The Bayelsa State Nongovernmental Organizations Forum (BANGOF) has stepped up efforts to prevent the outbreak of cholera and other waterborne diseases with a public health sensitization campaign in Sagbama, Nembe and Yenagoa communities, the Bayelsa State capital.
The outreach focused on educating residents about key preventive measures, including regular hand washing with soap and clean water, proper waste disposal, safe food handling, and the use of clean and safe drinking water.
Speaking during the exercise, the Chairman of BANGOF, Mr. Taritein Boco, explained that cholera is largely transmitted through contaminated food and water, stressing the importance of good hygiene and sanitation at both household and community levels. He described community sensitization as an effective strategy for preventing disease outbreaks, noting that many cholera cases can be avoided through simple but consistent hygiene practices.
Mr. Boco urged residents to seek immediate medical attention at the nearest health facility if they experience symptoms such as vomiting and severe diarrhea, often described as “rice-water” stool. He warned that delays in treatment could be fatal and emphasized that maintaining clean surroundings is a collective responsibility.
He further appealed to residents to promptly report persistent diarrhea or vomiting to health workers, adding that early intervention can save lives.
Also speaking at the event, the Executive Director of Women Organized for Mentorship and Advocacy Network (WOMAN), Lady Eunice Nnachi, highlighted the increased vulnerability of women and children during cholera outbreaks. She stressed the importance of equipping women with accurate health information, given their central role in food preparation, water storage, and childcare within households.
In her remarks, the Chief Executive Officer of Global Care Rescue Mission, Princess Elizabeth Egbe, encouraged residents to take the sensitization messages seriously and share them with neighbours, family members, and friends. She noted that effective information sharing can greatly reduce the spread of preventable diseases, particularly in densely populated communities.
Meanwhile, the Secretary of BANGOF, Mr. Inatimi Odio, who addressed residents in Nembe Local Government Area, advised them to adopt regular hand washing as a simple but highly effective method of preventing cholera and other infectious diseases.
The sensitization exercise in Okaka and Ekeki follows similar outreach programmes earlier conducted by BANGOF in Sagbama and Nembe Local Government Areas. The initiative forms part of the forum’s ongoing commitment to promoting public health awareness and strengthening disease prevention efforts across Bayelsa State.
BANGOF reaffirmed its resolve to continue working with government agencies, community leaders, and civil society organizations to promote healthier and safer communities throughout the state.
