Niger loses over 100 persons to Cholera Outbreak

Over one hundred (100) persons have lost their lives as a result of the cholera outbreak in all the local government areas of Niger state from the second quarter of this year till date.

Making this disclosure on Wednesday the State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Mohammed Makusidi said initially the disease was detected in about 18 councils but later spread to the entire 25 LGAs.

He advised that “people need to have latrines or toilets in their homes because government cannot come and stop any one from open defecation”.

Dr Makusidi explained at a Media workshop and field trip reporting organized ongoing workshop by Pathfinder International in Minna that unlike the COVID-19 pandemic, the state government was able to tackle the disease outbreak adequately.

While attributing it to human behaviours, environmental changes, open defecation among others, he disclosed that “there is no local government in the state that has not been touched. We lost between 100 and 150 persons. Initially, we noticed it in 18 local governments and later spread to the 25 councils”

“And as part of our preparedness unlike COVID-19, it was highly anticipated due to human behaviours, environmental changes, we defecate everywhere, open defecation is still on the rempage. Government alone cannot do it, it’s everyone business”

While speaking on Poliomyelitis, Dr Makusidi explained that Nigeria so far has been certified Polio free which was celebrated in the country, just as efforts are still being made by governments at all levels to maintain the tempo.

The commissioner further explained that at the moment, Niger State Government still has budgetary provision on Polio to ensure that it never resurfaces in the state.

“The tension is still high. Niger state Government is not relenting in the fight against Polio as there is still budgetary provision to ensure that it is gone completely,” Makusidi added.
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