Bauchi State is grappling with a surge in suspected cholera cases, with the Primary Health Care Development Board reporting 50 instances across three local government areas since the beginning of the year.
Dr. Rilwanu Mohammed, Executive Secretary of the Board, disclosed this alarming development during the launch of the 2024 Maternal, Newborn, and Child Health (MNCH) Week in Bauchi on Monday, saying the area is a Bauchi, Giade, and Toro local government areas.
“We don’t have any confirmed cases of cholera in Bauchi State, but we have 50 suspected cases and one suspected death.
“People should adhere to protocols of sanitation and hygiene and report symptoms to the nearest health facility.”
The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) had announced an outbreak of cholera, a severe diarrheal illness caused by the bacterium Vibrio cholerae, which has spread to more than 30 states of the federation.
The centre also reports that as of June 24, 2024, there were 1,528 suspected cases, 65 confirmed cases, and 53 deaths across 107 local government areas in 31 states, reflecting a case fatality rate of 3.5 percent since the beginning of the year.
The NCDC, therefore, urged Nigerians to adopt safe sanitation practices and called on state governments to enforce stricter waste management regulations as health workers and the public
observe good hygiene and cleanliness.
On the MNCH week, Mohammed said, “There will be outreach services in schools and communities, targeting 2.2 million children under five years old.
“The MNCH Week will run from today, July 1, till Friday, July 5.”
He explained that during the week, vitamin A supplements, deworming medications, antenatal, and postnatal services would be provided to the people.
Other services, he said, include birth registration, nutrition counselling, and screening.
He added that “today, we are commencing one of the vital events that impacts the health
and well-being of our mothers, newborns, and children.
“Many newborns do not survive their first few days of life due to a lack of access to basic healthcare services, while many children suffer from malnutrition and preventable diseases that rob them of their potential.”
The board scribe reiterated the commitment of the Bauchi State Government to invest in the health sector.
He appreciated the commitment of the present administration, development partners, health workers, and volunteers towards providing quality care to the people.
He said, “Devotion and compassion are the bedrock of our healthcare system, and the commitment to improve maternal and child health is truly inspiring.
“We have a duty to prioritise maternal and child health, to invest in healthcare infrastructure, to strengthen health systems, and to ensure that no mother, newborn, or child is left behind.”
