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From Isaac Job, Uyo
An expert on Health Economy based in the United States of America Olakunle Ajayi has advised the federal government to adopt robust surveillance health system to curtail spread of cholera to other parts of the country.
Speaking in Uyo Akwa Ibom state capital on Friday , Ajayi said his advice was predicated on the recent United Nations International Children Emergency Fund (UNICEF) report of Cholera outbreak in Nigeria released on June 14, 2024, which has resulted in numerous hospital admissions and death tolls in some states .
Ajayi who works with United States Centre for Disease Control and Prevention explained that there was urgent need for effective control measures of the disease .
He recommended elaborate health surveillance systems function as the first line of defense in managing outbreaks.
He also identified several key components of an effective health surveillance system to include early detection, data analysis, resource allocation and public communication.
Ajayi explained that early detection is crucial for timely identification of cases, allowing a quick response that reduces the number of cases and prevents widespread transmission.
“Analyzing data helps understand the spread and impact of the disease, identifying hotspots, tracking the progression of the outbreak, and predicting future trends.
“With accurate data, resources such as medical supplies, clean water, and sanitation facilities, as well as human resources like healthcare workers, can be directed to where they are needed most.
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“Effective communication with the public is essential to keep people informed about the outbreak and preventive measures, reducing panic and encouraging practices that limit the spread of the disease.”
Drawing on his experience managing large-scale public health intervention programs, Ajayi emphasized the effectiveness of the Integrated Disease Surveillance and Response (IDSR).
He explained that such system has proven invaluable for public health managers and decision-makers in improving the detection and response to major causes of illness in African nations.
The health expert also recommended collaboration with local and international partners which he said includes increasing surveillance activities, enhancing laboratory capacities for quicker diagnosis, and improving water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) practices in affected communities.
“With the right strategies and collective effort, we can overcome this outbreak and prevent future ones.”
Olakunle Ayayi based in U. S
