Oyo State is grappling with a severe public health crisis marked by indiscriminate waste disposal, open defecation and a lack of potable water. These factors have culminated in the prevalence of communicable diseases, most notably a recent cholera outbreak. This dire situation has already led to the tragic deaths of two residents in the Gbekuba area of Omi Adio LCDA, underscoring the urgent need for comprehensive public health interventions.

This situation calls for immediate action, drawing on the lessons from John Snow, the father of epidemiology. His pioneering study in 1854 demonstrated the critical role of water sources in spreading cholera, a lesson that remains relevant today as we confront similar challenges in Oyo State.

John Snow’s investigation into the cholera outbreaks in London’s Golden Square area led to a groundbreaking discovery about waterborne diseases. By creating a spot map linking cholera cases to water sources, particularly the Broad Street pump, he provided compelling evidence that cholera was spread through contaminated water, fundamentally changing public health strategies.

The recent cholera deaths in Oyo State are a distressing reminder of the importance of access to clean water. The primary water source for the residents of Gbekuba is the Oluweri River, which is heavily contaminated with human and animal waste due to prevalent open defecation practices. This dire situation is exacerbated by the government’s insufficient attention to leveraging scientific knowledge, employment of adequate environmental health officers and technologists including robust public health policies to prevent such outbreaks.

The current crisis underscores the critical need for skilled environmental health practitioners. These professionals are essential in disease surveillance and prevention, waste management, detecting and mitigating health risks, ensuring compliance with health regulations, research and development, and community education and engagement.

This outbreak in Oyo State is another wake-up call for the urgent need to integrate scientific insights into public health strategy, as exemplified by John Snow’s work. The government must prioritize the engagement of Environmental Health Officers to address the current crisis and prevent future outbreaks. Ensuring the health and safety of its residents should be paramount, and this can be achieved by investing in proper water sanitation, robust public health education, and strict enforcement of environmental health regulations.

Immediate action is not just a necessity—it is a moral imperative to prevent further loss of life.

Kunle Adesiyan, a concerned citizen writes from Oyo Town.
Sponsored by Ojo Sunday Alawode.