A virologist and public health expert, Dr. Solomon Chollom, has identified inadequate water and sanitation infrastructure—not a lack of public awareness—as the major driver of recurring cholera outbreaks across Nigeria.
Chollom stated this in an interview on Wednesday in Abuja while reacting to the ongoing cholera outbreak in Plateau State, which has claimed five lives and infected dozens of residents in Mangu Local Government Area.
According to him, awareness campaigns have significantly improved public understanding of cholera prevention, but many communities still lack the basic infrastructure needed to put that knowledge into practice.
“Knowledge is not the problem; infrastructure is,” he said.
“People understand the importance of drinking clean water, washing their hands and maintaining proper hygiene, but many communities do not have access to the facilities and services required to practice these measures consistently.”
Chollom explained that cholera thrives in areas with limited access to safe drinking water, functional sewage systems and effective waste management facilities.
He noted that the rainy season further heightens the risk of outbreaks by contaminating water sources and spreading disease-causing organisms across communities.
The public health expert said the outbreak in Plateau State highlights the urgent need for sustained investment in water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) infrastructure, particularly in rural and underserved communities.
He commended the Plateau State Government for swiftly activating emergency response measures, including the establishment of treatment centers, the deployment of rapid response teams, and the provision of medical supplies to affected areas.
However, he stressed that long-term infrastructure development remains the most effective strategy for preventing future outbreaks.
“We must move from reacting to outbreaks to preventing them,” he said.
“That means ensuring communities have reliable access to clean water, proper drainage systems and adequate sanitation facilities.”
Chollom also urged residents of affected communities to comply with public health advisories by treating drinking water, maintaining proper hygiene and seeking immediate medical attention when symptoms such as diarrhea and vomiting occur.
He warned that delays in seeking treatment often increase the risk of severe illness and death, particularly among children, the elderly and other vulnerable groups.
The Plateau State Government recently confirmed five deaths, 11 laboratory-confirmed cases and 53 suspected cholera infections in Mangu Local Government Area.
The outbreak has affected the Pushit, Mangu One and Mangu Two communities, prompting health authorities to intensify surveillance, case management and community sensitization efforts to curb its spread.
Health officials have also warned that continued rainfall and flooding could accelerate transmission to neighboring communities if preventive measures are not strictly observed.
SOURCE: NAN
