At least 25 people have lost their lives following a cholera outbreak in Sokoto State, affecting three local government areas: Sokoto North, Kware, and Silame.
The State Commissioner for Health, Hajiya Rabi Balarabe, confirmed the fatalities, stating that the outbreak has affected a total of 1,160 individuals. “Out of the 1,160 people affected by the outbreak, twenty-five succumbed to death,” she said.
Hajiya Balarabe explained that the worst-hit areas include Bazza Gidadawa Community in Sokoto metropolis, where several deaths were recorded, and others are receiving treatment at the Bazza Primary Health Centre and Kofar Rini Clinic in Waziri B Ward, Sokoto North LGA.
“Fifteen people are currently hospitalized and undergoing treatment. These active cases were diagnosed through laboratory tests based on culture and sensitivity, which confirmed them as cholera cases,” she disclosed.
Government Response and Interventions
To contain the outbreak, the state government has distributed essential drugs to 18 local government areas as part of an emergency intervention. The commissioner assured residents that rescue teams are working in collaboration with the state government to manage the crisis effectively.
Highlighting challenges faced by the health sector, Hajiya Balarabe lamented dilapidated infrastructure and insufficient resources, which she said have plagued the state for eight years. She, however, commended the proactive steps taken by Governor Ahmed Aliyu to revitalize healthcare services.
“The governor has already recruited 864 nurses and midwives to strengthen the healthcare workforce. Plans are also underway to recruit additional support staff to tackle these challenges head-on,” she stated.
The government’s swift action is aimed at preventing further loss of lives while ensuring that affected communities receive adequate treatment and resources to combat the outbreak.
Affected Areas
The commissioner emphasized the dire situation in Bazza Gidadawa Community and other parts of Sokoto metropolis, urging residents to seek treatment promptly at designated health centers.
“The worst-hit areas with cases of cholera/diarrhea outbreak include Bazza Gidadawa Community, where a few have died and others are receiving treatment at the Primary Health Centre Bazza and Kofar Rini Clinic in Waziri B Ward of Sokoto North LGA,” she said.
The government has also advised residents to prioritize hygiene practices to prevent further spread of the disease. Public health experts are working to educate the affected communities on water purification and sanitation measures to curb the outbreak.
