A Cholera outbreak in Sokoto State has resulted in the deaths of 25 individuals across three local government areas, with 1,160 cases reported in total. The state’s Commissioner for Health, Asabe Balarabe, confirmed the death toll and provided updates on the ongoing situation in a press briefing on Monday, November 18.
The affected areas include Sokoto North, Silame, and Kware local government areas, where 15 active cases are currently being treated. These cases were confirmed through laboratory testing, specifically culture and sensitivity tests, to verify the outbreak.
According to Balarabe, “Of the 1,160 reported cases, 25 have tragically passed away. The state government is collaborating with emergency teams to manage the crisis and prevent further spread.”
In response, the state government has initiated the immediate purchase and distribution of free medications to 18 local government areas in an effort to control the disease’s spread.
Balarabe also highlighted an encouraging trend, noting the significant number of women, particularly pregnant women, seeking medical consultations and pregnancy tests across health facilities in the state. However, she also expressed concern over the deteriorating state of the healthcare system, citing poor infrastructure and inadequate funding that have hindered progress over the last eight years.
She urged Governor Ahmad Aliyu to prioritize the revitalization of the state’s healthcare system, emphasizing the challenges patients face, including inadequate facilities, power outages, and water shortages in public health institutions.
On a positive note, Balarabe commended the governor’s recent efforts to improve staffing by adding more nurses and midwives to public health facilities, addressing critical staff shortages.
