The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has called for comprehensive measures to protect school children from cholera attacks.
The call is against the backdrop of the outbreak of the malady in Lagos and some states across the federation.
The UN organisation also urged frantic efforts against disruption in the academic calendar over the spread of the disease.
The Chief of UNICEF Lagos Field Office, Celine Lafoucrier, who made the call on Monday in a statement, said that the outbreaks of the epidemic had critically affected children and the young population.
According to her, susceptible groups face substantial health risks, especially school children and young adults.
She noted that children were vulnerable to severe dehydration and a high mortality rate.
“There is, therefore, an urgent need for good sanitation, hygiene practices, improved access to clean water, regular hand washing with soap and clean water in order to combat the outbreak in schools,” Lafoucrier said.
She, however, urged adequate awareness across the country to sensitise the populace on cholera outbreaks and preventive measures as part of efforts to address the case.