Get Guardian on GoogleThe United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Niger State in curbing the spread of cholera, which has now affected 16 local government areas across the state.
As of Thursday, July 24, 2025, a total of 409 cases had been recorded, with 13 fatalities—most of them children.
Gerida Birukila, Chief of UNICEF’s Kaduna Field Office, led a delegation on an assessment visit to the isolation unit at Idris Ibrahim Kuta Primary Healthcare Centre in Minna.
She disclosed that UNICEF was alerted to the outbreak weeks ago and promptly responded by supplying medical consumables to aid the state’s response.
“We are here to strengthen cholera treatment centres across Niger State, as not all cases can be referred to Minna,” she said.
“As of this morning, nine patients were admitted at the isolation centre, and four additional cases were brought in.”
Birukila expressed concern over the high number of children affected by the outbreak, and pledged continued collaboration with the state government to control further spread.
Also speaking, UNICEF Public Health Specialist Sule Mele noted that the state has adequate personnel to respond effectively to the outbreak.
However, he assured that UNICEF remains ready to provide additional support whenever called upon.
UNICEF commended the efforts of the Niger State Government and other health stakeholders for their swift response so far.
