The Zamfara State Government has successfully contained the recent cholera outbreak, with no active cases reported in any of its 14 local government areas.
According to the Ministry of Health, the outbreak affected 15,464 people, of whom 15,265 were treated and discharged, while 192 deaths were recorded. The Commissioner of Health, Dr Nafisa Maradun, represented by the Director of Public Health, Dr Yusuf Haske, described the achievement as evidence of the government’s commitment to transparency, accountability, and people-centred governance.
Dr Maradun noted that the state has developed a Pandemic Preparedness Plan to address future health threats, including cholera, diarrhoea, cerebrospinal meningitis, and other public health risks. Appreciation letters were issued to all partner organisations that supported the response.
The World Health Organisation’s Zamfara Coordinator, Dr Raji Mukhtar, highlighted the importance of timely planning, coordination, and data reporting. He acknowledged initial challenges in Zurmi and Anka, which created vulnerabilities to misinformation, and praised the activation of the Incident Management System for establishing a unified command that ensured an effective response.
Mukhtar specifically commended the Zamfara Government for demonstrating political will by dedicating the necessary resources at every stage of the response.
The government’s swift and coordinated efforts have effectively brought the outbreak under control, providing a model for future public health emergency responses in Nigeria.
