Dr. Jide Idris, Director-General of the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), has issued vital advice aimed at curbing the spread of Cholera, Malaria, and Dengue Fever across the country. Speaking in a recent health briefing, Dr. Idris emphasized the importance of proactive measures and community involvement in preventing these diseases, which continue to pose significant public health challenges in Nigeria.
On Cholera prevention, Dr. Idris underscored the critical need for improved sanitation and access to clean drinking water. He urged Nigerians to ensure safe food handling practices, avoid consuming contaminated water, and maintain good personal hygiene such as regular handwashing with soap. The DG reminded the public that cholera, a waterborne disease caused by the bacterium Vibrio cholerae, can spread rapidly in environments with poor sanitation, especially during the rainy season when flooding often compromises water sources.
Addressing Malaria, which remains one of Nigeria’s deadliest diseases with over 100 million cases annually, Dr. Idris called for consistent use of insecticide-treated nets (ITNs) and indoor residual spraying to reduce mosquito populations. He encouraged households to eliminate stagnant water around homes, which serve as breeding grounds for the Anopheles mosquitoes responsible for transmitting the malaria parasite. He also highlighted the importance of early diagnosis and treatment, noting that timely intervention can drastically reduce malaria fatalities.
Regarding Dengue Fever, a growing concern in parts of Nigeria, the NCDC DG highlighted the necessity of controlling Aedes mosquitoes, which thrive in urban settings. He urged communities to clear out containers holding stagnant water, cover water storage tanks properly, and ensure effective waste disposal to disrupt mosquito breeding sites. Since Dengue often presents symptoms similar to other febrile illnesses, Dr. Idris stressed the need for awareness and prompt medical attention to avoid severe complications.
Dr. Idris also called on state and local governments to strengthen surveillance systems and public health education campaigns, particularly as climate change and urbanization create favorable conditions for these vector-borne diseases to flourish. He reaffirmed the NCDC’s commitment to supporting Nigeria’s health infrastructure and urged Nigerians to take personal responsibility in protecting themselves and their communities.
In summary, the message from the NCDC remains clear: clean water, sanitation, mosquito control, and timely medical care are essential weapons in the fight against Cholera, Malaria, and Dengue Fever. The collective effort of government, health agencies, and citizens alike will be crucial in reducing the burden of these preventable diseases across Nigeria.
