RISING TREND OF IMPROPER CORPSE HANDLING POSES SERIOUS PUBLIC HEALTH RISK

Health officials have expressed growing concern over the increasing number of cases involving the unsafe and improper handling of human corpses, warning that the practice could trigger serious public health emergencies if not addressed promptly.

The alarming trend, seen in both urban and rural areas, is linked to factors such as proper mortuary facilities, financial hardship, and non-compliance with public health guidelines. In many cases, bodies are being buried without proper embalming, stored in unsafe conditions, or handled by untrained individuals.

"Failures to follow standard procedures in handling dead bodies-especially when the cause of death is unknown or related to infectious disease-poses a major risk to the living," said Dr. musa Tanko of the National Health Response Agency.

Experts warn that poor corpse management can lead to the spread of dangerous pathogens, contamination of drinking water sources and increased exposure to infections during funeral rites and burials.

To address the issue, health authorities are calling for urgent community education, stricter enforcement of burial laws, and improved access to affordable and hygenic mortuary services. Religious and traditional leaders are also  being urged to support safe burial practices without compromising cultural values.