if experiencing symptoms such as diarrhea and vomiting. He highlighted that suspected cholera treatment remains free of charge at all government hospitals.
Abayomi assured the public that there is no need for alarm and expressed confidence that, with ongoing collaboration, vigilance, and dedication from all parties involved, the state is enacting decisive actions to effectively combat and manage the spread of cholera, thereby protecting the health and well-being of its inhabitants.
