No fewer than 16 people have died from a cholera outbreak in Niger state, with 165 cases recorded and a mortality rate of 9 percent, said Dangana Ibrahim, the state's primary health care commissioner.
He announced this at a meeting of the State Committee of the Task Force on Primary Care and Immunization, chaired by Deputy Governor Yakubu Garba in Minna.
According to the commissioner, 145 patients have been successfully treated and discharged.
“To prevent further spread, contingency measures have been implemented, including the distribution of essential medical supplies to affected areas and health facilities,” Ibrahim said.
He added that the affected local government areas are Paiko, Gurara, Suleja, Bosso and Katcha and that the state's disease surveillance system has been activated.
According to him, active contact tracing and case management are being carried out in all affected communities.
He said the state had intensified sensitization and awareness campaigns focusing on personal and environmental hygiene to curb further outbreaks.
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Ibrahim also explained that the State Committee of the Task Force on Primary Health Care and Immunization was designed to promote inter-sectoral collaboration for effective delivery of primary health care.
The committee includes members from various ministries, departments, agencies and partners such as WHO, UNICEF and the National Primary Health Care Development Agency.
At its inaugural meeting, the committee reviewed challenges, identified weaknesses and discussed areas for improvement, aligning with Governor Umaru Bago's vision of providing accessible healthcare services.
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Ibrahim emphasized that the state government's New Niger Agenda prioritizes healthcare, focusing on ensuring the health of residents, safe childbirth and immunization against diseases.
He expressed confidence that with effective implementation, the State will be able to mitigate the spread of diseases and provide quality health services.
(YAYA)