Cholera outbreak has claimed the lives of 25 people in Sokoto State, with 1,160 cases reported across three local government areas.
The state Commissioner of Health, Dr. Asabe Balarabe, disclosed the figures during a media briefing on Monday.
She revealed that 15 individuals are currently receiving treatment for active cases in Sokoto North, Silame, and Kware LGAs.
Dr. Balarabe stated that the diagnoses were confirmed through laboratory tests, including culture and sensitivity procedures. “Of the 1,160 reported cases, 25 victims have sadly lost their lives,” she said.
In response to the outbreak, the state government has collaborated with emergency response teams to contain the spread. Measures include the immediate procurement and free distribution of medications to 18 LGAs.
The health commissioner expressed gratitude for the high turnout of women, particularly pregnant women, seeking healthcare services at various facilities.
However, she highlighted longstanding challenges in the state’s health sector, including dilapidated infrastructure, inadequate resources, and operational inefficiencies.
Dr. Balarabe noted that public health institutions often struggle with issues such as overcrowding, water shortages, power outages, and general inefficiencies.
She lauded Governor Ahmad Aliyu’s administration for recruiting 864 nurses and midwives to address the shortage of healthcare workers and revealed plans to hire additional support staff to fill gaps created by retirements and deaths.
Reports indicate that some of the most affected communities include Bazza and Gidadawa in Sokoto Metropolis, where fatalities were recorded, and survivors are receiving care at local primary health centers in Bazza and Kofar Rini clinics in Waziri B Ward, Sokoto North LGA.
