Niger State is currently battling a cholera outbreak that has left 13 people hospitalized and 297 suspected cases reported across six local government areas. The majority of the fatalities and infections are children, raising serious concern among health officials.
The outbreak, which began about two weeks ago, has affected communities in Shiroro, Bosso, Minna, Magama, Bida, and Munya. In response, the state government has set up an isolation centre in Minna to manage and contain the rising number of cases.
On Thursday, officials from the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) visited the isolation facility, located at the old wing of the Senator Idris Ibrahim Kuta Primary Health Care Centre along Old Airport Road in Minna. Speaking during the visit, Dr. Gerida Birukila, Chief of UNICEF’s Kaduna Field Office, said the agency is supporting the state to strengthen the centre and curb the spread of the disease.
According to Dr. Birukila, the outbreak initially emerged in two local government areas around Minna before spreading to neighboring communities. She confirmed that 13 lives had been lost so far, most of them children, and emphasized that children make up the majority of the 297 suspected cholera cases currently under observation.
She disclosed that seven patients were receiving treatment at the centre, while four new cases had just been admitted. In addition, 23 cases had been reported in other local government areas, with a mix of confirmed and pending diagnoses.
Also present at the inspection was Dr. Sule Mele, a UNICEF Health Specialist, who said that rapid diagnostic tests have confirmed cholera in about 50 percent of the over 200 suspected cases identified so far. He warned that the number of infections could rise if urgent measures are not taken to stop the spread.
UNICEF has launched public awareness campaigns and is collaborating with the state government on case management strategies to respond effectively to the crisis. The organization has also been mobilizing resources to ensure that the isolation centre meets required health standards.
Earlier in the week, Niger State Commissioner for Primary Health Care, Dr. Ibrahim Dangana, confirmed the outbreak, stating that 13 people had died and about 240 were initially hospitalized across the six affected local government areas.
Health authorities are urging residents to maintain good hygiene practices, ensure drinking water is properly treated, and seek medical attention immediately if symptoms such as diarrhea and vomiting appear, particularly in households with children.
Efforts to contain the outbreak remain ongoing as state and international health partners work to prevent a further escalation.