Writing By Aminu Dalhatu; Editing By Godwin Duru
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the African Field Epidemiology Network (AFENET) have deployed a rapid response team to Zamfara State to help combat a cholera outbreak.
In addition to the personnel, CDC and AFENET also delivered 29,500 essential medical items, including 40,000 doses of medicines such as oral rehydration salts, Ringer’s lactate, dextrose water, and normal saline.
The supplies also comprised 3,900 consumables, including IV cannulas, gloves, cotton wool, infection prevention and control items and one thousand personal protective equipment items among others.
In a statement by the Public Relations Officer of the State Ministry of Health, Sulaiman Isah, said the state has recorded more than 11,000 cases with a case fatality rate of 1.6 percent since the outbreak began on January 15, 2025.
According to the statement, all 14 local government areas of the state have been affected, with over 60 percent of cases reported in Talata Mafara, Gusau, Bungudu, and Zurmi.
It says the outbreak, worsened by insecurity and humanitarian challenges, has posed a major public health concern.
According to the statement, seven residents of the Field Epidemiology and Laboratory Training Program and one graduate have been deployed for 14 days in high-burden areas to strengthen the response.
The statement reveals that, their mandate is to support surveillance and case management while coordinating with the State Public Health Emergency Operations Centre (PHEOC).
The leader of the rapid response team, Dr. Ahmad Muhammad Aliyu, presented the items to the State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Nafisa Muhammad Maradun
Dr. Maradun described the intervention as massive support that will go a long way in controlling the outbreak.
She assured that the donated items would be distributed judiciously to achieve the desired objectives.
REL/AMINU DALHATU
