Sokoto Is at Low Risk of Ebola, No Cause for Alarm — Commissioner

By Bashir Rabe Mani, Sokoto

The Sokoto State Government has assured residents that the state remains at low risk of Ebola Virus Disease (EVD), saying it has strengthened surveillance and emergency response measures to prevent and manage any potential outbreak.

The State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Faruk Umar Abubakar Wurno, gave the assurance on Tuesday in Sokoto after a stakeholders’ meeting convened to review the state’s Ebola preparedness and response measures.

Wurno said the meeting brought together relevant stakeholders responsible for public health, disease surveillance, case management and public awareness to assess existing arrangements and strengthen the state’s readiness.

“ I want to inform you that Sokoto is a low-risk state as declared by the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC). There is no cause for alarm,” the commissioner said.

He explained that Sokoto has two major points of entry that require surveillance attention: the Illela border and the state’s airport, which currently handles domestic flights only.

According to him, the state has placed its surveillance network and epidemiologists on high alert to ensure a prompt response to any suspected case or public health emergency.

“We have a very good surveillance system, and our epidemiologists are also active. We have put all of them on alert so that, in case of any alert, we are able to swing into action,” he said.

The commissioner added that the state’s level of preparedness remained intact, with relevant agencies and health facilities ready to respond to any eventuality.

Sokoto Infectious Disease Hospital Ready for Ebola Response

Wurno disclosed that the Infectious Disease Hospital (IDH) in Amanawa had been prepared to provide isolation and case management services should the need arise.

He said the facility had the necessary personal protective equipment (PPE) and other essential arrangements required to manage suspected or confirmed infectious disease cases.

According to him, the hospital’s Chief Medical Director (CMD), who attended the stakeholders’ meeting, briefed participants on the facility’s readiness.

“The Infectious Disease Hospital is ready. We have prepared it for isolation where there is a need,” he said.

The commissioner noted that the hospital was established by the state government and equipped to support the management of infectious diseases.

He reiterated that the government would continue to strengthen disease surveillance and maintain preparedness to protect residents against potential public health threats.

Diphtheria Cases Decline in Sokoto

Meanwhile, the commissioner announced a significant decline in diphtheria cases in the state, disclosing that fewer than 20 patients were receiving treatment across three designated treatment centres.

He identified the centres as Specialist Hospital Sokoto, which has a 45-bed capacity; Amana, with 100 beds; and another facility with five beds.

Wurno said each of the three centres currently had fewer than 10 patients on admission, adding that the patients were receiving appropriate care.

“As it is, we have less than 20 patients on admission in all the three centres, and case management is going very well, excellently,” he said.

The commissioner urged continued vigilance among health authorities and other stakeholders as the state sustains its efforts to prevent infectious disease outbreaks and improve public health protection.