Niger State Commissioner for Primary Healthcare, Dangana Ibrahim, on Wednesday disclosed that no fewer than 16 persons died from cholera outbreak in the state, with 165 cases recorded, and nine per cent mortality rate.
He disclosed this after at a meeting of the State Task force Committee on Primary Healthcare and Immunisation, chaired by Deputy Governor, Yakubu Garba, in Minna.
According to the commissioner, 145 patients have been successfully treated and discharged.
“To prevent further spread, contingency measures have been implemented, including the distribution of essential medical supplies to affected areas and health facilities,” Ibrahim said.
He added that the affected local government areas are Paiko, Gurara, Suleja, Bosso and Katcha, and that the state’s disease surveillance system has been activated.
The commissioner said active contact tracing and case management are ongoing in all affected communities.
He said the state had intensified sensitisation and awareness campaigns focused on personal and environmental hygiene to curb further outbreaks.
Ibrahim also explained that the State Task force Committee on Primary Healthcare and Immunisation was designed to promote inter-sectoral collaboration for effective primary healthcare delivery.
The committee includes members from various ministries, departments, agencies, and partners such as the World Health Organisation, United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund, and the National Primary Healthcare Development Agency.
In its inaugural meeting, the committee reviewed challenges, identified weaknesses, and discussed areas for improvement, aligning with Governor Umaru Bago’s vision of providing accessible healthcare services.
Ibrahim said the state government’s New Niger Agenda prioritised healthcare, focusing on ensuring the health of residents, safe childbirth, and immunisation against diseases.
He expressed confidence that with effective implementation, the state would be able to mitigate the spread of diseases and provide quality healthcare services.
