WAEC Report Writing: Outbreak of Cholera in Our Area

Question: As secretary of your school’s health club, write a report to the Ministry of Health on the outbreak of cholera in your area.

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A REPORT ON THE OUTBREAK OF CHOLERA IN GREENFIELD COMMUNITY

Introduction

I, Mary Okafor, secretary of the Health Club of Bright Future Secondary School, wish to present this report on the outbreak of cholera in Greenfield Community. The report was prepared following observations, interviews with affected residents, and consultations with health officials.

Causes of the Outbreak

Investigations revealed several causes that contributed to the spread of cholera in the community:

1. Contaminated Water Supply
   Most residents rely on streams and shallow wells for drinking water. Laboratory tests confirmed the presence of harmful bacteria in these sources.
2. Poor Sanitation
   Many households lack proper toilets and dispose of human waste in open fields, which contaminate water bodies during rainfall.
3. Improper Food Handling
   Street food vendors often prepare and sell food under unhygienic conditions. Flies and dust easily come into contact with the food.
4. Ignorance and Carelessness
   Some residents are unaware of the importance of boiling drinking water, washing fruits, and maintaining basic hygiene.

Effects of the Outbreak

The outbreak has had severe consequences:

• Over 45 people have been infected in the last two weeks.
• At least 7 deaths have been recorded, mostly children and the elderly.
• Schools in the community have experienced low attendance as parents fear exposing their children.
• The local health center is overwhelmed and lacks sufficient drugs and personnel.

Measures Already Taken

• The local government deployed health workers to provide oral rehydration solutions to patients.
• Public health announcements were made on community radio stations to sensitize people on preventive measures.
• Non-governmental organizations distributed water-purifying tablets to some households.

Recommendations

In order to bring the outbreak under control, the following measures are strongly recommended:

1. Provision of Clean Water – The Ministry of Health should collaborate with the Ministry of Water Resources to supply potable water to the community.
2. Intensified Health Education – Health workers should conduct regular campaigns on hygiene, emphasizing the dangers of open defecation and unsafe food practices.
3. Closure of Dirty Food Outlets – Authorities should inspect and shut down unhygienic food joints.
4. Provision of Medical Supplies – More drugs, oral rehydration salts, and medical staff should be sent to the local health center.
5. Long-Term Sanitation Projects – Building of public toilets and proper waste-disposal systems to reduce contamination.

Conclusion

The cholera outbreak in Greenfield Community is a serious public health concern. Urgent intervention from the Ministry of Health is needed to prevent further loss of lives and to safeguard the future of our community.

Submitted by:
Mary Okafor
Secretary, Health Club
Bright Future Secondary School

 

Examiners’ Expectations

WAEC examiners expect students to:

• Use a formal report format (heading, introduction, causes, effects, recommendations, conclusion).
• Provide factual details as if reporting to an authority.
• Maintain a serious, formal tone.
• Show clear problem–solution organization.
• Write at least 450 words.

Tips for Students

1. Always identify yourself and your position if the question demands it.
2. Avoid storytelling; reports must be factual and structured.
3. Use subheadings (Causes, Effects, Recommendations) to improve clarity.
4. When writing to an authority, emphasize recommendations more than narration.
5. Keep language formal, avoiding slang or emotional expressions.