Dr. Babatunde Ogunbosi from the University College Hospital in Ibadan sheds light on the prevalent issue of cholera in Nigeria, providing essential insights on the causes and predisposing factors for this infectious disease. Cholera, a water-borne illness caused by the bacterium Vibrio cholerae, is primarily transmitted through the faecal-oral route, emphasizing the critical role of poor sanitation and open defecation in its prevalence. With approximately 48 million Nigerians still practicing open defecation, the impact on public health and the environment is dire, as untreated faeces contaminate surface waters, leading to a heightened risk of cholera outbreaks during the early rains.
Furthermore, the inadequate availability of clean water exacerbates the situation, as only about 18 million people in Nigeria have access to pipe-borne water supply, constituting less than 10% of the population. This stark figure underscores the urgency of addressing the challenges in water supply and sanitation infrastructure to curb the spread of cholera effectively.
Dr. Ogunbosi’s explanation on the water-based transmission of cholera serves as a wake-up call to prioritize comprehensive strategies for improving sanitation facilities nationwide. His interview underscores the vital need for robust public health interventions and education to mitigate the risks posed by cholera, emphasizing preventive measures and the importance of safe water supply and proper waste disposal methods.
Given the gravity of the situation, the insights shared by Dr. Ogunbosi serve as a clarion call for concerted efforts from authorities, health practitioners, and communities to combat cholera effectively, safeguarding the well-being of the Nigerian population and averting the devastating impact of this persistent public health threat.
