Cholera kills 74 persons in states -FG

The Federal Government on Monday in Abuja said no fewer than 373 Nigerians had been affected by the current outbreak of cholera in some parts of the country out of which 74 persons had been confirmed dead.

To check the rampant cases of cholera, the government suggested that citizens should stop open defecation while state and local governments should ensure the provision of toilets and ventilated pit latrines.

The Minister of Health, Prof. Onyebuchi Chukwu, said this during the 2013 Physicians Week with the theme 'Federalism and Nigeria's Healthcare system-An appraisal of the Primary and Secondary healthcare systems'.

The programme was organised by the Nigerian Medical Association, where its President, Dr. Osahon Enabulele, expressed concern over the rising increase in sudden death, particularly among the productive males and females in the country.

He called on the citizens to always disregard any linkage of such deaths with witchcraft, superstitions or religious beliefs.

Instead, the NMA is strengthening its campaign for healthy living and regular check-ups in Nigeria among Nigerians to address the worrying spate of sudden deaths.