Minister of State for Defence, Dr Bello Mohammed Matawalle, has donated essential drugs and medical supplies to all the 14 local government areas of Zamfara State to support the ongoing fight against the cholera outbreak.
The official flag-off of the distribution took place in Gusau, the Zamfara State capital.
Dr. Bello Matawalle, represented by his Special Adviser on Political Matters, Ibrahim Maigandi Danmalikin GidanGoga, said the gesture was necessary to cushion the devastating effects of the cholera and gastroenteritis outbreak that has plagued the state for the past four months.
He alleged that, the Zamfara State government had failed to provide adequate support and medical supplies to mitigate the impact of the epidemic, leaving residents vulnerable.
Dr Bello Matawalle recalled the recent water scarcity in Gusau, which lasted over a month, forcing residents to resort to unsafe water sources which according to him was a major cause of cholera in Gusau.
“Cholera has continued to claim lives in Zamfara without adequate response from the state government. That is why responsible individuals and leaders, such as Senator Abdul’aziz Yari and now the Honourable Minister, have stepped in to support the people with drugs and medical supplies,”
Also Speaking, the former Permanent Secretary, Zamfara State Ministry of Health, Pharmacist Aliyu Mohammed Maikiwo explained that the medicines provided are effective and certified for use in combating cholera.
He described cholera as a deadly disease that rapidly dehydrates patients and causes loss of lives if not treated promptly.
Aliyu Maikiwo urged local government councils to ensure judicious distribution and usage of the drugs for the benefit of patients in their communities.
Maikiwo further advised residents to embrace proper hygiene and environmental sanitation, stressing that, cleanliness remains a key preventive measure against the spread of infectious diseases.
Earlier, the Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Zamfara State, Tukur Umar Danfulani expressed appreciation to the Minister of State for Defence, Dr. Bello Mohammed Matawalle, for donating medical supplies to tackle the cholera outbreak affecting several parts of the state.
Danfulani represented by the party publicity Secretary, Yusuf Idris Gusau described the gesture as a demonstration of the Minister’s commitment to the welfare of Zamfara citizens, particularly in the area of healthcare.
“A healthy society is the foundation of progress and development. We sincerely thank the Honourable Minister for taking Zamfara people to heart and for providing this support to the grassroots at such a critical time.
Danfulani claimed that, lack of taken adequate measures to contain the spread of the epidemic and lack of potable water supply had worsened the situation across the 14 local government areas.
He assured that, the donated drugs would be distributed and utilized for the benefit of all citizens irrespective of political affiliation.
According to him, the Minister’s intervention, alongside contributions from other leaders, reflects a people-centered leadership style that has continued to bring relief to communities in the state.
“On behalf of our party, we commend the Minister and other leaders who have consistently supported the people of Zamfara, not only during emergencies like this, but also during Ramadan and other festive periods. We pray Almighty Allah rewards them abundantly,” he added.
The Chairman of the APC Chairmen in Zamfara State, Nasiru Dankulu, commended the Minister for the quick intervention which he said would go along away in treating the cholera patients.
He urged the party Chairmen across the 14 local government areas of the state to ensure judicious use of the drugs.
COV/AMINU DALHATU
