The new outbreak of cholera across 14 out of 20 local government areas of Bauchi state has claimed about 58 lives.
There are also 258 fresh cases of people suffering from the disease in the state.
Speaking during the inauguration of two committees, the State Cholera Steering Committee and the State Technical Working Committee, the state deputy governor, Auwal Mohammed Jatau, regretted that the recurrent outbreaks of cholera have continued to claim lives, disrupt livelihoods, and place enormous strain on the state’s health system in the state.
Jatau explained that the outbreaks are often preventable with timely interventions, coordinated responses, and sustained improvements in water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH).
He said, “Bauchi State has recorded not less than 258 new cases and 58 fatalities.”
He explained that cholera remains one of the major public health threats despite the state government’s efforts to tackle the disease, saying that the establishment of the cholera steering committee is not only timely but essential in achieving the desired objectives.
He added that it is in this regard that the committee is expected to serve as the Central Coordinating body to lead Bauchi State’s Multi-Sectoral Response to cholera outbreaks and to drive long-term prevention strategies in alignment with the National Cholera Control Plan and the broader goals of the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC).
He enjoined the members of the committees that their nomination is a recognition of their expertise, dedication and strategic importance to the success of the assignment and hoped that they would ensure effective surveillance, early detection and rapid response to outbreaks.
