Cholera has ravaged many communities in Nigeria of which my state of resident,Anambra, is affected.

Anambra state is the central to the south east region of Nigeria and has undergone massive development in recent years especially with the former governor of the state Mr. Peter Obi, who was very committed to achieving the Millennium Development Goals(MDGs) in all sectors of the state's economy.

Be that as it may, the state,just like any other in Nigeria, still has many rural areas in its fold and it's one of such area that Cholera visited. 

An outbreak of Cholera,which is a water borne disease, was witnessed in Anambra west with victims, casualties and even deaths recorded.

Worried by the outbreak, I made contacts with the commissioner for health in the state, Dr. Joe Akabuike, and we agreed on an appointment.

On Friday-last week, I visited the commissioner in his office to find out how much damage this new outbreak has done.

Dr. Akabuike revealed that out of the 98 cases recorded, as of the time we met, 85 cases have been treated, 11 deaths recorded and 2 patients still on admission. According to the commissioner, Owelle is the worst hit community in Anambra west.

I was struck with disbelief to learn that this(Cholera) too,has claimed human lives. Not one,not two but eleven. 

I felt sad and ashamed that Cholera was such a big issue in Anambra state at this age but after learning the cause, it was easier to understand why the outbreak occurred but then, I found it hard to understand why human lives were lost to this outbreak.

The commissioner explained that open defecation was one of the major reasons why the outbreak occurred as inhabitants of the area defecate openly without at least covering their excretes and when the rain comes, it washes down everything to the water bodies from where the people of Owelle source their cooking and drinking water and water for other purposes. Owing to the fact that it's a rural community, they known little about making water clean and it's importance hence the ease through which this Cholera reached the level of an outbreak there.

But then, the state government's response has been good enough.

The government has commissioned a borehole project in the community added to their provision of about 2000 cartons of bottled water for the people of Owelle as an immediate intervention measure.

The commissioner urged the affected community to not only desist from open defecation and-at least- dig their toilets but also raise their hygiene level.

I am worried by this outbreak as it has taken the precious live of people who called Anambra state home but then, I will make sure,through interactions and possible collaboration with the state government, that the living in the affected communities truly enjoy lives with clean water and zero case of cholera.

My time and energy it will take but for the environment, I will always give my all.

NB: The picture below was taken in my last visit to the commissioner as  I didn't take pictures this time around.