LASEPA, UNIDO, and Japan Government Launch Cholera Prevention Campaign  in Lagos

 

Lagos, Nigeria – In a proactive move to curb potential cholera outbreaks in flood-prone areas of Lagos State, the Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency (LASEPA), in collaboration with the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) and the Government of Japan, have organized a public sensitization seminar for food vendors and waste workers in Lagos.

 

Held at the Lagos City Centre in Sura, Lagos Island, the seminar targeted informal food and water vendors, as well as waste workers—critical stakeholders in ensuring community health and hygiene.

 

The initiative is part of the UNIDO Project 240236, themed: “Emergency Capacity Building of Informal Food and Water Vendors and Waste Workers in Flood-Affected Lagos to Combat Cholera Outbreaks.”

 

Speaking at the event, the Permanent Secretary, Office of Environmental Services, Dr. Omobolaji Tajudeen Gaji (represented by Mrs. Aina Falaye), highlighted the dangers of cholera, citing symptoms such as severe stooling, vomiting, dehydration, and fatigue—conditions that may result in death if untreated.

 

 He stressed that cholera outbreaks are commonly linked to contaminated food and water, calling for strict adherence to proper hygiene and environmental sanitation practices.

 

In his welcome address, LASEPA General Manager, Dr. Tunde Ajayi, described the event as a product of international cooperation with UNIDO, funded by the Government of Japan.

 

He revealed that following the 2024 cholera outbreak in Lagos, the state sought UNIDO’s support to bolster its capacity in preventing future epidemics, particularly in communities vulnerable to flooding.

 

Ms. Fuka Furutani, Attaché for Development Cooperation at the Embassy of Japan in Nigeria, reiterated Japan’s commitment to strengthening health resilience and promoting sustainable development in Nigeria.

 

UNIDO’s Field Coordinator, Mr. Charles Uzoma, provided a comprehensive overview of the project, emphasizing that Lagos faces recurring cholera outbreaks due to a combination of flooding, climate change, poor sanitation, and limited access to clean water.

 

The awareness initiative marks a critical step in safeguarding public health in Lagos, with stakeholders urged to sustain hygienic practices and support the government’s broader environmental and health campaigns.