Bauchi State Trains WASH Officers to Combat Cholera

Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) Desk Officers from eight local government areas (LGAs) in Bauchi State, Nigeria, participated in a training workshop aimed at improving preparedness and response to cholera outbreaks. The event was organized by the Bauchi State Government through the Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Agency (RUWASSA) in collaboration with the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF).

Nambam Dawap, UNICEF WASH Specialist, stated that the training was essential for equipping the officers with the necessary skills to effectively respond to cholera outbreaks. She highlighted the importance of safe drinking water and proper sanitation, noting that contaminated water systems and open defecation increase disease risks.

Bala Zailani, Director of Sanitation and Hygiene at RUWASSA, explained that the training was prompted by reported cholera cases in seven LGAs, aiming to update the officers on the current situation and enhance their emergency response capabilities.