Cholera Outbreak in Niger State: UNICEF Intervenes with Emergency Response

The UNICEF has stepped in to contain a cholera outbreak in Niger State, Nigeria, after 279 cases were reported, with 297 suspected cases and 23 positive cases. The suspected cases are spread across six local government areas, with 50% of rapid diagnostic tests coming back positive. The UNICEF is collaborating with the Niger state government and other health organizations, including the World Health Organization (WHO), to halt the spread of the disease.

Key Takeaways:

• As of Thursday, 279 cases of cholera were reported, with 297 suspected cases and 23 positive cases.
• The suspected cases are spread across six local government areas, with 50% of rapid diagnostic tests coming back positive.
• The UNICEF has donated essential commodities to the affected areas and is working to set up cholera treatment units across all other LGAs with suspected cases.
• The Niger state government has set up treatment and isolation centers to mitigate the spread and is sensitizing the public on how to manage the situation.
• The first cases of cholera were reported two weeks ago in Minna metropolitan, consisting of LGAs; Chanchaga and Bosso.
• Three hundred children are among the victims, with 297 suspected cases recorded as of Thursday.

Statistics:

• 279 cases of cholera have been reported.
• 297 suspected cases have been recorded, with 23 positive cases.
• 50% of rapid diagnostic tests have come back positive.
• 3 hundred children are among the victims.

Sources:

• UNICEF Field Officer, Dr. Gerida Birukila
• UNICEF Health Specialist, Dr. Sule Mele
• Director Public Health in the Ministry of Secondary and Tertiary Health in Niger state, Dr. Ibrahim Idris