Health
Borno, Adamawa, Yobe States Declare End of Cholera Outbreaks
In a synchronized event, the Commissioners of Health in Borno, Adamawa and Yobe States recently declared the end of the Cholera outbreak. It has been over two weeks since the last cases of Cholera were detected and as required by epidemiological protocols and standards, when the number of suspected cases in an epidemic area significantly declines and all samples from suspected cholera cases test negative for a minimum period of two weeks, the outbreak is considered controlled.
Following the intense outbreak response which was led and coordinated by the Nigerian Government with support from the World Health Organization (WHO), the last cases of cholera were reported in Borno state on 14 December 2018, while Adamawa and Yobe states reported their last cases on 23 November and 04 December 2018 respectively indicating an end of the outbreaks according to epidemiological standards.
Since the outbreaks of cholera were declared in each of the states at different times in 2018, close to 11,000 cases including 175 deaths with a case fatality ratio of 2.1% were reported across the three states as of 15th January 2019.
WHO Emergency manager for the North East Nigeria, Dr Collins Owili explained that the outbreaks affected close to 11,000 people across 28 Local Government Areas (LGAs) with Borno contributing 58%, Adamawa, 25% and Yobe state 17%.
“Atypical of cholera outbreaks, suspected cases were reported in early February 2018 from three wards in Kukawa LGA, Borno state,” said Owili. “Similarly, in Yobe state, on the 28th of March 2018, an outbreak of cholera was confirmed by the Honourable Commissioner for Health after samples collected from Gashua town in Bade LGA, tested positive to the bacteria vibrio cholerae. While, in Adamawa, cases were reported in Mubi north and South as early as 17 May 2018.”
In an address to the media on the official closure of the outbreak in Maiduguri, Borno state, the Commissioner for Health, represented by the Permanent Secretary, Alhaji Bukar Mustapha Allau commended WHO’s technical leadership and coordination of the health sector response.
Allau disclosed that 15 LGAs of Borno state accounted for 6,367 reported cases of cholera in 2018, with 73 associated deaths indicating a case fatality ratio (CFR) of 1.15%. According to him, “Jere LGA with 2,482 cases, Maiduguri Municipal Council with 1,556 and Ngala LGA with 1,052 contributed 80% of all reported cases in the state. Other LGAs that reported various cases include Magumeri Konduga, Kwaya-Kusar, Chibok, Shani, Damboa, Kaga, Askira-Uba, Bama, Dikwa, Guzamala and Kala/Balge.”
He commended the multi-sectoral approach, swift response and effective health partner coordination by all health partners as soon as the outbreak was confirmed.
n Yola, Adamawa state, the Commissioner for Health, Dr Fatima Atiku-Abubakar explained that WHO’s robust surveillance activities including early detection, timely reporting and coordinated response guided interventions and helped in controlling the spread of the outbreaks which reached 2, 755 cases including 43 deaths as of 23 November 2018.
Her counterpart in Yobe state, Dr Muhammed Bello Kawuwa, stated that WHO’s strategic community surveillance even in difficult to reach locations, effective health partner coordination and capacity building of health workers enabled timely control of the outbreaks.
Yobe state reported more than 1,800 cases with 61 associated deaths, giving a Case Fatality Rate (CFR) of 3.36% with 591 cases reported from Gulani LGA, 485 cases from Gujba LGA and 489 cases from Damaturu LGA. In Fune LGA, 181 cases were reported and 67 cases were reported in Potiskum LGA.
Although, cholera outbreaks are endemic in North East Nigeria, the outbreaks have remained persistent following the disruption of healthcare services as a result of the ongoing insurgency in the region. More than 1.7 million people have been internally displaced in Borno, Adamawa and
Yobe states, and thus, rendered vulnerable to communicable disease infections especially cholera, Yellow fever and meningitis. Through its health emergencies programme, WHO is coordinating 45 health sector partners to respond to multiple as well as concurrent outbreaks of diseases in the region.
Health
Oyo: Tragedy As Bride-to-Be Among Four Dead in Suspected Lassa Fever Outbreak
The Oyo State Ministry of Health has closed two hospitals in Saki West Local Government Area following a suspected outbreak of Lassa fever, which has claimed four lives.
The fatalities, confirmed by the Oyo State Rapid Response Team (RRT), include three males and a 32-year-old female who was preparing for her wedding. The closure of the hospitals aims to contain the spread of the disease and ensure thorough decontamination.
In a press statement issued by the Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Dotun Oyelade, the State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Oluwaserimi Ajetunmobi, revealed that the RRT was dispatched to Saki following distress calls from residents reporting mysterious deaths.
Findings and Immediate Actions
The RRT, comprising health officials, representatives from WHO and the Red Cross, and local health authorities, conducted a comprehensive investigation into the outbreak.
Preliminary findings suggest that an apprentice at one of the affected hospitals, who had recently returned from Iwajowa Local Government Area, might have introduced the infection.
The team disclosed that the deceased exhibited symptoms consistent with Lassa fever, such as craniofacial bleeding. The hospital owner, who was among the deceased, initially self-medicated with antimalarials and antibiotics before seeking hospital care when his condition worsened.
Containment Measures
Both the hospital where the fatalities occurred and the facility that admitted the hospital owner were shut down for decontamination.
Contact tracing efforts are ongoing, focusing on high-risk individuals who had contact with the deceased during their illness or burial.
Affected health workers were trained on Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) protocols, and public awareness campaigns were conducted to educate residents about Lassa fever.
Samples have been collected from a symptomatic individual, pending laboratory confirmation. Line-listing of contacts is underway to identify potential cases and prevent further spread.
Collaborative Efforts
The RRT also paid an advocacy visit to the Okere of Saki’s palace to brief traditional authorities on the situation. Local government officials in Saki West were engaged to coordinate containment strategies.
Reports indicate that while the outbreak initially affected Saki West, it has extended to Iwajowa and Kajola Local Government Areas.
Disease Surveillance and Notification Officers (DSNOs) in the affected LGAs have been instructed to commence preliminary containment measures as the State RRT ramps up its response.
Call for Vigilance
The Ministry of Health has urged residents to remain vigilant, report any symptoms suggestive of Lassa fever, and adhere to preventive measures.
These include proper hygiene practices, avoiding contact with rodents, and seeking medical attention promptly if symptoms arise.
Health
Oyo: Oseni to Launch Mobile Clinic Initiative to Revitalize Rural Healthcare
A member representing Ibarapa East/Ido federal constituency of Oyo State at the House of Representatives, Engr. Aderemi Oseni, has announced a plan to launch a “Mobile Clinic” programme aimed at providing essential healthcare services directly to rural communities across the constituency.
Scheduled to begin in the first quarter of 2025, this initiative underscores Oseni’s commitment to expanding healthcare access, particularly for underserved populations.
Speaking on Saturday at the 10th-anniversary celebration of God’s Knot Hospital in Ologuneru, Ibadan, the lawmaker, who also chairs the House Committee on the Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA), highlighted the programme’s primary objective: bringing healthcare closer to the people.
“Every community deserves attention; healthcare should never be bound by geographical barriers,” Oseni stated.
He explained that the mobile clinics would deliver essential health check-ups, screenings, and preventive care in remote areas, allowing residents to access quality healthcare without traveling long distances.
As part of his broader healthcare agenda, Oseni informed, through a statement by his media aide, Idowu Ayodele, that he has already facilitated the construction of two fully equipped maternity centers within his constituency, both slated for commissioning before December 2024. He also disclosed plans to establish two modern general hospitals in 2025, further strengthening his commitment to building a healthier community.
The lawmaker expressed interest in collaborating with God’s Knot Hospital on the mobile clinic project, calling for partnerships to support sustainable healthcare initiatives that enhance the quality of life for vulnerable populations in the constituency.
“I resonate deeply with the mission of God’s Knot Hospital,” Oseni shared, adding that such partnerships would significantly improve healthcare in Oyo State”.
The anniversary event attracted distinguished guests, including former Ondo State Governor Dr. Olusegun Mimiko, whom Oseni commended for his contributions to healthcare, particularly through the Mother and Child Hospitals that transformed maternal and child healthcare in Ondo State.
Oseni urged philanthropists, government bodies, and international organizations to support healthcare projects like the upcoming mobile clinics, emphasising that the improvement of healthcare services is a shared responsibility.
Health
NAFDAC Shuts Maiduguri Market Over Sun-Dried Drugs After Flood
The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has ordered the immediate closure of the Gomboru drug market in Maiduguri following severe flooding that submerged the area and contaminated the drugs sold within the market.
In a statement posted on its official X handle, NAFDAC disclosed that the decision was made after reports surfaced that contaminated drugs, which had been washed and sun-dried for resale, were being sold at the market.
“After the recent flooding in Maiduguri that submerged the Gomboru drug market where contaminated drugs were washed and sun-dried for resale, the @DGatNAFDAC ordered the immediate closure of the market to conduct a thorough shop-to-shop removal of these compromised drugs,” the agency wrote.
The flooding, which ravaged Maiduguri, was triggered by the rupture of the Alau dam on the Ngadda River, located 20 kilometers (12 miles) south of the city.
The floodwaters claimed at least 30 lives and displaced 400,000 residents, leaving large parts of the city and surrounding areas in devastation.
NAFDAC’s intervention is aimed at safeguarding public health by preventing the sale and consumption of contaminated drugs.
The agency has mobilized teams to inspect the market and ensure the removal of all compromised pharmaceutical products.
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