Following the cholera outbreak in Lagos and other states in Nigeria, UNICEF has issued a call for extensive measures to protect school children and prevent disruption of the academic calendar. Celine Lafoucrier, the chief of UNICEF Lagos Field Office, emphasized the critical impact of cholera outbreaks on children and young people.
Lafoucrier highlighted that children are particularly vulnerable to cholera due to their susceptibility to severe dehydration and high mortality rates associated with the disease. She stressed the urgent need for improved sanitation, hygiene practices, and access to clean water in schools to combat the outbreak effectively. Regular handwashing with soap and clean water was emphasized as a crucial preventive measure.
UNICEF also urged for widespread awareness campaigns across Nigeria to educate the public about cholera outbreaks and the necessary preventive measures. This proactive approach aims to mitigate the spread of cholera among school children and the broader population, thereby safeguarding public health and ensuring uninterrupted educational activities.