THE Zamfara State Government has confirmed that 179 people have lost their lives following a cholera outbreak that has affected 12,052 residents across the state’s 14 local government areas.
Despite the grim toll, officials say the state’s fatality rate of 1.4% remains significantly lower than the national average of 3.3%, reflecting improved disease control measures.
News Point Nigeria reports that the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Malam Abubakar Nakwada, made this known during a strategic review meeting with the State Public Health Emergency Operations Centre (PHEOC), led by the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Nafisa Muhammad Maradun, to assess the ongoing outbreak response efforts.
Speaking during the meeting, Nakwada attributed Zamfara’s comparatively low fatality rate to the effective coordination and commitment of health personnel, especially those working in rural and high-risk areas.
He credited the success to the rapid deployment of emergency response teams, active surveillance, and establishment of Cholera Treatment Centres (CTCs) and Oral Dehydration Points (ODPs) in affected communities.
“Our state’s response structure anchored by the PHEOC, frontline health workers, and dedicated partners—has been instrumental in saving lives,” Nakwada stated.
He added that Governor Dauda Lawal’s administration remains committed to strengthening public health preparedness and preventing future outbreaks through better coordination and community health awareness.
The State Epidemiologist and leader of the PHEOC, Dr. Ahmad Gusau, presented a detailed report on the outbreak trends spanning 39 epidemiological weeks, covering all 14 LGAs.
According to the data, the 12,052 suspected cholera cases have been identified through enhanced surveillance and community engagement, while prompt case management helped prevent higher casualties.
Dr. Gusau explained that the state’s 1.4% fatality rate against the national average of 3.3% reported by the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) demonstrates the positive impact of early detection, prompt treatment, and robust public health interventions.
The SSG’s office, in a statement signed by Sulaiman Ahmad Tudu, Senior Special Assistant on Media, highlighted that the collaborative work between the Zamfara State Ministry of Health, PHEOC, and international partners has been crucial in reducing deaths and improving awareness.
“These measures include activation of Rapid Response Teams (RRTs), establishment of Cholera Treatment Centres, active case finding, and provision of oral rehydration solutions to communities,” the statement read.
The government also acknowledged the contributions of non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and community health volunteers who played vital roles in data collection, sanitation awareness, and treatment delivery.
While commending the PHEOC, health workers, and stakeholders for their unwavering commitment, Nakwada expressed sorrow over the lives lost and called for intensified vigilance.
“Every number represents a human life, a family devastated. We must keep working until no one dies from a preventable disease like cholera,” he said.
He assured that Governor Dauda Lawal’s administration will continue to invest in water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) infrastructure, as well as public health education, to prevent future outbreaks.