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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 had been stabilised, while massive sensitisation was ongoing.
According to the statement, the12 local government areas included Binji, Dange Shuni, Gada, Goronyo, Gwadabawa, Kebbe, Kware, Silame, Sokoto North, Sokoto South, Tureta and Wamakko.
“After stabilisation of victims, there are massive sensitisation and awareness campaigns on cholera and its mitigating mechanisms, including consistent hygiene practices and stoppage of the practice of open defecation.
“Drugs and other consumables were supplied to the various Primary Health Centres (PHCs) where cases were reported, and the response was swift, under 24 hours, to prevent casualties from the disease,” the statement said.
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The statement noted that the 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 and six Chlorine drums, among others
The UNICEF Sokoto Field Office, according to the statement, through it response, supported with funding by SIDA and the US Bureau of Humanitarian Assistance to launch an oral cholera vaccination (OCV) campaign following confirmed cholera cases.
The statement further explained that two high-risk LGAs were Dange Shuni and Goronyo and they were selected due to the recurring history of outbreaks.
“The campaign aims to vaccinate 650,000 people aged one year and above. In the first four days, vaccinators achieved 79 percent 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, with over 200 pupils. Also, at Sahabi Denge Model Primary School with 1,300 pupils, they are said to be eager to receive the vaccine among others,” the statement noted.
