The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has launched a critical public health campaign to combat the ongoing cholera outbreak, urging citizens to adopt stringent hygiene practices to protect themselves and their loved ones.

The alert, posted on X Thursday by @NCDCgov, highlights the severity of cholera and provides actionable steps to prevent its spread.

Cholera, a bacterial disease caused by the ingestion of contaminated water or food, is currently a pressing concern in Nigeria. The NCDC’s advisory emphasizes that the illness can lead to severe diarrhea and dehydration, which, if untreated, can be fatal.

To curb the outbreak, the NCDC recommends the following preventive measures:

Drinking safe, treated water to avoid contamination.

Washing hands regularly with soap under clean running water to eliminate bacteria.

Cooking food thoroughly to kill potential pathogens.

Keeping your environment clean to reduce the risk of contamination.

The campaign, branded under the hashtag #StopCholera, aligns with the NCDC’s broader mission to enhance public health through education and proactive measures.

The post also encourages the public to stay safe and healthy, reinforcing the importance of collective action with hashtags like #HealthyLiving, #NCDCNigeria, #CleanWater, and #HygieneMatters.

This renewed push comes amid recurring cholera outbreaks in Nigeria, a challenge exacerbated by environmental factors, inadequate sanitation, and limited access to clean water.

The NCDC continues to collaborate with partners, including the World Health Organization (WHO) and UNICEF, through the multi-sectoral National Cholera Technical Working Group, to support affected states and advocate for improved infrastructure.