ARTICLE 2

THE OUTBREAK OF CHOLERA IN SABON GARI

BY UTIKI INGYESI JEREMIAH

(KUW/U14/MCM/2017)

The recent outbreak of cholera in Sabon Gari claimed several lives. It started like a small outbreak of infections which could be contained but it later took a tightening proportion leading to an epidemic. The epidemic lasted for two days but its effects are massive.

The cholera outbreak was caused by the unhealthy environment which is a result of the unhygienic nature of the residents of  Sabon Gari. Almost everywhere, you will find heaps of refuse. Refuse bins are not readily emptied and every road side is littered with the waste. It is a common sight to see mountainous dunghills covering up major roads in the community.

Furthermore, Sabo gari lacks good water. The residents depend on a stream where the whole community gets its water. The stream itself is not hygienic and clean enough for a drinking water as different people enter it to bath and fetch from the same source. Some of these people have sore on their legs and other forms of infections. Defecation around the stream does not help matters as the stream becomes contaminated with virus and germs.

Similarly, sabo gari lacks a good market where people can buy food items. The local market in the community is located at the far end of the community which makes it difficult for people to trek down to buy things there. The residents therefore, have to buy food items from hawkers who open their goods to flies. Meat sellers go about without covering their wares.

The effect of the epidemic are colossal. Many lives are lost. According to available medical report, about two hundred and fifty people died in two days as a result of the epidemic. Many able-bodied amen, women and children lost their lives, thus causing anguish and sorrow in the community.

The state government and the Wukari local government council should come to the rescue of the residents of sabo gari. My suggestion is that the government should launch a campaign to enlighten the residents on how to cultivate simple hygienic habits. Secondly, the local government should ensure that the heaps of refuse are cleared on time. Thirdly, sanitary inspectors should be sent out to inspect homes in the community and ensure the residents clean their surrounding regularly. Any resident who fails to maintain a clean environment should be made to pay fine as punishment. Lastly, government hospitals should be built for the residents and the clinic in the community should be equipped to contain further outbreaks of such epidemic.