HealthNews

Hope for Health: Tackling Cholera Through Clean Water and Community Action in Lagos

2 Mins read

By Bunmi Yekini

As Lagos State battles a cholera outbreak that has claimed 21 lives and affected 436 residents as of June 30, 2024, a new initiative is set to bring relief to some of the hardest-hit communities. The Society for Water and Sanitation (NEWSAN), in partnership with USAID, has launched the Lagos Urban Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (LUWASH) project to combat cholera risks and improve public health in Ajeromi-Ifelodun and Amuwo-Odofin Local Government Areas (LGAs).

The project, with the theme “Enhancing WASH System Services and Community Engagement towards Eradicating Cholera Risk and Improving Public Health,” will span one year and focus on four wards: Awo-diora, Alayabiagba, Abule Osun, and Odofin. It aims to improve access to clean water and sanitation, strengthen cholera control measures, and empower communities through education and engagement.

Speaking during an advocacy visit to the Ajeromi-Ifelodun Local Government Secretariat, Hon. Lucky Uduikhue, the Deputy Chairman, expressed strong support for the initiative. “This is a laudable project that addresses a critical need in our community. We are committed to working with NEWSAN to ensure its success. With clean water and better sanitation, we can prevent further loss of lives,” he said.

The NEWSAN LUWASH team, led by Program Officer Evans Enwefah, emphasized the project’s comprehensive approach. “This project is not just about infrastructure but about changing lives. We are here to ensure effective implementation, working closely with the local government and community leaders to create sustainable solutions,” Enwefah stated.

Read Also:NEWSAN Launches LUWASH Project to Combat Cholera and Improve Public Health in Lagos Communities

The Deputy Chairman authorized NEWSAN to begin project implementation and directed the team to collaborate with the Department of Environmental Services. Mr. Idris L.O., Head of Environmental Services and Waste Management, reaffirmed his department’s readiness to support the project.

The cholera outbreak in Lagos has been fueled by poor hygiene, inadequate water infrastructure, and weak waste management systems, challenges exacerbated by the state’s rapid urbanization and frequent flooding. The LUWASH project aims to tackle these issues through a multi-sectoral approach that includes:

  • Improving access to clean water and sanitation facilities.
  • Supporting the National Cholera Control Plan.
  • Identifying and addressing cholera hotspots.
  • Strengthening community capacity for WASH practices.
  • Enhancing monitoring and response systems.

Community engagement will be central to the project, with plans to empower local leaders, raise awareness, and educate residents on best hygiene practices to prevent the spread of waterborne diseases.

NEWSAN’s commitment to tackling cholera and improving public health resonates with residents’ hopes for a healthier future. The project promises to impact the targeted communities by addressing the root causes of water and sanitation challenges.

Related posts
Climate and EnvironmentNews

Lagos Partners with Lafarge Africa to Convert Waste to Energy

1 Mins read
By Damilola Abiola In a landmark move to enhance waste management and sustainability, the Lagos State Government on Monday signed a Memorandum…
Foreign and DiplomaticNews

Mahmoud Ali Youssouf Elected as New AU Commission Chairperson

1 Mins read
By HeapNews The African Union (AU) has elected Mahmoud Ali Youssouf from Djibouti as the new Chairperson of the AU Commission, with…
Crime, Safety & SecurityNews

NDLEA Busts Major Drug Trafficking Syndicate, Seizes Millions Worth of Narcotics

2 Mins read
By HeapNews In a series of intelligence-led operations, the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has dismantled a trans-border drug trafficking syndicate,…
Subscribe To Our Newsletters 

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.