The Rivers government has announced the death of nine individuals following a suspected cholera outbreak in Andoni and Akuku-Toru Local Government Areas.

Dr Ada Oreh, the state Commissioner for Health, confirmed the development on Thursday in Port Harcourt.

She said that three deaths occurred in Andoni, while six others were recorded in Akuku-Toru, with 41 suspected cases currently under monitoring across the two areas.

“We urge the public not to panic, as the state government has already implemented measures to contain this outbreak,” Oreh said.

The commissioner noted that health officials were conducting tests to determine definitively whether the deaths were caused by cholera.

She, however, said: “The symptoms observed align with the surveillance case definition for the disease.

“The ministry is also investigating a suspected outbreak of acute watery diarrhoea caused by cholera in the Isiodun community in Andoni LGA.

“The symptoms analysed are consistent with cholera.”

According to Oreh, the bacteria responsible for cholera thrives in environments lacking access to safe drinking water, adequate sanitation, and hygienic conditions.

She said that the bacteria could be transmitted through the consumption of contaminated water or food and contact with infected surfaces.

“Rivers is particularly prone to outbreaks of acute watery diarrhoea and cholera during the dry seasons.

“This poses significant public health challenges due to the high morbidity and mortality rates associated with such outbreaks.

“The ministry, in collaboration with its partners and the authorities in Andoni LGA, has activated emergency response measures.

“Our rapid response team has also been deployed to the affected areas to enhance disease surveillance, strengthen case detection in health facilities, and supply essential supplies to the communities,” Oreh stated.

Oreh said the response team had distributed oral rehydration solutions, intravenous fluids, and vital medicines to health centres in the affected areas.

She advised residents to practice frequent hand washing with soap and clean water, particularly before eating and after using the toilet.

Oreh also urged them to drink only boiled or chorine-treated water to ensure safety. (NAN)

The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) Public Health Department has announced that the 2024 Spill-over Mass Administration of Medicine (MAM) to deworm children against schistosomiasis and soil helminthiasis would begin on Feb.

17.The initiative, which will run from February 17 to 21, was discussed at a stakeholders meeting held in Abuja on Wednesday. Reports also said that the MAM exercise will be carried out in four area councils of the Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC), Bwari, Gwagwalada, and Kuje, targeting children between the ages of 5 and 14 years. The campaign follows the suspension of the earlier MAM exercise in Abaji and Kwali in December 2024, which was delayed due to the planned strike by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC).Dr Eunice Ogundipe, FCT Coordinator for Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs), who was represented by Mrs Lami Ndayako, explained that the stakeholders meeting was aimed at sensitising the public to the upcoming MAM exercise.She stressed that the medicine for schistosomiasis and soil helminthiasis should be administered to children only after they have eaten.Ogundipe emphasised that local community stakeholders would play a crucial role in spreading awareness about the importance of the medicine.“These stakeholders are respected in their communities and will help ensure the exercise is successful,” she stated.Mr Achai Ijah, Programme Officer at the FCT Health and Development Support Programme (HANDS), noted that the involvement of key community leaders, including traditional and religious leaders, would help boost acceptance of the MAM programme.Mrs Imaobong Okorie-Umah, Deputy Director at the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, said the ministry would review its approach and adopt new strategies to ensure that people accept the medicine.Okorie-Umah, who is also the Programme Manager for Schistosomiasis and Soil Transmitted Helminthiasis at the ministry, encouraged parents to ensure their children eat enough food before taking the medicine.Mr Joseph Agbana, Coordinator of the National Association of Proprietors of Private Schools (NAPPS), promised to ensure that private school proprietors educate parents about the deworming campaign.(NAN

Gov. Abba Yusuf of Kano State says his administration is determined to reduce maternal and child mortality in the state.

Report says that Yusuf made the declaration while launching the second phase of the 2024 Maternal and Neonatal Health (MNCH) Week at Kumbotso in Kumbotso Local Government Area of the state on Monday.

To this end, the spokesperson of Yusuf, Sanusi Bature, said the state government had reinstated routine immunisation services which were abandoned for 18 months.

“From the start of his tenure in 2023, Gov. Yusuf prioritised maternal and child health, expressing grave concern over the suspension of immunization programmes by the former government,” he said.

According to him, the governor  has ordered the immediate restoration of these essential services and guaranteed timely funding for all immunisation exercises at both the state and federal levels.

“As you all know, health is our second priority after education.

”Within this sector, we are focusing on maternal and child health to prevent the avoidable loss of lives among pregnant women and their children,” the spokesperson quoted the governor as saying.

He highlighted that the 2024 state’s budget included robust provisions for immunisation services, ensuring sustainability and accessibility for all.

“Gov. Yusuf’s intervention reflects his administration’s resolve to address pressing healthcare challenges and improve the lives of Kano’s most vulnerable residents,” Bature said.

Earlier, the state Commissioner for Health, Dr Abubakar Labaran, announced that Yusuf would Inaugurate a state-of-the-art clinic dedicated to providing free and comprehensive care for patients living with sickle cell disease.

The commissioner said the specialised care centre was located at the Murtala Muhammad Specialists Hospital.

Labaran  said the facility would offer a wide range of free services, including diagnosis, consultations, medication and surgical operations for sickle cell disease patients.

He reiterated Yusuf’s unwavering commitment to addressing the burden of sickle cell anaemia in line with his campaign promises and as outlined in his blueprint for healthcare reform.

The commissioner said the governor had signed into law a groundbreaking premarital health screening bill.

According to Labaran, it prohibits marriages between intending couples with similar genotypes in the state, thereby preventing the birth of children with sickle cell anaemia.

“With this initiative, Gov. Yusuf is not only tackling the root cause of the disease but also ensuring that those already living with it receive the care and support they need.

“This special care centre is a testament to his administration’s determination to provide relief and hope for the victims while fostering a healthier future for the people of Kano State,” he added.

( NAN)