By Kasim Isa Muhammad
Nigeria is grappling with a surging cholera outbreak, with 31 states recording 528 confirmed cases and 53 deaths, according to the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC).
In response, the federal government has established a multi-sectoral cabinet committee to control the epidemic, headed by Prof. Ali Pate, Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare.
TCR reported that in Katsina State, 118 suspected cholera cases have been reported, with two confirmed cases and one death.
The state government has activated its rapid response team and established Oral Rehydration Points at 34 Comprehensive Health Centres (CHCs) to combat the outbreak.
Dr. Kabir Suleiman, Director of Epidemiology, state Primary Healthcare Development Agency, said the state is fully prepared for any emergency and has taken measures to curtail the spread of the disease.
In Kaduna State, no cholera cases have been reported, despite being surrounded by states with reported cases. The State Primary Health Care Board (SPHCB) has reactivated its rapid response team and identified designated health facilities to serve as treatment centers in case of an outbreak.
Dr. Abdullahi Musa, Incident Manager (IM) of the board, said the state is alert and prepared to respond to any emergency.
Meanwhile, in Kano State, the government has also taken proactive measures, including alerting its Emergency Preparedness Response (EPR) committee and launching a sensitization campaign to educate people on how to protect themselves.
Commissioner for Health, Dr. Abubakar Labaran, said the state government has procured drugs to combat the disease in the event of an outbreak and urged communities to report any malfunctioning public water facilities for immediate repairs.
The Director-General, Kano State Centre for Disease Control (KNCDC), Prof. Muhammad Abbas, has called on residents to take cholera seriously and take proactive measures to prevent its spread. He advised frequent handwashing, drinking safe water, and avoiding contaminated sources of water, as well as seeking medical attention immediately if symptoms occur.
The three states are working to prevent the spread of cholera by promoting personal and environmental hygiene, ensuring access to clean water, and identifying and reporting suspected cases promptly.
The Federal Government and its partners are also employing proactive measures to tame the outbreak and prevent it from spreading.
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