Emem Julius Cross River State Ministry of Health has highlighted remarkable strides and efforts in reducing cholera cases between 2022 and 2024, during a media workshop held in Calabar. The event was organised by the Nigeria Health Watch in collaboration with the state Ministry of Health to discuss the current cholera situation in Nigeria and checkmate the state’s progress in cholera management, as well as the essential role of media in public health reporting. The workshop also featured a question-and-answer session, and participants took part in pre-and post-training assessments to gauge the effectiveness of the program.
Cross River State Commissioner for Health, Dr Egbe Ayuk, represented by the Director of Public Health, Cross River State Ministry of Health, Dr John Offor, in his opening remarks, emphasised the important role of the media in the fight against the cholera outbreak. He urged the media to take the issue seriously, stressing that collaboration between the Health Ministry and the media is vital in the ongoing response against cholera. He said, “The media’s involvement is essential in our efforts to combat cholera.
” Their role in disseminating accurate information can significantly impact public awareness and response.” The Program Manager of the Nigeria Health Watch, Abara Erim, spoke on the role of the media in cholera outbreak response, pointing out that while there is currently no cholera outbreak in Cross River State, the state must remain vigilan.