Weather advisory: FCT issues urgent warning for children, elderly
Mothers and carers in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) have been advised to take extra safety measures to safeguard children and the elderly during the rainy season.
The FCT Mandate Secretary for Health Services and Environment, Adedolapo Fasawe, states that this is being done to lessen the danger of infections that are more common during this time of year, both communicable and non communicable.
Speaking on Thursday, July 25, in Abuja, Fasawe stressed the significance of protecting everyone's health and safety, especially the most vulnerable populations, who are more prone to respiratory ailments and the flu because of high humidity and rain exposure.
She suggested providing these folks with rain gear, quick-drying clothes, umbrellas, and waterproof shoes or boots.
Fasawe also emphasised how crucial it is to keep the environment clean in order to stop mosquito reproduction and lower the risk of malaria.
This includes routinely clearing up stagnant water and appropriately covering water that has been kept, according to the Mandate Secretary in a statement provided by her Senior Special Assistant (SSA) on Media, Bola Ajao.
To keep mosquitoes and other dangerous insects out of houses, she suggested using insecticide-treated mosquito netting and closing doors and windows.
She pointed out that the contamination of water supplies by rainfall leads to an increase in the prevalence of diseases like cholera, typhoid, and diarrhoea.
She advised boiling drinking water before using it to prevent waterborne illnesses, and she urged everyone to make sure their food is prepared to perfection, covered to keep flies away, and fruits and vegetables are thoroughly washed before consumption.
In case of illness, the Mandate Secretary advised that professional medical care should be sought rather than self-medicating, emphasizing that taking preventive measures is always better than seeking treatment for preventable illnesses.
She also encouraged mothers and caregivers to invest time and adhere to preventive measures to safeguard the lives of the elderly and children during the rainy season.
Noting that proper feeding, protective clothing, and timely medical attention are crucial during this period, she said, “The government has implemented measures to protect vulnerable groups, such as providing a free insurance scheme, conducting advocacy campaigns on mother and child health, and promoting continuous sensitization on immunization and vaccination.
“Additionally, efforts to promote healthy living and prevent epidemic outbreaks are ongoing”.
