Dr. Ekwebene leads fight against cholera, infectious diseases

As Nigeria grapples with severe cholera outbreak, the Federal Government and stakeholders in the health sector have advocated for implementation of extensive measures to stem the disease’s spread, including initiatives to provide clean water, enhance sanitation facilities, and conduct mass vaccination campaigns.

Leading the charge in the battle is public health figure, Dr. Onyeka Ekwebene, whose extensive background in clinical research, infectious disease management and community health has proven invaluable in crafting effective strategies to combat cholera and protect vulnerable populations.

Dr. Ekwebene, leveraging his comprehensive academic and professional experience spanning Nigeria and international arenas, possesses a deep-rooted understanding of epidemic control and public health strategies. His direct involvement in managing cholera outbreaks and conducting research in northern Nigeria in 2010 has equipped him with practical insights crucial for addressing the current public health crisis.

Speaking with Daily Sun via zoom, Dr Ekwebene said the cholera outbreak in Nigeria demands a multifaceted approach, integrating immediate medical interventions with long-term public health strategies.

The government committee on the control of cholera pandemic in Nigeria has emphasised the critical need for sustained collaboration among stakeholders in the health sector amidst a nationwide outbreak that has already claimed dozens of lives and affected thousands.

Dr. Ekwebene urged the newly established cabinet committee by the Federal Ministry of Health to intensify ongoing public sensitisation efforts led by the National Orientation Agency. (NOA), stressing the imperative for state governments to combat open defecation, advocating for robust awareness campaigns and stringent law enforcement.

Highlighting the urgency, Dr. Ekwebene underscored the necessity for clean water provisions in rural areas and suburban outskirts, alongside promoting hygiene practices among food vendors, students, healthcare facilities, and businesses.

He urged Nigerians to support government initiatives, emphasising preventive measures like vaccination campaigns, stringent hygiene practices and cooperation with healthcare providers to effectively curb the spread of cholera.

“Amidst Nigeria’s recent cholera outbreak, understanding the disease and its symptoms becomes pivotal for effective prevention and treatment.

Cholera, caused by Vibrio cholerae bacteria, primarily presents with symptoms such as watery diarrhea, vomiting, and severe dehydration, which can be fatal if untreated,”  Ekwebene said, as he emphasised community education on these symptoms and the importance of early diagnosis.

“Examining epidemiological data, including incidence rates, geographical distribution, and affected populations, are essential for understanding the outbreak’s scale and spread. Public health experts are intensifying efforts to identify primary transmission routes such as contaminated water and food, pinpointing hotspots for effective intervention.

We utilise this data to implement targeted control measures aimed at halting further disease transmission.

Several factors drive Nigeria’s current cholera outbreak, including inadequate access to safe drinking water and poor sanitation infrastructure. Contaminated water sources, coupled with improper hygiene practices and seasonal flooding, exacerbate the spread of the disease. Population displacement due to conflicts or natural disasters further complicates efforts to control cholera by creating overcrowded living conditions with limited access to essential health services.

Public health experts, including Dr. Ekwebene, are actively addressing these challenges through robust awareness campaigns and community education, aiming to prevent future outbreaks.

These experts are implementing rigorous prevention and control measures. Key priorities include ensuring access to safe drinking water, improving sanitation infrastructure, and conducting mass vaccination campaigns using oral cholera vaccines (OCVs). Establishing treatment centers for prompt medical care and enhancing community education on proper hygiene practices and cholera symptoms are integral parts of these efforts. Long-term strategies focus on strengthening healthcare infrastructure and enhancing water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) facilities in vulnerable areas to build resilience against future outbreaks.

Dr. Ekwebene’s leadership in these initiatives underscores the critical role of evidence-based strategies in mitigating cholera’s impact and safeguarding public health across Nigeria.

Dr. Ekwebene who is currently based in the United States with profound roots and significant experience in Nigeria, offers valuable recommendations amidst the outbreak. Leveraging his dual perspective of local insights and international best practices in epidemic response, Dr. Ekwebene advocates for a comprehensive approach integrating immediate medical interventions with sustainable public health strategies.

He said addressing Nigeria’s cholera outbreak demands a comprehensive strategy that blends immediate medical interventions with sustainable public health measures.

By fostering community engagement, enhancing sanitation infrastructure, and implementing evidence-based practices, public health experts actively work to mitigate the current outbreak’s impact and prevent future occurrences.

Through collaborative efforts and proactive initiatives such as vaccination campaigns and improved hygiene education, we aim to strengthen Nigeria’s healthcare resilience and ensure the well-being of all communities affected by cholera.

Public affairs analyst, Chigbo Jackson Iwuanorue said Dr. Ekwebene is a household name in health issues, as he urged the government  to widen collaboration to ensure a disease free country.