CROSS RIVER SEEKS RESEARCH-DRIVEN ACTION TO CURB CHOLERA SPREAD

The Cross River State Government has called for research-driven interventions to tackle cholera, with greater focus on secondary infections and transmission between communities.

The Commissioner for Health, Dr Henry Ayuk, made the call during a stakeholder debriefing in Calabar to review findings from a University of Calabar research project on seasonal cholera outbreaks in high-risk riverine communities.

Ayuk, who received the research team led by Dr Glory Nja, said research findings were essential for developing targeted and effective public health interventions.

He stressed the need to investigate how infections are sustained and spread between communities, particularly because strong social and transportation links among rural settlements could accelerate outbreaks.

The commissioner also called for stronger surveillance, early detection, grassroots mobilisation and the use of local dialects in health campaigns to improve community understanding and participation.

Presenting the research findings, Nja said the study covered seven high-risk riverine communities in Southern Etung Local Government Area. The project used community engagement, the Ejagham dialect and water, sanitation and hygiene interventions.

She identified unsafe water, poor sanitation, inadequate handwashing and open defecation as major factors contributing to the persistence of cholera.

Nja urged residents to treat drinking water properly, maintain clean surroundings, wash their hands regularly and stop open defecation, stressing that preventive action should begin before outbreaks escalate.

She also called for sustained health education and behavioural change, saying collaboration between government and academic institutions was essential to translating research findings into practical measures against cholera.