Oyo Govt moves against cholera outbreak in schools

The Oyo State Government has established new guidelines for food handlers in public schools, mandating strict adherence to hygiene practices to prevent food contamination and ensure student safety.

Dr. Nureni Adeniran, Executive Chairman of the Oyo State Universal Basic Education Board, disclosed this in a statement released in Ibadan on Saturday, outlining the new guidelines for food handlers in public schools.

Dr. Adeniran called on headteachers to take immediate action and put the guidelines into practice, to prevent cholera outbreaks in public basic schools across the state.

The SUBEB boss said that the Oyo State government, through the board, “is on top of its game to ensure that public basic schools are taking steps to ensure the health and safety of students.”

Adeniran urged parents, guardians, as well as school authorities to adhere to safety guidelines.

He said the board would work with Education Secretaries, teachers and other stakeholders to ensure strict compliance.

The advisory emphasised the importance of hand hygiene, recommending that children carry hand sanitisers and frequently wash their hands with soap and water, especially before meals and after using the restroom.

Adeniran also recommended that schools keep Oral Rehydration Salt available in their clinics to manage dehydration cases promptly.

He emphasized that schools must promptly report any health emergencies or suspected cholera cases to the state’s emergency hotline, 615, immediately, to ensure swift response and appropriate action.

Adeniran listed additional measures to prevent cholera, including regular health talks for learners and staff, and ensuring safe drinking water practices, to prevent the spread of the disease.

NAN