Cholera outbreak rocks Niger, as 13 dies, infected persons rise to 297

…..as UNICEF joins fight to curtail spread

By Daniel Ebi , Minna.

The United Nations Children emergency fund, UNICEF has stepped in to help in the fight to curtail the spread of the Cholera outbreak that has claimed thirteen lives and increased the number of infected patients to 297.

Gerida Birukila , Chief of Kaduna office led  UNICEF  officials for on the spot assessment to the Isolation wing of the Idris Ibrahim Kuta  primary healthcare centre, Minna on Thursday. 

She disclosed that the field office was contacted  about the outbreak a few weeks ago and the intervention agency promptly acted by supplying medical consumables for the state.

According to her, out of the thirteen mortality cases, it was discovered that Children were mostly affected. 

” We are here to beef up the Cholera treatment centre across the State since all cases cannot be referred to Minna  alone.

The UNICEF field office head noted that the outbreak is yet to abate as the disease has spread to about six to seven local government areas and a total of 297 patients tested positive to the epidemic. 

“As of this morning nine patients were at the Isolation centre, but  four additional cases were brought in this morning (Thursday).

The UNICEF team assured that they are collaborating with Niger State Government on  how to curb the spread and commended the efforts of the State Government so far.

In his remark, Sule Mele, a UNICEF public Health specialist  said the State has enough manpower to curtail the outbreak, but UNICEF is willing to support if called upon to do so.

He said the disease which was first observed in Chanchaga( Minna) and Bosso local government areas, mainly urban councils, has now  spread to four other local government areas.