The Sokoto State Commissioner of Health, Hajiya Asabe Balarabe has disclosed that the State has recorded 25 deaths and 15 hospitalized as a result of a Gastroenteritis outbreak otherwise known as Cholera.
Balarabe made the disclosure while speaking to journalists on Monday in an interview.
She noted that currently, 15 Victims active cases of the outbreak were discovered in Sokoto North, Silame, and Kware Local Government Areas.
According to the Commissioner, the 15 active cases were diagnosed through laboratory tests based on culture and sensitivity. She noted that they were confirmed to be active cases of the cholera outbreak.
Balarabe further disclosed that 1,160 people were said to have been affected by the outbreak. And 25 of the Victims have already succumbed to the disease.
She said, “The stated rescue teams are working in collaboration with the State Government to manage and forestall further spread of the dreaded disease.”
“The State Government in its response to the outbreak directed the immediate purchase and distribution of drugs free of charge to 18 Local Governments Areas. This is as intervention to curtail the continue spread of the disease.
Blarabe, however, appreciated the turnout of women, especially pregnant women, seeking medical consultations and pregnancy tests at various health institutions in the State.
The Commissioner highlighted challenges facing the health sector in the State. These she said, included the dilapidated infrastructure and inadequate resources. She noted that these have plagued the health sector backward for the past eight years.
Balarabe, however, expressed appreciation that Governor Ahmad Aliyu in his magnanimity saw to the revitalization of the health sector.
According to her, patients often face numerous problems in public health institutions. Such as atrocities, loud disturbances, lack of water, and power outages.
The Commissioner, therefore, commended the Governor for recruiting 864 nurses and midwives. This, she said is to address the issues of shortage of manpower in the public health facilities in the State.
Balarabe, also pointed out that plans are in the pipeline to recruit more supporting staff. This, she said is to replace the dead and those who retired without replacement.
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