As schools prepare to reopen after the mid-term break and Sallah holiday on Wednesday, concerns have been raised about the potential risk of cholera outbreaks among pupils. Cholera, a bacterial infection transmitted through contaminated food and water, has seen a recent surge across Nigeria, prompting public health experts to warn of its rapid spread in educational settings without proper preventive measures.
Celine Lafoucrier, Chief of UNICEF’s Lagos Field Office, stressed the urgent need for robust measures to safeguard schoolchildren. She emphasized that protecting students from cholera outbreaks is crucial to ensuring uninterrupted academic activities amid the ongoing health crisis.
According to the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC), from January 1 to June 11, 2024, there have been over 1,141 suspected cases and more than 65 confirmed cases of cholera reported nationwide. This has resulted in over 30 deaths across 96 local government areas in 30 states, with states like Bayelsa, Zamfara, Abia, and Lagos bearing the brunt of the outbreak.
Lafoucrier highlighted the severe health risks posed to children, particularly those under five years old, who are more vulnerable to dehydration and higher mortality rates associated with cholera. She emphasized the critical need for improved access to clean water and sanitation facilities in communities across Nigeria.
Addressing the potential impact of cholera outbreaks on education, Lafoucrier pointed out that illness and school closures could disrupt learning and development for children. She called for proactive government policies to enhance water and sanitation infrastructure, strengthen healthcare systems, and conduct widespread educational campaigns on cholera prevention to protect both children and the wider population.
Public health experts like Prof. Kayode Osagbemi from the University of Ilorin warned that schools could become hotspots for cholera transmission, particularly in boarding facilities where students share communal amenities. Osagbemi stressed the importance of maintaining strict hygiene practices such as handwashing, avoiding shared water sources, and ensuring food safety to mitigate the risk within school environments.
Dr. Abdurrazzaq Alege, a Consultant Paediatrician at the Federal Teaching Hospital in Katsina State, echoed these concerns, noting the heightened vulnerability of schoolchildren during the rainy season and holidays when communal gatherings and poor hygiene practices are more prevalent.
Dr. Lekan Adelakun of Q-Impact Medicare emphasized the need for comprehensive hygiene education among students, parents, and school staff. He underscored the importance of food hygiene, clean water consumption, and proper waste disposal to curb the spread of cholera within school premises.
Local government officials and healthcare providers across states like Lagos, Ogun, Osun, and Ekiti have intensified efforts to prevent cholera outbreaks in schools. Measures include enhancing sanitation facilities, conducting health education sessions, and monitoring water quality to ensure the safety of students and staff.
As Nigeria navigates the challenges posed by cholera outbreaks, state governments continue to collaborate with health agencies and international partners to implement swift responses and preventive measures. The goal remains to protect communities and mitigate the impact of infectious diseases on public health and education systems nationwide.
