The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the African Field Epidemiology Network (AFENET) have deployed a rapid response team to Zamfara State to help curb a cholera outbreak.

Since the outbreak began on January 15, the state has recorded more than 11,000 cases with a case fatality rate of 1.6 percent. All 14 local government areas have been affected, with over 60 percent of cases reported in Talata Mafara, Gusau, Bungudu, and Zurmi.

Officials say insecurity and humanitarian challenges have worsened the spread, posing a major public health concern.
To strengthen the response, seven Field Epidemiology and Laboratory Training Program (FELTP) residents and one graduate have been deployed for 14 days to high-burden areas. Their mandate includes supporting surveillance, improving case management, and coordinating with the State Public Health Emergency Operations Centre (PHEOC).

In addition to personnel, CDC and AFENET delivered 29,500 essential medical supplies. These include 40,000 doses of medicines such as oral rehydration salts, Ringer’s lactate, dextrose water, and normal saline.

The consignment also contained 3,900 consumables, including IV cannulas, gloves, and cotton wool; 500 infection prevention and control items like hand sanitizer and sodium hypochlorite; and 1,000 personal protective equipment (PPE) items, including IV giving sets.

Dr. Ahmad Muhammad Aliyu, the Rapid Response Team Lead, presented the supplies to the State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Nafisa Muhammad Maradun, who described the intervention as “massive support that will go a long way in controlling the outbreak.”

She assured that the supplies would be distributed judiciously to ensure the desired impact.