Adekunle Adekoya: Cholera Outbreak Reflects Deeper Systemic Challenges

Adekunle Adekoya: Cholera Outbreak Reflects Deeper Systemic Challenges....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

When we make progress by a mile, it often feels like setbacks drag us back by ten miles. Recently, alarming reports of a cholera outbreak have surfaced in our country, particularly in Lagos, our epitome of urban development. Lives have been lost, and many more are hospitalized. It’s disheartening considering we believed cholera was a thing of the past, recalling the epidemic that plagued us in the early 1970s.

Back then, in my small village of Gbawojo in Ogun State, six people succumbed to cholera in 1971 while I attended primary school in Sagamu. The government swiftly intervened with immunization campaigns, leaving a scar on my left forearm as a reminder. We thought we had defeated cholera for good, with only sporadic outbreaks since then. Yet, here we are today. What happened to the sustained efforts that kept cholera at bay? Why did public health authorities overlook warning signs until lives were lost?

The influx of migrants into Lagos daily exacerbates the situation. Many settle in makeshift places lacking basic amenities, resorting to open defecation, which breeds the cholera-causing bacteria. This rampant practice underscores the urgent need for better sanitation across all states, not just Lagos.

Additionally, street food, a hallmark of urban life globally, lacks adequate regulation here. Unhygienic food preparation practices at bus stops and markets contribute to the spread of diseases like cholera. The negligence of public health officials in enforcing standards allows contamination to thrive, endangering consumers daily.

Furthermore, the broader context of insecurity in parts of the country may indirectly contribute to health crises elsewhere. As political leaders struggle to address security challenges, the populace faces compounding health threats. The lack of proactive governance and solutions exacerbates these issues, leaving citizens vulnerable.

As I recover from malaria and typhoid fever, the escalating costs of treatment highlight the broader healthcare challenges. The cost of medical care has skyrocketed, reflecting a systemic failure to address longstanding health issues effectively. Amidst this, there’s a glaring absence of political will to tackle endemic problems like malaria, which persists despite the billions spent on treatments.

In conclusion, unless substantial changes are made in governance and public health strategy, we risk spiraling deeper into crises like cholera outbreaks and escalating healthcare costs. The urgent need for effective leadership and comprehensive health policies cannot be overstated, lest we continue to pay the price for governmental neglect.