Mrs. Temitayo Olotu, the Apex Nurse and Deputy Director of Nursing Services at Gbagada General Hospital in Lagos, emphasized the importance of early hospital presentation for cholera patients during a medical outreach organized as part of the 2024 International Nurses Week.
Olotu addressed the heightened cases of cholera in Oworu, Kosofe LCDA, urging residents to prioritize good hygiene practices and maintain clean environments. She cautioned against self-medication and advised against consuming food from unclean sources to prevent the spread of cholera.
Highlighting the severity of the recent cholera outbreak in Lagos, which resulted in five deaths from 60 reported cases within 48 hours, Olotu stressed the urgency of seeking medical attention promptly if individuals experience frequent vomiting or diarrhea. She underscored the risk of death associated with cholera and urged the community to remain vigilant.
As part of their efforts to commemorate International Nurses Week, Olotu mentioned that over 200 individuals benefited from the medical outreach, receiving free testing for blood sugar levels and blood pressure, as well as medications tailored to their health needs. She encouraged Lagos State residents to leverage the “Ilera Eko” State Health Insurance scheme, which offers subsidized healthcare services, making it more accessible for the community.
Additionally, Mrs. Jibike Olasheni, Deputy Director of Nursing Services in the Operating Theatre Department, highlighted the celebration of nurses’ contributions to healthcare during the International Nurses Week. She outlined various activities undertaken, including physical fitness exercises and educational workshops focused on report writing and ethical principles in nursing, aimed at enhancing professional development among nurses.
Overall, the initiatives led by Mrs. Olotu and her team underscore the critical role of healthcare professionals in promoting community health awareness and access to essential medical services, particularly during outbreaks such as cholera.