Doctors Without Borders/Médecins Sans Frontières, MSF, has raised concern over the rising cases of cholera in Zamfara, citing 1,500 cases from mid-June to early August.
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
