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The Ogun State Government has intensified effort at ensuring that the government continues to provide necessary information to the citizens to curb the spread of killer diseases, such as Cholera, measles,M-Pox and also ensure proper birth registration of children from months 9- 59 months.
The assurance was given during the quarterly meeting of Social Mobilization and Technical Committee Meeting (S-SOMTEC) organised by the Ogun State Ministry of Information and Strategy, in collaboration with UNICEF and National Population Commission.
The meeting which came with the aimed to safeguard the health and future of the communities, particularly in the light of recent public health challenges and ongoing initiatives.
Speaking during the meeting, Dr. Omotosho Olubukola of Department of Public Health from the Ministry of Health, Ogun State disclosed that Ogun State recorded a cumulative case of 135 cholera outbreaks since June 2024.
Dr. Omotosho explained that, out of the 135 reported cases, only four patients died, while a total number of 131 patients have been discharged.
She noted that, those discharged were treated free of charge at government facilities.
According to information, the first case of cholera outbreak in the state was reported on June 17, 2024 with the death of a 62-year-old woman in the Ijebu-Igbo area of the state.
Dr. Omotosho explained that, the predominant local government areas with recorded number of cholera cases are; Ado-Odo Ota, Ijebu North, Abeokuta North, Abeokuta South, Ipokia, Obafemi-Owode, Ifo, Sagamu, Odeda, Ewekoro and Remo North.
She noted that, the outbreak were imported into the state through two brothers who contracted the disease from Lagos State after taking a contaminated tiger nut drink before traveling to Remo North.
She added that, the outbreak has a high risk of transmission in areas with poor sanitation, open defecation, improper waste disposal, and lack of regular supply of clean water.
She, the cholera symptoms are usually profuse painless watery diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, adding that severe cases can lead to death within hours due to dehydration.
Earlier, in his welcome address, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Information and Strategy, Mr. Waheed Adeshina said the S-SOMTEC meeting underscores the state government’s shared commitment to the well-being of mothers and children, whose roles in the society are undeniably crucial.
Adeshina maintained that, children are the nation’s future, and only by prioritizing their survival and development can secure their future.
He said, “equally important are the mothers, the very conduits through which life enters this world. It is for this reason that our government, along with development partners like UNICEF, has made it a point of duty to ensure that both mothers and children receive the attention they rightfully deserve.
“Our goal as a government is to ensure that no mother or child, irrespective of their socio-economic realities, is left behind in all our maternal and infant interventions. This commitment aligns perfectly with the global Sustainable Development Goals, which emphasize inclusivity and the well-being of all individuals.”
In its contribution, the United Nations Children’s Education Fund (UNICEF), has attributed the outbreak of measles and other diseases in Nigeria to decline in herd immunity, importation of cases, waning immunity and poor public health infrastructure, among others.
The UNICEF Consultant on Social and Behavioral, Dr. Pita Obam, who stated this at a one-day meeting of the State Social Mobilisation and Technical Committee (S-SOMTEC) held in Abeokuta, Ogun State capital, noted that issues of misinformation and vaccination hesitancy have continued to aggravate the situation.
While attributing the continuous outbreak of measles and other diseases in the country to the low level of vaccination, Obam said all hands must be on deck to ensure quality participation, by all stakeholders in the State.
“All stakeholders must support in creating awareness and the dissemination of key messages through official channels.
“They must also help in countering rumours of vaccine safety, engage in supportive supervision and resolve non-compliance,” the consultant said.
He added that measles was highly contagious and therefore the need to protect children through vaccination.
Speaking on the upcoming measles vaccination campaign in the state, Obam said it was scheduled to run from Sept. 19 to Sept. 25, advising parents to ensure they vaccinate their children.
”The target age is that of children between nine and 59 months, and they are expected to complete their childhood immunisation at a health facility to eliminate ‘zero dose children’,” he said.
