The National Orientation Agency (NOA) has launched an intensified campaign to curb the spread of infectious diseases across Nigeria.
In a statement released on Friday and signed by Deputy Director of Publicity Paul Odenyi, the NOA emphasized its commitment to preventing three seasonal diseases—cholera, meningitis, and Lassa fever—which pose recurring health threats across different regions.
The NOA’s Director-General, Lanre Issa-Onilu, explained that a major factor in the persistent outbreaks of these diseases is the lack of public awareness regarding preventive measures. He highlighted that extreme heat in northern Nigeria fosters the spread of Cerebrospinal Meningitis (CSM), while cholera outbreaks are often linked to poor sanitation, particularly open defecation, which contaminates water sources.
The campaign initially focused on Lassa fever when it began in August 2024 but is now shifting toward CSM awareness as the hot season intensifies. It will further expand in April with an emphasis on cholera prevention, coinciding with the rainy season.
The first phase of the initiative is already active in states from Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones, including Ondo, Edo, Kogi, Taraba, Benue, Bauchi, and Ebonyi. These states were selected based on data from the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC). Plans are in place to extend the campaign to Yobe and Borno, where past CSM outbreaks have been recorded.
The NOA outlined several key preventive measures to help reduce the spread of these diseases, urging citizens to maintain proper hygiene, wash hands regularly with soap or sanitizer, ensure food is safely handled, and keep their surroundings clean.
With this focused approach, the NOA aims to reduce the annual cycle of outbreaks and improve public health awareness nationwide.
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