Efforts to sensitised Federal Capital Territory communities on cholera and severe diarrhoea diseases outbreak has been intensified as the death toll from the diseases rises from 54 to 60.
The FCT Minister of State, Dr Ramatu Aliyu, revealed this in Abuja on Thursday at the continuation of sensitisation on cholera and other acute diarrhoea diseases in Pyakasa and Gwagwa communities.
Aliyu, who was represented by Dr Iwot Ndaeyo, the acting Executive Secretary of FCT Primary Health Care Board, said that suspected cases of cholera in the territory rose from 604 to 698 within 72 hours.
Noting that Abaji Area Council recorded three suspected cases with no death, she said, “Abuja Municipal Area Council recorded 281 suspected cases with 22 deaths and Bwari Area Council recorded 134 suspected cases with 22 deaths.
“In Gwagwalada Area Council, 220 suspected cases with nine deaths were recorded, Kuje Area Council had 23 suspected cases with four deaths and Kwali Area Council recorded 37 suspected cases with three deaths.”
She described the development as “unacceptable in the FCT”, adding that the administration would not fold its hands and watch residents die helplessly over preventable diseases.
“We must take every necessary step to curb the further spread,” said and called on FCT residents and critical stakeholders to publicise the message of cholera prevention, proper sanitation with the practice of hand hygiene in their respective communities.