Professor Olumuyiwa Odusanya, Vice-Chancellor of Lagos State University of Science and Technology and a Public and Community Health Professor, explains in an interview that vaccines are not the main solution for cholera outbreaks.
He emphasizes that prevention, achieved through proper hygiene practices and ending open defecation, is crucial in fighting the disease.
What is your take on the cholera outbreak in Lagos and other parts of Nigeria?
Cholera is a disgraceful and preventable disease that has plagued us for far too long. The root cause is simple: contaminated food and water, and poor waste management.
It’s a shame that people still defecate everywhere, and contaminated food is consumed, leading to the spread of cholera. This disease is easily preventable with access to clean water, proper toilets, and good hygiene practices.
During the rainy season, the situation worsens as sewage contaminates water sources, and people fail to boil their water or practice proper food handling. Cholera symptoms are often mistaken for a common illness, leading to misreatment with antibiotics.
However, cholera requires rehydration, not antibiotics.
Shockingly, cholera has been a persistent problem in Nigeria, with Lagos Island currently experiencing an outbreak that has claimed over 21 lives.
The solution is straightforward: build more toilets, provide pipe-borne water, and promote good hygiene practices. In the past, London successfully eradicated cholera by stopping sewage dumping into rivers.
Vaccines are available, but proper treatment and breaking the cycle of infection are the keys to eliminating cholera. It’s time to take action and put an end to this age-old disease.
What must be done as governments and individuals?
The primary way cholera spreads is through contaminated water and food, not through direct contact with infected individuals.
Microorganisms that cause cholera are invisible to the naked eye and can easily contaminate food, drink, and water supplies.
To prevent the spread of cholera, it is important for people to be aware of symptoms such as vomiting and diarrhea, and to practice good hygiene by washing hands, consuming safe food, and drinking clean water.
If someone does contract cholera, it is essential to seek medical treatment promptly, as well as to know how to make salt sugar solutions to keep the person hydrated until they can access medical care.
Public health efforts should focus on educating the public through news and jingles to raise awareness and promote prevention measures. By taking these steps, the cycle of infection can be broken, and the spread of cholera can be prevented.
Managing and preventing cholera is a straightforward process that requires awareness, proper treatment, and vaccination.
Do you think it will affect the schoolchildren more?
Cholera can impact individuals from all walks of life. For instance, in a school setting, if a member of the kitchen staff contracts the disease and fails to follow proper hygiene protocols or disinfect surfaces, the illness can easily spread to the children through contaminated food. Similarly, if students share a school water supply and some do not bring their own clean water, there is a risk of the disease spreading in this manner.
Cholera is primarily transmitted through the oral route, meaning individuals can avoid contracting it by refraining from consuming contaminated food or water. The key factor in preventing the spread of cholera is maintaining good hygiene practices, particularly when it comes to food and drink consumption.
Notably, cholera outbreaks do not necessitate the closure of schools; individuals can continue with their daily routines as long as they practice proper hygiene measures.
Contrary to popular belief, not everyone exposed to the disease will necessarily become infected with it; adherence to hygienic practices plays a crucial role in mitigating the risk.
It is important to emphasize that cholera is indicative of inadequate water and sanitation infrastructure within a nation, as well as poor personal hygiene habits.
On the issue of open defecation, what do you have to tell the government now that there is a cholera outbreak?
The issue of open defecation is not solely the responsibility of the government. It is a widespread problem that requires individual accountability.
In developed societies, proper planning and infrastructure are in place before building markets or houses, including provisions for water supply, drainage, and waste management.
While the government can enact laws and build toilets, it is ultimately up to individuals to take responsibility for their actions.
Education and legislation can empower local governments to address environmental health issues, but enforcement should not be the primary focus.
Instead, prevention is key. Researchers and educationists have a role to play in addressing health issues like cholera, but in this case, the solution is well-known and doesn’t require further research.
Cholera is a preventable disease that requires action, not more research. In fact, the UK was able to eradicate cholera in 1854 without extensive research, simply by recognizing the symptoms and taking action.
It’s time for individuals and communities to take responsibility for their actions and work together to prevent the spread of cholera.
What should researchers do now?
Researchers should focus on other health issues, not cholera, which is a government responsibility to prevent through action, not research.
What is the implication of this outbreak for Nigeria in the global view?
It’s no surprise, Nigeria’s reputation for struggling with cholera is well-established and widely recognized, so this outbreak doesn’t reveal anything new or unexpected.
