The Special Adviser to the Osun State Governor on Health Matters, Dr Adekunle Akindele, at the weekend, debunked the report of 11 cases of Cholera in the state.
The governor’s aide, who described the claim as untrue in a statement in Osogbo, explained that Osun recorded 13 suspected cases of cholera but all turned out negative upon a laboratory assessment, assuring the people of the state of adequate preventive measures by the government to prevent the occurrence and respond to the outbreak whenever a case is recorded.
“Osun State Government through the Ministry of Health has proactively reactivated and established the Public Health Rapid Response Team (PHRRT) and Cholera Technical Working Group (CTWG) respectively, to ensure adequate surveillance and risk communication activities in order to guarantee the health of the citizens,” he disclosed, adding that “Though, Osun is yet to record any confirmed case of Cholera, adequate preventive measures have been put in place to prevent the occurrence, and respond to the outbreak in case we eventually record a case.”
Speaking further, Dr Akindele noted that the State Government is exploring the media to sensitise the public on preventive measures against cholera while surveillance mechanisms across the 30 local government areas and border towns have been heightened to fight the spread of the disease.
“Thirteen (13) sample(s) collected so far. All 13 samples sent to laboratory, of which 13(100%) were negative, 0 positive and no pending result,” he pointed out, adding that “Cholera RDT kits and Transport media has been strategically distributed to some Health Facilities across the 30 LGAs.”
He said the Ministry of Health will continue to intensify public awareness on the prevention of cholera and what to do when symptoms develop, calling on the media not to pander to sensationalism at a time like this but rather focus on the dissemination of information that will save lives.
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