The MSF’s Medical Coordinator in Nigeria, Dr David Kizito, disclosed this in a statement issued to newsmen in Birnin Kebbi on Thursday.

Kizito cited high case numbers from three of the state’s Ministry of Health, MOH, medical facilities it supports.

“From mid-June to early August, the medical humanitarian organisation has recorded over 1,500 cases in these facilities, while other humanitarian actors and the MOH have also reported high incidence rates in other parts of the state.

“This outbreak is unfolding in a context of insecurity, displacement, and limited access to clean water and sanitation – exacerbated by the rainy season,” he stated.

He argued that while cholera had been endemic to Nigeria for decades, “seasonal outbreaks typically intensify between April and October”.

According to him, flooding during this period contaminates water sources, accelerating the spread of the disease in areas with poor sanitation.

“Cholera can cause severe diarrhoea and vomiting.

“If left untreated, it can lead to rapid dehydration and even death within hours.

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“In response to the outbreak, MSF has scaled up its water, sanitation, and hygiene, WASH, interventions and promotional activities, alongside other humanitarian actors and the state MOH – which activated a Public Health Emergency Operations Centre on July 3.

“MSF has particularly invested efforts in hotspot areas, like Shinkafi, Zurmi, and Talata Mafara, where access to safe water remains critically low.

“Ensuring access to safe drinking water through boiling, practising regular handwashing, consuming freshly prepared meals, avoiding open defecation, and keeping vaccinations up to date are straightforward yet highly effective measures to safeguard yourself and your family from preventable diseases,” Kizito added.

He stated that the organisation’s medical teams were providing treatment at MSF-supported facilities across the state in its expansion of cholera medical treatment for preventative measures.

“In mid-June, following the first suspected case of cholera at an MSF-supported medical facility, the organisation increased its case management and surveillance response in Zamfara, in addition to its scaled-up WASH activities.

“In Zurmi, MSF and other humanitarian actors supported the MOH in opening a cholera treatment centre (CTC) in Zurmi General Hospital.

“In July, MSF supported the MOH in opening a cholera treatment unit at the Talata Mafara General Hospital and a CTC at Shinkafi General Hospital.

“In the Zurmi CTC, medical teams reported 562 suspected cases of cholera – the majority from Yambuki, Kadamusa, and Zurmi town – between June 16 and August 5,” he added.

Kizito stated that at Shinkafi General Hospital, medical teams recorded approximately 401 cases between July 11 and August 5, adding that the most affected areas were in Shinkafi North Ward, especially in Alkalawa, Sabon Gari and Kurya.

He noted that 58 cases originated from Isa LGA in Sokoto State, while in the Talata Mafara CTU, over 600 cases were recorded between July 1, and August 8.

He stated that Kayaye accounted for the highest percentage of cases, “but the CTU received cases as far as Anka and Bakura Local Government Areas (LGAs).”

He said, “Going forward, MSF is worried there will be more cases.

“As cholera continues to threaten lives across Zamfara, MSF remains committed to working alongside communities, health authorities, and other partners to ensure timely treatment, prevention, and support.

“MSF emphasises the importance of setting up decentralised oral rehydration points and enabling all existing primary healthcare centres to treat mild and moderate suspected cholera cases.

“This will ensure timely treatment, reduce complications, and allow prompt referral to dedicated CTCs in hospitals, such as Zurmi, Shinkafi, and Talata.

“Moreover, urgent cholera vaccination is needed to halt transmission and save lives,” Kizito stated.

According to him, the participation of everyone in Zamfara was needed to reduce the spread.

“No one should die from a preventable disease,” he stated.

Source: NAN

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The government said 48 cases were confirmed from the suspected case and out of which 23 persons died of the disease while 25 persons were discharged.

Governor Francis Nwifuru announced this on Thursday in Abakaliki at the official sign off and handover ceremony of Medecens Sans Frontieres (MSF) also known as ”Doctors without borders” Lassa Fever support activities to the state government.

“Though we grief over those that died, we give kudos to doctors without borders for saving the lives of those who survived the disease.

“The spread of this virus is believed to be facilitated by socio-cultural practices, poor health seeking behaviour, poor environmental sanitation conditions, lack of  awareness and community engagement.

“We, therefore applaud the splendid efforts of one of our international health ally and partner known as MSF

“The giant humanitarian strides recorded as milestones of this team in the area of health and well-being of our people is enormous and as a government we are highly indebted to them.

“MSF became an official health ally and partner to Ebonyi State through the state ministry of health in 2018 and since then they have remained steadfast.

“Records have shown that this year 2024 alone, Nigeria has recorded over 4,726 cases with very significant fatality rate.

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“In Ebonyi State here, we have recorded 394 suspected cases since January till date with 48 confirmed cases out of which 23 persons died of the disease while 25 persons were discharged home.

“As a governor, I am satisfied with proactive, relentless and very tremendous efforts you have made in our health sector since your arrival to Ebonyi State in 2018.

“I believe that sooner than later we shall overcome and eliminate in totality the dangers of Lassa Fever and with your constant backup our acceleration in subduing this deadly virus will be faster and better,” he said.

The governor implored MSF leadership in their rank and files to consider the sincerest appeal from the state and continue our partnership for the sake of humanity.

He promised to offer feasible support to accomplish the set goals in Ebonyi State in order to eradicate Lassa Fever.

Earlier, Dr Allan Godfrey, MSF’s Field Coordinator in Ebonyi thanked the governor for creating an enabling environment in the discharge of their humanitarian services to the people.

Godfrey noted that its intervention in Ebonyi on healthcare delivery had been successful, urging the state government on the need for sustainability.

“Within our stay in the state, we have constructed six health centres and other interventions,” he added.

Source: NAN

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Receiving the International President of the organisation, Dr Christos Christou, at State House, Abuja, Friday, the president said the sacrifices as individuals and as a group were quite enormous, particularly on non-profit basis.

Commenting specifically on the situation in the North-East, President Buhari said despite criticisms, the government had made substantial progress.

“We know the pathetic situation of children not knowing where their parents are, or the communities they come from, and that was why we established the new Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development. This is to harness and channel resources to such deprived people,” he declared.

The president promised that respite and succour would come to all the troubled areas, adding that many prominent and well-to-do organisations were also involved, along with international agencies.

President Buhari told his guests: “We are grateful to you. We will secure the environment in order for you to do your job. You are not doing it for profit. We remain very appreciative.”

Dr Christou said Doctors Without Borders had been active in Nigeria since 1996, and was an international, independent medical humanitarian organisation that delivers emergency aid to people affected by armed conflicts, epidemics, natural disasters and exclusion from healthcare.

The organisation works in ten states across the country, and adheres strictly to principles of independence, impartiality and neutrality, among others.

Its budget for year 2020 is N17.7 billion, with 90 per cent of its 3,000 staff being Nigerians.

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