Bayelsa dismisses reports of Cholera outbreak

From Femi Folaranmi, Yenagoa

The Bayelsa State Government has dismissed reports of cholera outbreaks in some communities in Nembe Local Government Area.

There have been reports suggesting that the cholera outbreak has led to the death of some people and the hospitalisation of a large number of victims.

However, Commissioner for Health, Prof. Seiyefa Brisibe, has allayed such fears, declaring that Bayelsa has no recorded cholera cases.

Brisibe who was in Nembe Local Government Area in the company of the Commissioner for Environment, Mr. Ben Ololo for on-the-spot assessment and evaluation of reported cases of gastrointestinal ailments.

Brisibe who assessed patients suffering from gastrointestinal illnesses promptly referred them to the General Hospital Ogbolomabiri with the directive that they should be treated free of charge.

At the Opu-Nembe Primary Health Care Centre and Cottage Hospital, he also ensured all patients with gastrointestinal issues were given free treatment and provided with necessary medical supplies.

Brisibe disclosed that there have been no records of deaths caused by cholera or any other diseases in the state, stressing that those with gastrointestinal ailments are receiving great care.

According to Prof. Brisibe, the government has been able to establish a linkage between primary health care and secondary care aimed at strengthening our health system, so even after this situation in Nembe, the health system will be better for it and will pave way for a resilient health system.

“Solutions to health problems are sometimes multidisciplinary, and the visit was a clear example of partnership in working together as the Ministry of Health, Environment, and Water Resources collaborated with the State government’s role to safeguard the lives and properties of the people of Nembe.

“As a government that stands tall for the people, and with the directives of the Governor, Douye Diri, all treatments and transportation of patients have been made free of charge. Frontline healthcare workers and everyone involved were thanked by our team for, of course, a job well done.

“With this urgent and serious intervention, we are not going to have any mortality and the epidemics issue will also go down as soon as possible.”