UNICEF Applauds Yobe Government’s Proactive Measures Against Cholera

UNICEF Applauds Yobe Government’s Proactive Measures Against Cholera

From Muhammad Maitela, Damaturu

The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has commended the Yobe State Government for its proactive and effective measures in preventing cholera outbreak in the state, describing the government’s preparedness and public health interventions as exemplary.

The commendation was made by the UNICEF Chief of Field Office, Maiduguri, Mr. Francis Butucci, during an advocacy visit to the Acting Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Dr. Mohammed Goje, at the Governce office in Damaturu.

According to a statement signed by Ibrahim Baba Saleh, Media Coordinator/Liaison Officer in the Office of the Secretary to the State Government, Mr. Butucci noted that despite the ongoing rainy season, a period typically associated with increased cholera outbreaks, Yobe State has not recorded any confirmed case of the disease.

He attributed the achievement to the government’s timely preventive interventions, coordinated disease surveillance, and sustained public health awareness campaigns.

“This achievement may not be unconnected to the government’s timely preventive measures, coordinated surveillance, and sustained public health awareness campaigns,” he said.

Mr. Butucci also expressed appreciation to the state government for its swift implementation of UNICEF’s technical recommendations, noting that the collaboration has continued to yield positive results.

While acknowledging the progress made, he urged the government to sustain its efforts by expanding birth registration services at Primary Healthcare Centres (PHCs) and strengthening support for schools recently affected by windstorms across the state.

Responding, the Acting Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Mohammed Goje, expressed appreciation to UNICEF for its sustained partnership and invaluable technical support to the Yobe State Government in the areas of healthcare, education, nutrition, child protection, and social development.

He reaffirmed the commitment of Governor Mai Mala Buni’s administration to deepening collaboration with UNICEF and other development partners in implementing people-centred policies and programmes aimed at improving the quality of life of the people.

Dr. Goje particularly commended UNICEF for providing a state-of-the-art oxygen gas plant to the Yobe State healthcare system, describing the intervention as a significant milestone in strengthening critical healthcare services and saving lives.

He added that the facility has significantly complemented the state government’s ongoing investments in the health sector and enhanced the capacity of health institutions to deliver quality healthcare and save lives across the state.