Experts emphasise cholera precautionary measures as NYSC camps open nationwide

As the 37 permanent camps of the National Youth Service Corps open across the nation to thousands of potential corps members for their three-week orientation exercise starting on June 26, 2024, medical experts have emphasised the significance of taking preventative measures.

They claim that unhygienic conditions, a lack of clean water sources, and a shortage of cleaning supplies can put them at risk for a cholera outbreak.

According to experts, there are instances when sanitation and hygiene problems occur in these camps, which makes it easier for illnesses and diseases to spread.

Kayode Osagbemi, a consultant public health physician at the University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital in Kwara State and a professor of public health at the University of Ilorin, urged the NYSC authorities to make sure the camps are hygienic and fit for occupancy before potential corps members resume.
He claimed that in order to stop the spread of cholera and other diseases, now is the ideal time to establish a clean water supply and environmental sanitation.

Osagbemi declared, "Prevention is easier, better, and less expensive than treatment, so we don't need to wait until they become infected before we start treating them. We would advise against advising people to avoid camps due to cholera; instead, it's crucial to follow the precautionary measures.

While some camps receive their water from water tankers, others have access to safe and clean boreholes and piped water; therefore, a large amount of water needs to be treated before being sent to the camps.

Additionally, corps members must adhere to the regulations regarding environmental sanitation, personal hygiene, and regular washing of hands. If they can abide by that, there’s no risk or there’s no reason to stop them from going to the camps.
"The same principles apply to them, including the universities, just as they do to the schools as they resume after the break. Anywhere there is a large gathering of people, meticulous hygiene must be followed.

In order to guarantee safe camping for each corps member, the public health expert emphasised the necessity of coordinated efforts by the federal government, state governments, pertinent agencies, and partners.

Additionally, Dr. Laz Eze, a specialist in public health policy and management, defined cholera as an infectious disease caused by bacteria that is fatal but preventable.

"Poor environmental hygiene, unsafe drinking water, unclean toilets, open defecation, and poor hand hygiene are risk factors for contracting and spreading cholera," said Eze, who is also the CEO of TalkHealth9ja.

"In order to prevent cholera, appropriate education for the inhabitants of the NYSC camps on water hygiene, environmental sanitation, and hand hygiene. Safe drinking water, clean toilets, and proper waste disposal should be made available.
"Plates should be cleaned with safe, clean water, food should be cooked correctly, and corps members should regularly wash their hands with soap and running water."

Speaking as well, Dr. Lekan Adelakun, Team Leader/Chief Executive at Q-Impact Medicare, stated that NYSC officials had a duty to guarantee the safety of corps members within the camps.

"They have to make sure that they live a healthy lifestyle, that their kitchens are healthy, that their meals are prepared correctly, and that they are healthy themselves. Cleaning up the environment is necessary, especially with regard to food hygiene. Adelakun advised, "They have to make sure that anyone experiencing gastrointestinal symptoms is taken to the hospital right away and educate the corps members on preventive measures."

Our correspondent made multiple phone calls and sent messages via WhatsApp in an attempt to speak with Eddy Megwa, the NYSC's Director of Press and Public Relations, about ways to stop the cholera outbreak and its spread within the camps. However, our efforts were unsuccessful.