Borno State Commissioner of Health and Human Services Professor Baba Malam Gana
By SADIQ ABUBAKAR , Maiduguri –
Borno State Government has announced a cholera outbreak in the state following severe flooding caused by the collapse of the Alau Dam in Konduga LGA.
The flooding has affected Maiduguri and surrounding areas, leading to the displacement of approximately 2 million people, destruction of health facilities, loss of lives and properties, and disruption of portable water and power supply ¹.
The Borno State Commissioner of Health and Human Services Professor Baba Malam Gana confirmed the cholera outbreak during an emergency meeting with government stakeholders and health partners at the EOC Center in Maiduguri.
He added that ,” As part of flood intervention responses, Borno State Public Health Emergency Operation Centre (PHEOC) was immediately converted to Command and Control Centre (CCC) to commence responses under modified Pillars; Coordination, Surveillance, Risk Communication and Community Engagement (RCCE), Essential Health Services, Infection Prevention Control Health Information(IPC)/Water Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH), Logistics and Management/Data.”.
“As you are aware, since inception of the insurgency in 2009, Borno State being the epicenter, is the worst hit among the BAY States. Coupled with effect of climate change, heavy rainfall this year, and consequent This resulted in accommodating the Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in Camps,” Prof. Gana said.
He added that In order to minimize the impact of cholera Outbreak, Borno State Ministry of Health has received 300,000 doses of Oral Cholera Vaccines (OCV) from Federal Ministry of Health, and equitably distributed across IDP Camps and flood affected communities.
The Commissioner further said that the state is still expecting additional 600,000 doses of OCV. However, we are recording increasing number of Acute Watery Diarrhea (AWD)/suspected Cholera which is not unconnected with the flood devastation.
“While Borno State Ministry of Health in collaboration with NCDC, WHO, UNICEF, MSF, ALIMA, IRC and other Partners recorded 451 cases, tested 148 samples, results shows 20 RDT negative, 128 RDT positive, with 17 culture Positive for Vibrio Cholerae, and zero mortality (CFR:0 %). The LGAs mostly affected are MMC, Jere, Konduga, Mafa and Monguno.
“At this stage, I wish to categorically inform the good people of Borno State and the media that we are having a Cholera Outbreak in Borno State which is highly contagious and can be transmitted via fecal-oral route with an approximate incubation period of 2-5 days. Risk Factors for Cholera are: Poor sanitation and/or personal hygiene”, he said.
“By this Declaration, under One Borno Health Team, we are appealing to all line Ministries, Agencies and Departments (MDA’s), and partners to join hands and provide optimal responses in order to control the current cholera outbreak.
“The media, a vital arm of the society is hereby called upon to partner with government and appropriately inform, sensitize, create awareness and educate the public about the dangers of cholera and how to prevent it.
“In the same vein, I want to use this opportunity to express our profound appreciations to His Excellency Prof Babagana Umara Zulum mni, FSNE, CON, GCON (Niger R), for provision of succour to the flood affected communities,” Prof. Gana said.
Borno State Government has announced a cholera outbreak in the state following severe flooding caused by the collapse of the Alau Dam in Konduga LGA.
The flooding has affected Maiduguri and surrounding areas, leading to the displacement of approximately 2 million people, destruction of health facilities, loss of lives and properties, and disruption of portable water and power supply ¹.
The Borno State Commissioner of Health and Human Services Professor Baba Malam Gana confirmed the cholera outbreak during an emergency meeting with government stakeholders and health partners at the EOC Center in Maiduguri.
He added that ,” As part of flood intervention responses, Borno State Public Health Emergency Operation Centre (PHEOC) was immediately converted to Command and Control Centre (CCC) to commence responses under modified Pillars; Coordination, Surveillance, Risk Communication and Community Engagement (RCCE), Essential Health Services, Infection Prevention Control Health Information(IPC)/Water Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH), Logistics and Management/Data.”.
“As you are aware, since inception of the insurgency in 2009, Borno State being the epicenter, is the worst hit among the BAY States. Coupled with effect of climate change, heavy rainfall this year, and consequent This resulted in accommodating the Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in Camps,” Prof. Gana said.
He added that In order to minimize the impact of cholera Outbreak, Borno State Ministry of Health has received 300,000 doses of Oral Cholera Vaccines (OCV) from Federal Ministry of Health, and equitably distributed across IDP Camps and flood affected communities.
The Commissioner further said that the state is still expecting additional 600,000 doses of OCV. However, we are recording increasing number of Acute Watery Diarrhea (AWD)/suspected Cholera which is not unconnected with the flood devastation.
“While Borno State Ministry of Health in collaboration with NCDC, WHO, UNICEF, MSF, ALIMA, IRC and other Partners recorded 451 cases, tested 148 samples, results shows 20 RDT negative, 128 RDT positive, with 17 culture Positive for Vibrio Cholerae, and zero mortality (CFR:0 %). The LGAs mostly affected are MMC, Jere, Konduga, Mafa and Monguno.
“At this stage, I wish to categorically inform the good people of Borno State and the media that we are having a Cholera Outbreak in Borno State which is highly contagious and can be transmitted via fecal-oral route with an approximate incubation period of 2-5 days. Risk Factors for Cholera are: Poor sanitation and/or personal hygiene”, he said.
“By this Declaration, under One Borno Health Team, we are appealing to all line Ministries, Agencies and Departments (MDA’s), and partners to join hands and provide optimal responses in order to control the current cholera outbreak.
“The media, a vital arm of the society is hereby called upon to partner with government and appropriately inform, sensitize, create awareness and educate the public about the dangers of cholera and how to prevent it.
“In the same vein, I want to use this opportunity to express our profound appreciations to His Excellency Prof Babagana Umara Zulum mni, FSNE, CON, GCON (Niger R), for provision of succour to the flood affected communities,” Prof. Gana said.
