The National Orientation Agency (NOA) has launched an intensified campaign aimed at preventing the spread of infectious diseases across Nigeria. This initiative, announced on Friday, specifically targets cholera, meningitis, and Lassa fever, which are prevalent in various regions of the country during specific seasons.
In a statement, the NOA emphasized its commitment to curbing the recurrence of these diseases, attributing their spread to a lack of public awareness regarding preventive measures. The Director-General of NOA highlighted that extreme heat, particularly in northern Nigeria, significantly contributes to the spread of Cerebrospinal Meningitis (CSM), a condition that flourishes in hot conditions.
The campaign, which initially began in August 2024 to raise awareness about Lassa fever, is now transitioning its focus to CSM as the country braces for hotter months. Acknowledging that cholera outbreaks are often linked to inadequate sanitation practices, the NOA aims to address the contamination of water sources caused by open defecation in various communities.
Set to gain traction in April with the onset of the rainy season, the campaign is currently active in select states across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones, including Ondo, Edo, Kogi, Taraba, Benue, Bauchi, and Ebonyi. These locations were strategically chosen based on data from the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control. The effort is expected to expand into Yobe and Borno, regions that have previously reported CSM outbreaks.
The NOA has outlined several essential preventive measures for citizens to adhere to, such as practicing good personal hygiene, washing hands regularly with soap or sanitizer, ensuring food is safely processed, and maintaining a clean environment. This integrated approach aims to significantly reduce the incidence of these infectious diseases across Nigeria.
