The minister made this call during the launching of the fumigation exercise as part of the activities of the ministry to mark the World Health Day in Abuja.

 

Dr. Alhassan said that his visit to the community was a demonstration of the ministry’s commitment and concern for the plight of the people of Mpape and FCT in general.

 

He stressed the need for traditional leaders, local chiefs and the entire community to join hands with the federal government in ensuring a disease free environment.

 

The minister also said that he was on hand to see the progress the community had made since the last report on cholera outbreak in the community some weeks ago.

 

In his remark, the traditional ruler of Mpape,  Alhaji  Abubakar  Ibrahim appreciated  the support and timely intervention of the minister. He promised to encourage his people to take preventive measures to forestall any other outbreak of disease in the area.

 

He however called on the federal government to provide portable water and expand the existing primary health centre which is grossly inadequate for the over 2million people living in Mpape and its environs. 

 

Speaking earlier, the Project director, National Centre for Disease Control, Professor.  Abdulsalami Nasir, warned that dirty environment breeds diseases and as such, individuals play a key role in riding their environment of diseases. This, he said, could be achieved by maintaining healthy toilet practice, proper washing of hands and eating hygienically prepared food.