Zamfara Vaccinates Over 960,000 Amid Cholera Outbreak

Zamfara Vaccinates Over 960,000 Amid Cholera Outbreak

 

 

 

The Zamfara State Government, with support from the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA), WHO, UNICEF, and other partners, has vaccinated 964,765 residents against cholera in a bid to curb the ongoing outbreak in the state.

 

The oral cholera vaccination (OCV) campaign targeted six high-risk Local Government Areas (LGAs) — Gusau, Bungudu, Zurmi, Anka, Talata Mafara, and Shinkafi — following the release of 1,194,742 OCV doses from the International Coordinating Group (ICG) global stockpile for Nigeria. Over 1,800 frontline health workers were trained to implement the campaign.

 

Launched on August 30, the campaign aimed to immunise 878,162 people aged one to 45 years. After six days of vaccination, nearly a million residents across 20 wards received the lifesaving vaccine.

 

Dr Nafisa Muhammad Maradun, Zamfara’s Commissioner for Health, said the vaccination is part of a broader outbreak response that includes activating the State Infectious Disease Hospital in Damba, distributing essential medicines, and enhancing disease surveillance.

 

WHO’s Zamfara Coordinator, Dr Raji Mukhtar, emphasised that vaccination, coupled with Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) interventions, remains vital to controlling the spread of cholera. He noted that the six high-risk LGAs account for more than 85 per cent of all cases reported in the state.

 

The agency also highlighted the role of the State Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) in coordinating the multi-sectoral response, which includes the establishment of treatment centres and oral rehydration points, as well as the donation of essential medicines, IV fluids, and diagnostic tools.

 

WHO continues to advise residents to use boiled or chlorinated water, practice proper hygiene, cook food thoroughly, and seek prompt medical attention if they experience diarrhoea or vomiting.

 

Dr Ann Fortin, WHO Nigeria Emergency Preparedness Response Lead, commended the state and federal governments for their swift action, stressing that cholera is preventable and treatable.

 

The vaccination drive underscores the importance of strong government leadership, community engagement, and coordinated partner support in controlling cholera and advancing Nigeria’s National Strategic Plan of Action for Cholera Control (NSPACC) 2025–2029.