From: Ibrahim Sidi Muh’d, Gusau
The Zamfara State Government on Thursday announced that a recent cholera outbreak that affected numerous communities has been successfully contained, with no active case currently reported across the state.
The announcement was made during an After Action Review Meeting on the cholera response, at the Public Health Emergency Operations Center in Gusau, Zamfara State capital.
The containment of the disease was declared by the state Commissioner of health, Dr. Nafisa Muhammad Maradun, represented by the Director of Public Health, Dr. Yusuf Haske.
She characterized the achievement as proof of the administration’s commitment to transparency, accountability, and people centered governance.
Dr. Maradun provided a comprehensive overview of the response, revealing the outbreak’s full scope.
He said the state recorded 15,464 cholera cases, with 15,265 patients successfully treated and discharged, while tragically 192 deaths were documented across the state’s 14 Local Government Areas.
The Commissioner noted that the State Government is now developing a robust Pandemic Preparedness Plan to address future public health threats. “These threats include cholera, diarrhea, cerebrospinal meningitis (CSM), heavy metal contamination and other diseases of public health importance.”
She added that appreciation letters has been issued to all supporting partners in recognition of their vital contributions and commitment for the success.
Speaking at the review, on behalf of all partners, Dr. Raji Mukhtar, the State Coordinator of the World Health Organization (WHO), highlighted the critical importance of timely planning, proper coordination according to IMS and data reporting.
Dr. Mukhtar cited key lessons learned, noting that initial challenges in Zurmi and Anka created a vulnerability to misinformation, particularly following media reports from Gummi, which heightened public anxiety.
However, he commended the subsequent harmonization of partner support and the activation of the Incident Management System, which established a unified command and ensured an effective response.
He specifically praised the Zamfara State Government for demonstrating exemplary political will by dedicating necessary resources at every stage of the response.
