Zamfara State has been plagued by recurring violent attacks, kidnappings, and killings, often attributed to armed bandits, leaving residents in a state of fear and insecurity.
By HARUNA AHMED, Gausa–
Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF), also known as Doctors Without Borders, has raised urgent concerns about a worsening cholera outbreak in Zamfara State, calling for immediate action to curb further loss of life.
The medical humanitarian organization issued a statement on Thursday highlighting the escalating crisis.
MSF’s Medical Coordinator in Nigeria, Dr. David Kizito, reported over 1,500 cholera cases recorded across three MSF-supported facilities in the state.
“We’re seeing a sharp rise in cases, and other humanitarian partners and the Zamfara Ministry of Health are reporting similar trends across the region,” he said.
MSF has concentrated its efforts in high-risk areas like Shinkafi, Zurmi, and Talata Mafara, where access to clean water remains severely limited.
Kizito noted that cholera, a recurring issue in Nigeria, typically surges during the rainy season from April to October. “Flooding contaminates water sources, spreading the disease rapidly in areas with poor sanitation,” he explained.
“Cholera can cause severe diarrhoea and vomiting, leading to death within hours if untreated.”
In response, MSF has intensified its Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) initiatives and health promotion efforts, working alongside the Ministry of Health, which activated a Public Health Emergency Operations Centre on July 3. MSF began cholera treatment services in mid-June after detecting the first suspected case at a supported facility.
“We’ve scaled up case management, surveillance, and WASH activities to address the outbreak,” Kizito said.
MSF has supported the establishment of a Cholera Treatment Centre (CTC) at Zurmi General Hospital, a Cholera Treatment Unit (CTU) at Talata Mafara General Hospital, and another CTC at Shinkafi General Hospital. Between June 16 and August 5, Zurmi’s CTC recorded 562 suspected cases, primarily from Yambuki, Kadamusa, and Zurmi town. Shinkafi General Hospital reported 401 cases from July 11 to August 5, with Shinkafi North Ward, including Alkalawa, Sabon Gari, and Kurya, being the hardest hit. Additionally, 58 cases were reported from Isa LGA, near Sokoto State, while Talata Mafara’s CTU recorded over 600 cases from July 1 to August 8, with Kayaye, Anka, and Bakura LGAs heavily affected.
Kizito highlighted the challenging context of insecurity, displacement, and limited access to clean water, worsened by the rainy season.
“This outbreak is unfolding in a complex environment, but MSF remains committed to working with communities and health authorities to provide timely treatment and prevention,” he said.
He stressed the need for decentralized oral rehydration points and enabling primary healthcare centers to treat mild to moderate cases to reduce complications and ensure swift referrals to specialized CTCs.
“Urgent cholera vaccination is critical to halt transmission and save lives,” Kizito urged, adding, “No one should die from a preventable disease like cholera.” Dr. Ahmad Bilal, MSF’s Head of Mission in Nigeria, emphasized preventive measures.
“Boiling water, regular handwashing, eating freshly prepared food, avoiding open defecation, and staying up to date with vaccinations are simple yet effective ways to protect against cholera,” he advised.
MSF called for collective action across Zamfara to curb the outbreak, underscoring the importance of community participation and robust public health interventions to safeguard lives.
