Cholera outbreak: UNICEF, Sokoto curb 12 affected areas with necessary drugs

From Olanrewaju Lawal, Birnin Kebbi

The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), in collaboration with the Sokoto State government, has swung into action to mitigate cholera outbreaks in 12 Local Government Areas with drugs and other hygiene materials.

A statement by UNICEF’s media team indicated that all the victims have been stabilised while massive sensitisation is ongoing.

According to the statement, the 12 Local Government Areas were Binji, Dange Shuni, Gada, Goronyo, Gwadabawa, Kebbe, Kware, Silame, Sokoto North, Sokoto South, Tureta and Wamakko.

“After stabilisation of victims and massive sensitisation and awareness campaigns on cholera and its mitigating mechanisms inclusive of consistent hygiene practices and stopping the practice of open defecation.

“Drugs and other consumables were supported to the various PHCs where cases were reported, the response was swiftly under 24 hours to prevent casualties from the disease.”

They disclosed that UNICEF Sokoto Field Office supported the state during the response to 12 LGAs in the state with items such as Aqua tab (20 cartons), 577 cholera kits, 289 WASH dignity kits, 6 chlorine drums, among others.

The UNICEF Sokoto Field Office, according to the statement, through its response, supported with funding by SIDA and the US Bureau of Humanitarian Assistance, has launched an Oral Cholera Vaccination (OCV) campaign following confirmed cholera cases.

While giving more details, they explained that two high-risk LGAs were Dange Shuni and Goronyo and they were selected due to their recurring history of outbreaks.

“The campaign aims to vaccinate 650,000 people aged 1 year and above. In the first four days, vaccinators achieved 79% of their target, indicating strong community acceptance. Oral vaccines are used due to their safety, ease of administration, lower cost, and strong mucosal immunity in the gut, where cholera infection begins.

“Community enthusiasm is high, particularly in schools and Quranic learning centres, especially Malam Adamu’s Quranic school in Kanwuri area Fajaldu ward of Dange Shuni LGA in Sokoto with over 200 pupils, Sahabi Denge Model Primary School with 1,300 pupils are said to be eager to receive the vaccine among others.”