NMA worried over epidemic prevalence in Zamfara

THE Nigeria Medical Association (NMA), Gusau Chapter has decried the outbreak of epidemic diseases, especially cholera in Zamfara State.

The state NMA Chairman, Dr Ologunde Williams expressed the concern in Gusau on Thursday at the opening ceremony of the 5th Annual General Meeting/Scientific Conference of the association.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the theme of the AGM is “Safe Medical Practice in a Security Challenged Environment”.

Williams said epidemic diseases had become a serious concern to NMA and other health stakeholders in the state.

He said there was the need for the state government and other stakeholders to take preventive measures on the occurrence of the diseases, especially cholera.

The medical practitioner said one of the measures to combat prevalent diseases was by paying attention to environmental health and health education.

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“Health education is needed to discourage open defecation among the people and encourage cleaning of drainage system and safe drinking water,” he said.

Williams urged the state government to dedicate a day in a month as environmental sanitation day as practised in other states.

He commended government over the recent employment of doctors and other health workers and the renovation and reconstruction of health facilities across the state.

The NMA chairman also enjoined the government to improve the welfare of health workers.

Earlier, the Secretary of the association, Dr Mannir Bature said part of the activities of the meeting include medical outreach, novelty football match and scientific sessions.