The screening is not a result of insecurity but to checkmate the outbreak of cholera, which is fast spreading like harmattan wild fire across the region.
Arewa PUNCH investigations indicated that about 32 states have recorded the cholera scourge, be it as a
“suspected” or “confirmed” levels.
In Benue, the state epidemiologist told journalists that the state had already recorded four deaths out of the 16 suspected cases of cholera.
When Arewa PUNCH visited the NYSC camp over the weekend, it was observed that from the entrance of the camp to other strategic sections within the camp were huge posters that created the awareness on dangers inherent in contracting the cholera epidemy.
Two corps members, Oto-Obong and Laureta Idise, from Akwa Ibom and Delta states, respectively, have expressed satisfaction with the measures put in place on the camp to avoid any outbreak of cholera.
The two corps members stated that there was enough sensitisation to alert their members and other visitors into the zone on how to improve their hygienic lifestyle.
“We have running water and wash hand basins placed at strategic places, and we have been tutored on how to improve on our hygiene, just as we have also been sensitised on what to do when we buy fruits or other food items from vendors.
“Though, the food vendors also ensure that their items are kept clean in different rubber plastics and properly covered.’’
“The cooks in the kitchen always put on facemask, and our toilets always kept clean,” Obong and Idise explained in their separate interviews with Arewa PUNCH.
The spokesperson for the state NYSC, Yahuza Adamu noted that all the food vendors were thoroughly screened before they were engaged, adding that all coordinators have been given directives during the orientation workshop to ensure that adequate measures are put in place.
“So that is the reason you see that the measures begin from the entrance of the camp and leaflets pasted at strategic places to create awareness.
“We also sensitised the corps members on how to improve on their higienic practices. For instance, we told them that even when they buy oranges, they must ensure that the knife to cut is washed or they do it themselves with their teeth.
“All food vendors within the camp were also tutored on how to keep their food items safe by covering them.
“We have wash hand basins with soaps at strategic places such as the mammy market, the chapel, and mosque,” Adamu said.
However, one of the female corps members, Idise, concluded by asserting that, “With all the measures put in place and the sensitisation of corps members, God willing we will not experience cholera on the camp.”
When contacted, the state Commissioner for Health, Dr Yarman Ortese who declined to explain what the government has done so far to curtail the outbreak of cholera in the NYSC camp only told Arewa PUNCH that his ministry will on Monday address journalists on the government’s efforts to tackle any outbreak of cholera.
