Niger Cholera update: Niger still has 150 positive cases -UNICEF 

By Daniel Ebi, Minna 

The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has said that 150 positive cholera are still recorded in Niger state, despite the efforts of the State Government and donor agencies to curb the spread of Cholera outbreak in the State,

UNICEF said that the death toll  has risen  from 13 to 16 since the outbreak. 

UNICEF Kaduna Field officer, Gerida Birukila  disclosed this while  speaking during an advocacy visit to the Emir of Minna, Alhaji  Unar Farouk Bahago  at his palace. 

The UNICEF Field Officer, said that, 451 persons were isolated and those confirmed positive treated and discharged are 150.

The Field officer who was represented by Health Specialist Ahmed Tsofo also solicited for the Emir’s support to curtail various diseases ravaging the state.

It should be recalled that 13 deaths were recorded at the outbreak of cholera epidemic in Niger State, three more deaths were however recorded bringing the figure to 16. 

Also, cases of infection was 409 which has now risen to over 451 cases.

According to UNICEF boss, “we have recorded more than 451 cases of cholera infections out of it, over 150 were confirmed positive through rapid diagnostic testing.

“So far, we have now recorded 16 deaths and we brought it to the Emir’s information. We have also updated him on the support we are providing and the collaboration between UNICEF and government to contain the outbreak and to prevent further spread”. 

Among other issues highlighted during the visit included polio and measles diseases as well as the low rate of exclusive breastfeeding in the state. 

 “We came to advocate for his support in person and the support of the traditional institution over the ongoing health and Public health interventions that we have been supporting in Niger. 

“As you must have heard from the discussions we had with the Emir we advocated for his support in the next coming in-between rounds activity for polio eradication campaign; we advocated also for the ongoing cholera outbreak in the state.

 “We advocated for his support also toward the introduction of the measles and rubella vaccines which is coming up in October this year”.

The UNICEF Health specialist noted that these diseases could be eradicated with the collaboration of government and the traditional institutions.

In his response, Emir of Minna, Alhaji Farouq Bahago assured the UNICEF of the Emirate’s support and prayed that Allah would enable them achieve the aim of eradicating the diseases in tue state.

Accordingly, he said “we will continue to talk and work in the interest of our people. We will support your efforts and complement your activities in all the four areas of intervention”.