A coalition of Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) on Thursday in Bauchi called on all stakeholders to join in the fight to end the spread of cholera and also of the COVID-19.
Bauchi State chairman of the coalition, Malam Sondangi Chindo, said at a news briefing to commemorate the 2020 global Hand-Washing Day that ending cholera and the spread of COVID-19 required multifaceted approach and strong collaboration across relevant sectors and actors.
“There is a need for improved political will and proactive government action; a blend of surveillance; water and sanitation intervention hygiene and promotion; social mobilisation and treatment to have cholera and COVID-19 free state,’’ he said.
He explained that recurrent cholera outbreaks in the state could be attributed largely to inadequate clean water supply and poor hygiene practices.
According to him, the provision of safe water and sanitation among other things is critical to controlling the transmission of cholera and other water-borne diseases.
Ahmed urged the government to ensure sustainable water sanitation and hygiene in Bauchi State communities with poor access to Water Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) services.
He also called for the domestication of the national WASH and COVID-19 guidelines in the state.
He equally urged the state government to review its annual budgets to adequately reflect prevention strategies against infectious diseases and to also ensure that funds allocated were released.
The theme for the 2020 global Hand-washing Day ay is “Hand hygiene for all”.
This year’s commemoration in Bauchi State was implemented by the Women Development Association for Self-Sustenance with the support of WaterAid Nigeria.