Meningitis: Buhari condoles with victims’ families

Children undergoing vaccination against meningitis in Nigeria.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the disease has claimed about 328 lives in 16 states of the federation in the last four months.

Fourteen states are severely affected in the Northern region with two states in the South.

No fewer than 41 live have been confirmed lost to the epidemic in Sokoto between November 2016 and March ending, this year.

This was made known on Monday by Gov. Aminu Tambuwal of the state when he led a team on a condolence visit to areas affected by the outbreak at Danchadi village and surrounding areas in Bodinga Local Government Area of the state.

“From the latest casualty figures from Sokoto state, up to 41 people were known to have died.

“Our leader and President, Muhammadu Buhari, has asked me to condole with all of you over the outbreak of the disease in your localities.

“He has also asked me to tell you that everything is being done to contain the outbreak and ensure it does not occur again.

“Health officials have been deployed to affected areas and they have been working round the clock to ensure your safety.

“We urge you to follow their instructions and at the same time cooperate with them as we tackle this challenge,” the governor said.

According to Tambuwal, more than 700,000 people will be immunised by the state government against the Type ”C” strain of the virus in the 23 local government areas of the state.

He said: “Immunisation of children against child-killer diseases like measles, yellow fever and others are being intensified.

“This is even as officials from affected states are comparing notes to ensure coordinated efforts across borders.”

The governor also commended officials of the Federal and State Ministries of Health as well as development partners, for their various efforts in tackling the challenge. (NAN)