The Minister of Environment Balarabe Lawal has directed the collection of water and food samples from endemic communities for analysis to isolate the cholera vibrio.
This was revealed by the Minister said the ministry was also collaborating with sister agencies to prevent further outbreak of the disease.
Lawal spoke in a statement to mark the National Environmental Sanitation Day 2024.
Represented by the Minister by the Minister of State for Environment, Dr. Iziaq Salako, Lawal said the ministry has activated Environmental Health personnel across the three tiers of governments to embark on environmental monitoring and surveillance of restaurants and small food vendors are certified environmentally healthy and promised to make sure all conform with the sanitation standard.
He said: “Today, we join the global community in observing World Environmental Sanitation Day, a day designated by the United Nations to raise awareness about the crucial role of sanitation in strengthening public health. This year’s celebration is a significant reminder of the importance of maintaining clean and healthy environments for all.”
He emphasised the need for collaborative efforts at all levels of society to ensure sustainable sanitation solutions.
“As we commemorate this important day, let us all recommit to taking proactive steps to keep our surroundings clean, promote hygiene, and support policies that enhance sanitation infrastructure,” he stated.
The minister directed the Environmental Health Registration Council under the leadership of the Registrar, Dr. Baba Yakubu to provide Chlorine in large quantities as an intervention for massive chlorination of Water sources.