The recent cholera outbreak that affected 16 local government areas in Niger State has been largely contained, with over 320 patients successfully treated and discharged.
This was disclosed by the Niger State Commissioner for Primary Health Care, Dr. Ibrahim Ahmed Dangana, during a live radio programme, media chat, organized by the Ministry of Information and Strategy and monitored in Minna on Wednesday.
Dr. Dangana revealed that out of the 327 people admitted across the state, only a few remain in hospital care. “We have recorded 14 deaths, and out of the 327 patients hospitalized, virtually all have been discharged. Fewer than 10 are currently still on admission,” he said.
To contain the spread of the disease, the state government distributed water treatment kits to over 14,000 households.
Dr. Dangana emphasized that immediate action was taken following the outbreak, including the activation of the State Inter-Sectoral Emergency Preparedness and Response Team, the Emergency Operation Centres (EOCs), and surveillance systems in all 274 wards and communities across the state.
“We identified isolation centres and established Cholera Treatment Units (CTUs) in all 25 local government areas, which played a significant role in managing and containing the spread,” he stated.
Dr. Dangana also acknowledged the support of key partners, especially the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), which provided critical supplies and technical assistance.
“With the help of various MDAs and our partners, we are winning the battle against cholera,” he affirmed.
A health specialist from UNICEF Kaduna Field Office, Dr. Idris Baba, confirmed that the materials supplied are adequate to treat all currently identified cases.
Items provided include Acute Watery Diarrhoea (AWD) kits, cholera kits, 40 cholera beds, intravenous fluids such as Ringer’s lactate and normal saline, antibiotics, protective gear, water purification tablets, chlorine solutions, and rapid diagnostic test kits for water and stool samples.
In addition to medical intervention, the state government ramped up public awareness campaigns. According to Dr. Dangana, over 16,000 schoolchildren were reached, alongside markets, religious institutions, and traditional authorities, to promote hygiene and disease prevention.
Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Hon. Binta Mamman, also highlighted the state’s swift response, saying, “Once the outbreak was confirmed, all hands were on deck. We began community sensitization immediately, and our efforts were directed at curbing the situation effectively.”
With continued public health efforts and sustained partnerships, the state government remains optimistic about completely eradicating the outbreak and strengthening long-term disease prevention mechanisms.
