Anambra is among the states in Nigeria that have been hit by the recent flood disasters.
The state's Governor has expressed fear over the state having a possible outbreak of cholera and other infectious diseases following the state's devastating flood.
Anambra Government Expresses Fear Over Possible Cholera Outbreak
Chioma Ezenyimulu, the Executive Secretary, of Anambra State Primary Healthcare Development Agency(ASPHCDA), raised the concern on Thursday at a one-day media engagement in Awka, ahead of the forthcoming State Measles Campaign.
Ms. Ezenyimulu, represented by Placid Uliagbapusi, the State Director, Disease Control and Immunisation, said that the campaign will start October 25th and end November 2nd.
She said that the state had scheduled the measles vaccine campaign, but the flood disaster in seven out of the 21 local government areas had increased fears of a possible outbreak of cholera and other diseases.
She said they are worried that with the devastating flood, the state can witness cholera and other infectious diseases.
The health official, therefore, urged the public to observe good hygiene and keep the environment clean to avoid any outbreak.
Ms. Ezenyimulu, while responding to questions from reporters, said the measles vaccine campaign would be shifted to the seven local government areas where the impact of the flood disaster is high.
She said that the forthcoming campaign is a stand-alone, targeting the state's 95 percent baseline coverage, adding that "the target group is 9-59 months".
Christian Maluchukwu, an official of the World Health, in a goodwill message, urged the public and the media to support the campaign.
He said the state has recorded the death of 19 children and 500 cases due to measles recorded recently in 16 local government areas.
Mr. Christian said measles usually happens around February and November, adding that if people actively take part, the problem could be avoided.
Representatives of the United Nations by the International Children Emergency Fund and the National Primary Healthcare Development Agency delivered messages at the event, which was attended by over 60 journalists and other participants.
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