The United States Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (US-CDC) and the African Field Epidemiology Network (AFENET) have dispatched a rapid response team to Zamfara State, Nigeria, to combat a widespread cholera outbreak. The outbreak, which began on January 15, has affected all 14 local government areas, prompting a significant public health response.
According to Suleiman Isah, Public Relations Officer of the State Ministry of Health, the state has recorded over 11,000 cases, with a case fatality rate of 1.6 percent. The majority of cases, approximately 60 percent, have been reported in four local government areas: Talata Mafara, Gusau, Bungudu, and Zurmi. Insecurity and humanitarian challenges in the state have exacerbated the outbreak, making it a major public health concern.
To bolster the response efforts, seven Field Epidemiology and Laboratory Training Programme residents and one graduate have been deployed to high-burden areas for 14 days. Their responsibilities include supporting surveillance, case management, and coordinating with the State Public Health Emergency Operations Centre (PHEOC). Additionally, the US-CDC and AFENET have delivered essential medical supplies, including 40,000 medicines, such as oral rehydration salts and normal saline, as well as 3,900 consumables, 500 infection prevention and control items, and 1,000 personal protective equipment.
The rapid response team lead, Ahmad Aliyu, handed over the medical supplies to the state Commissioner for Health, Nafisa Maradun. Maradun acknowledged the support as “massive” and assured that the supplies would be distributed judiciously to help control the outbreak. The deployment of the rapid response team and the provision of essential medical supplies aim to strengthen the state’s response to the cholera outbreak and mitigate its impact on the affected communities.
The cholera outbreak in Zamfara State highlights the need for continued support and collaboration between international organizations, national authorities, and local health officials to address public health challenges in the region. As the situation continues to evolve, the state’s health authorities, with the assistance of the US-CDC and AFENET, will focus on containing the outbreak and preventing further spread.
