Pan African Non-Profit Organisation, Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa (CAPPA) has asserted that the ravaging cases of Cholera are a direct consequence of the government’s failure to invest in provision of safe public water supply.
Gatekeepers News reports that CAPPA said this through a statement issued by its Media and Communications Officer, Robert Egbe.
The statement comes after the Nigerian government confirmed cholera outbreaks in more than 25 states across the nation, including Lagos.
In a recent advisory, Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) reported that 1,141 suspected cases of the disease have been recorded so far in 2024, with at least 30 deaths resulting from 65 confirmed cases of cholera from January 1 to June 11.
Also, Lagos State Ministry of Health warned that the current outbreak associated with the cholera subtype “Serovars O1” is highly aggressive and contagious.
The Ministry also announced recently that it had recorded 350 suspected cases of cholera, identifying Lagos Island as the epicentre as it has the highest number of suspected cases, at 106.
CAPPA noted that as the outbreak ravages, state authorities have immediately issued safety guidelines and precautionary measures, and urged citizens to maintain cleaner sanitary conditions and hygiene.
It, however, noted that although sensitisation efforts are necessary, they are not effective without addressing underlying issues.
CAPPA said, “Cholera is an infectious disease that causes diarrhoea and severe dehydration and is typically spread through unsafe water and food contaminated with the bacterium Vibrio cholerae.”
“The disease, even though preventable, is particularly vicious in areas where sanitary facilities are insufficient, and the availability of safe water supply is inadequate.”
It further noted that the only way to control cholera is by effectively managing public water and sanitation systems.
The statement added that CAPPA’s Executive Director, Akinbode Oluwafemi pointed out that “Unfortunately, millions of Nigerians still suffer an acute lack of access to potable water supply and depend on unsafe water sources for utility.”
“The recurring cholera crisis in Nigeria is worsened by the increasing trend of privatisation of basic amenities, including public water supply, by state authorities.”
“Where profit motives outweigh the intimate needs of the people, vulnerable populations suffer the most and are left defenceless against water-borne outbreaks such as cholera.”
CAPPA’s Policy and Research Officer, Zikora Ibeh also noted that though Lagos State government has acknowledged the severity of the situation and announced that urban slums and overcrowded areas are particularly at risk, its acknowledgement must include actionable plans and solutions that prioritise public welfare over corporate interests.
Akinbode added “Nigeria’s cholera problem is also a matter of the inequality in our society. For instance, Lagos State, which hosts millions of inhabitants and presents itself as one of the most progressive cities in the country, still lacks adequate public water supply and sanitation facilities — both fundamental human rights essential for the well-being of people.”
“Yet, the state’s continued underinvestment in public water infrastructure, massive retrenchment of public water workers, and transfer of water responsibilities to third-party vendors and market-oriented investors seeking to make cut-throat profits from the basic needs of citizens dismiss and exacerbate this issue.”
“This has left many residents, especially low-income earners and informal community inhabitants, unable to afford the cost of water, reliant on unsafe water sources, and exposed to preventable diseases.”
“To prevent future outbreaks of cholera and safeguard public health, political will is required. There must be an intentional and substantial budgetary investment in public water delivery and sanitation systems across the country, particularly in informal and marginalised communities.”
CAPPA further called on the Nigerian government and state authorities to institutionalise the development of adequate public water supply systems to ensure that all citizens, regardless of their socio-economic status, have access to clean and safe drinking water.
It also urged government to fund public health facilities and improve the capacity of health professionals so they can respond to emergencies efficiently.
Going on, the organisation advised citizens to protect their health by boiling water before drinking it and also maintain proper sanitation and hygiene practices, such as washing their hands regularly with soap and clean water, especially before eating and after using the toilet.
Lastly, it urged citizens to immediately report to local health centres whenever they notice cholera symptoms.
