The Ogun State government has issued directives to school heads to ensure the health and safety of all learners and staff, aiming to prevent the spread of cholera within school communities.
This announcement was made by the State Commissioner for Education, Science, and Technology, Prof. Abayomi Arigbabu, in a statement on Wednesday.
Prof. Arigbabu outlined several preventive measures that will take effect from Wednesday, June 19, 2024, as schools resume after the mid-term break and the Eid-el-Kabir holiday.
Key measures include, schools are to provide educational sessions on cholera prevention, including information on symptoms, transmission routes, proper hand hygiene, and safe drinking water practices.
Schools must ensure the availability of clean water and soap for handwashing, encouraging regular hand washing, especially before meals and after using the restroom. Hand sanitizers with at least 60% alcohol content should also be promoted as a supplementary hygiene measure.
Regular inspection and maintenance of water sources within school premises to ensure they are safe for drinking. Students and staff should be instructed to consume only boiled or chlorinated water and avoid raw or unwashed fruits and vegetables.
Schools should maintain a clean and hygienic environment, including proper waste disposal and regular cleaning of toilets and common areas.
Schools are to collaborate closely with local health authorities and follow their guidelines for cholera prevention and control measures.
Ensure that food is properly cooked and covered when not consumed immediately. Food vendors must be monitored and required to provide health fitness certificates from medical facilities.
Designate Health Officers within the school to monitor learners and staff for cholera symptoms, such as frequent watery stools, and report any suspected cases immediately to the nearest healthcare center and the Ministry of Education, Science, and Technology.
The statement emphasized that by strictly adhering to these preventive measures and maintaining high vigilance, the health and well-being of the school community can be collectively safeguarded during this critical period.
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