The Federal Government of Nigeria has issued a recommendation for Nigerians to avoid consuming locally produced beverages such as kunu, zobo, and fura due to the current cholera outbreak in some parts of the country. Iziaq Salako, the Minister of State for Environment, made this announcement in a statement released in Abuja on June 24.
Salako emphasized the need for increased vigilance in environmental health standards at establishments where food and beverages are sold, including markets, schools, restaurants, and other public venues. He urged State and Local Governments to enhance their monitoring efforts to ensure these standards are met to prevent the spread of cholera.
Key preventive measures highlighted in the statement include:
1. **Maintaining a Clean Environment**: Proper disposal of waste in designated areas.
2. **Ensuring Safe Water Use**: Boiling water from suspicious sources or treating it with chlorine.
3. **Avoiding Unhygienic Locally Prepared Drinks**: Only consume beverages like kunu, zobo, fura da nono, koko, and fruit juice if their preparation is known to be hygienic.
4. **Regular Handwashing**: Washing hands with soap under running water, especially after using the toilet, before preparing food, and after playing with animals.
Salako also called for increased community-led sanitation initiatives and collaboration with health authorities to support the federal government’s “one health” approach. This approach integrates efforts across different sectors to improve public health outcomes and prevent diseases like cholera.