By Abigail Philip David
An outbreak of cholera, also known as gastroenteritis, has claimed 25 lives and left 15 people hospitalized in Sokoto State, according to the state Commissioner of Health, Dr. Asabe Balarabe. The outbreak has affected three Local Government Areas (LGAs): Sokoto North, Silame, and Kware, with a total of 1,160 cases recorded.
Speaking to reporters on Monday, Dr. Balarabe confirmed that laboratory tests had diagnosed the 15 hospitalized patients with active cholera infections. She added that efforts are underway to manage the outbreak and prevent further fatalities.
“Of the 1,160 people affected, 25 have succumbed to the disease,” she said. “The state’s rescue teams are working in collaboration with the government to manage the situation and prevent the spread of this dreaded disease.”
Government Response
In response to the outbreak, the Sokoto State Government has ordered the immediate purchase and distribution of free medications to 18 LGAs to contain the disease.
Dr. Balarabe also commended the increasing participation of women, especially pregnant women, in seeking medical consultations and tests at health facilities across the state.
However, she highlighted long-standing challenges in the state’s health sector, including deteriorating infrastructure, resource shortages, and inadequate staffing, which have hindered healthcare delivery over the years.
Plans for Health Sector Revitalization
Expressing optimism about improvements under Governor Ahmad Aliyu’s administration, the commissioner noted the governor’s recent recruitment of 864 nurses and midwives to address manpower shortages. She also disclosed plans to hire additional healthcare workers to replace retirees and deceased staff.
Dr. Balarabe acknowledged ongoing issues faced by patients in public health institutions, including poor facilities, lack of clean water, power outages, and general mismanagement. She urged swift action to revamp the health sector to prevent future outbreaks.
Cholera Cases in Affected Communities
Local sources report that many of the cholera cases are concentrated in Bazza and Gidadawa communities within Sokoto North LGA. Some victims have died, while others are receiving treatment at primary healthcare centers in Bazza and Kofar Rini clinics.
Efforts to curb the outbreak continue as health officials work to improve community awareness, sanitation, and access to medical care.
