Despite earlier claims of containment, Niger State continues to battle a resurgence of cholera, with 27 patients currently on admission across four local government areas.
Deputy State Disease Surveillance Officer, Uriah Mahmudu, revealed that fresh cases have been reported in Chanchaga, Shiroro, Munya, and Wushishi LGAs. According to him, the latest admissions include 10 patients in Kuta (Shiroro), 8 in Wushishi, 7 in Chanchaga, and 2 in Kabula (Munya).
Mahmudu made this known during the delivery of another round of cholera response supplies from UNICEF, aimed at supporting the state’s effort to break the transmission chain.
“These supplies will be used judiciously to ensure all patients receive treatment, go home with hygiene packages, and that high-risk communities are supported to prevent further spread,” he said.
Leading the delivery of the materials was Theresa Pamma, WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene) Specialist from UNICEF’s Kaduna Field Office. She noted that although Niger State has treated and discharged over 327 patients, the recurrence of cases highlights the ongoing risk due to environmental and sanitation challenges.
Pamma emphasized that Niger has a 46% open defecation rate and that the consumption of unsafe water remains a primary driver of the outbreak.
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“Cholera thrives when human excreta contaminates drinking water. Unfortunately, many residents still rely on unprotected wells and rivers, and water vendors sell from unknown sources,” she explained.
Calling for urgent investment in sanitation infrastructure, she said, “If every household in Niger State had access to toilets, cholera wouldn’t be this rampant. The government must ensure household toilets are available to prevent contamination of water sources.”
UNICEF’s donation included community and periphery Acute Watery Diarrhea (AWD) kits, 40 cholera beds, antibiotics, gloves, water purification tablets, chlorine, hygiene kits, testing tools, and essential fluids such as Ringer’s lactate and normal saline.
Dr. Idris Baba, UNICEF’s Health Specialist, stated that the donated items are sufficient to treat all current cases in the state.
As cholera cases rise, authorities urge residents to adopt proper hygiene practices, including regular handwashing, safe water treatment, and the use of household toilets, to curb the spread of the disease.