UNICEF Calls on University of Maiduguri Students to Lead Cholera Prevention Efforts Ahead of Rainy Season
Maiduguri, Nigeria – The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has urged students at the University of Maiduguri (UNIMAID) to take an active role in preventing cholera outbreaks as the rainy season approaches. The call was made during a campus event launching the U-Report platform, a digital tool designed to enhance early detection and public awareness of health emergencies.
Speaking at the event, Joseph Senesie, UNICEF Chief of Maiduguri Field Office, emphasized that cholera—a deadly yet preventable disease—can be contained through proactive measures and community engagement. He challenged the students to become champions in the fight against cholera by promoting hygiene practices and leveraging the U-Report system to report potential outbreaks in real time.
“Cholera thrives where sanitation is poor, but with collective action, we can stop it before it spreads,” Senesie stated. “By using U-Report, you can alert authorities swiftly, helping to save lives and protect your community.”
The initiative highlights the critical role of youth in public health advocacy. Students were encouraged to sign up for U-Report, a free mobile-based platform that enables users to share vital health alerts and access life-saving information.
With Nigeria facing recurring cholera outbreaks, UNICEF’s partnership with UNIMAID aims to empower young leaders as frontline responders in disease prevention. The campaign underscores the power of technology and youth mobilization in building a healthier, more resilient society.
Join the Movement: Students can register for U-Report via SMS or social media to stay informed and take action against cholera.
Why This Matters:
Cholera kills rapidly but is preventable with clean water and sanitation.
Early reporting through U-Report can trigger faster emergency responses.
Students are key agents of change in public health campaigns.
UNICEF remains committed to working with Nigerian youth and government partners to eliminate preventable diseases and ensure a safer future for all.
“We call upon you to join us in addressing the cholera crisis within our communities. As students representing every local government, you are uniquely positioned to drive awareness and action. Your networks and influence can play a pivotal role in disseminating critical information and fostering preventive measures. Together, we can combat this threat and safeguard public health.”
“Beyond upholding personal hygiene—which remains essential—each of us has a civic responsibility to support government and societal efforts. One actionable way to contribute is by utilizing the U-Report platform to flag emerging health concerns in your community. This tool enables real-time reporting of public health trends, ensuring timely awareness and response from stakeholders.”
UN Officials Urge Students to Champion Health and Hygiene Advocacy
During the event, the speaker emphasized the dual importance of academic excellence and personal hygiene, urging students to integrate both priorities into their daily routines.
Aisha Hamza, Programme Coordinator at the Borno State Environmental Protection Agency, reinforced this message by calling on the student body to actively support government efforts in cholera prevention and management.
“With representatives from all 36 Nigerian states present here today,” Hamza noted, “we trust that the knowledge gained from this session will extend far beyond this campus. We encourage you to become ambassadors of this initiative—applying these lessons in your home states and sharing them within your communities.”
“Prioritize personal hygiene practices by maintaining clean surroundings and properly disposing of waste. Your safety and health are paramount,” she emphasized.
Ibrahim Ali, a participating student, commended the initiative as an enlightening platform that significantly enhanced students’ understanding of cholera prevention.
“Today’s session has been profoundly educational, and I will carry these lessons forward,” Ali stated. “I have already downloaded the U-Report application during the program and remain committed to utilizing it for relevant health alerts. This has truly been a transformative learning experience.”
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