A cholera outbreak has claimed the lives of 25 people in three local government areas in Sokoto state, out of a total of 1,160 cases reported in the state.
Asabe Balarabe, the state commissioner of health, said this on Monday while interacting with reporters.
The commissioner went on to say that the state is treating 15 more outbreak victims from the Sokoto North, Silame, and Kware local government areas.
According to the commissioner, the 15 active cases were identified by laboratory testing based on culture and sensitivity and verified as active instances of the cholera outbreak.
The commissioner further said, “Out of 1,160 people that have been affected by the outbreak, 25 of the victims have already succumbed to the disease.
“The stated rescue teams are collaborating with the state government to manage and forestall further spread of the dreaded disease.”
“The state government, in its response to the outbreak, directed the immediate purchase and distribution of drugs free of charge to 18 local government areas to curtail the disease’s continued spread.
The commissioner praised the number of women, particularly expectant women, who sought medical consultations and pregnancy testing at various health facilities throughout the state.
She cited issues in the health sector, such as crumbling infrastructure and insufficient funding, which have pushed the industry backwards for the previous eight years.
She expressed hope that Governor Ahmad Aliyu, in his magnanimity, will see to the revitalisation of the state’s health system.
“Patients often face numerous problems in public health institutions, such as atrocities, loud disturbances, lack of water, and power outages.”
She praised the governor for adding nurses and midwives to alleviate a staffing gap in state public health facilities.
Balarabe, on the other hand, indicated that preparations are in the works to hire more support staff to replace those who have died or retired without being replaced.
Our correspondent in the state reported that victims of the escalating cholera/diarrhoea outbreak were in Bazza and Gidadawa communities in Sokoto Metropolis, where some died while others are still receiving treatment at primary health centres in Bazza and Kofar Rini clinics, all in Waziri B Ward of Sokoto North LGA.
