By Adeyinka Adeniran
Barely nine people are receiving medical attention at the Infectious Diseases Centre, Olodo, Ibadan on account of suspicion of cholera, as at the time of report on Tuesday.
Between January 1, 2024 to October 7, 2024, a total of 245 suspected cases were reported with only one fatality in the state.
The figure, it was gathered were reported from across 11 local government areas of the state.
The Commissioner for Health, Dr Oluwaserimi Ajetunmobi gave the figure on Tuesday while responding to questions from journalists during a media briefing that held, shortly after the State Executive Council meeting.
She was flanked by her counterpart from the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, Dr Wasiu Olatunbosun and Prince Dotun Oyelade (Information and Orientation).
Dr Ajetunmobi said “For the case of cholera, the total number of reported cases that we have between January 1, 2024 and October 7, 2024, a total of 245 suspected cases were reported, 23 confirmed cases and one death were recorded.
“And this cuts across 11 local government areas, including Akinyele, Lagelu, Ibadan Southwest, Iddo, Ibadan North East, Ibadan North West, Ibadan South East, Oluyole, Afijio, Ona Ara and Egbeda.
“Those are the 11 LGA where we have the reports of these cholera, either suspected or confirmed.
“Out of the 23 confirmed cases, as at yesterday (Monday, October 8th), a total of nine patients are still on admission at the Infectious Diseases Centre, Olodo. Some of them are stabled, some will be the discharged today (Tuesday).
“So, far there is the record of only one death. And the death is not recent, it was at the onset of cholera, the case that came in from Lagos.”
Speaking about what transpired at the Exco meeting, Dr Ajetumobi said a request for approval of the sum of N 210.2million state counterpart fund for the support of the net campaign coming up in May 2025 was also looked into at the meeting
She added ”As part of the activities towards the net campaign, there are some things that we need to do and that is the reason for the request. The United States Agency for International Development (USAID), initiative has procured a total of 5,670, 644 nets for the state and the state is expected to pay a counterpart fund of N 210.2million.”
According to her, the counterpart fund is to cater for the micro planning which includes, logistics, flag off, net campaign, storage and distribution across the 33 local governments areas of the state.
”Just as we know that the burden of severe malaria in Oyo State disproportionately affects the vulnerable population particularly children under five, pregnant women and the elderly
”Malaria, if happened during pregnancy, can lead to severe outcomes ranging from severe anaemia, miscarriage, and low birth weight which adversely affect maternal and foetal health.”
She stated that the procurement of the nets cost the USAID the sum of N1,726, 214, 195.
While assuring that every household will benefit from the net distribution exercise with consideration for the vulnerable persons particularly children under five years, pregnant women and the elderly.
Also speaking, the State Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Dr Wasiu Olatunbosun gave highlights of activities slated for the rest of the year as approved by the Executive Council as regards culture and tourism to include; the World Twin Festival coming up on October 12, 2024 at Igbooora, Yemoja festival coming up between October 10 to 27, 2024 at Ile Aperin, Popo Yemoja Ibadan, Omilere Alaragbo festival at Ayegun Oleyo, Odo -Ona Elewe in Oluyole local government which grand finale will take place on November 17, 2024 Oluyole festival at Mapo, December 10, 2024 and the Omituntun Cultural Carnival at either Obafemi Awolowo Stadium or the Lekan Salami stadium, Adamasingba, Ibadan on December 10 – 12, 2024.
Others he mentioned are; Iyake International festival, Ado- Awaye (November 13 -16 2024), Aso-ofi festival, Iseyin, (December 4-5, 2024), and the maiden edition of the Ogbomoso Global Cultural Carnival coming up on December 14- 24, 2024 which he described as first of its kind that will bring the sons and daughters of Ogbomoso land from across the globe together.
