No fewer than 150 persons die of cholera in Niger state — Health Commisioner

By Racheal Oyelola

Niger State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Mohammed Makusidi has disclosed that no fewer than 150 persons have lost their lives to a cholera outbreak across the 25 local government areas of the state between April till date.

Makusidi stated this in Minna, the state capital, at the ongoing workshop by Pathfinder International. He said initially the disease was detected in about 18 councils but later spread to the entire 25 LGAs.

He explained that unlike the COVID-19 pandemic, the state government was able to tackle the disease outbreak adequately, while attributing it to human behaviours, environmental changes, open defecation among others.

According to him, “There is no local government in the state that has not been touched. We lost between 100 and 150 persons. Initially, we noticed it in 18 local governments and later spread to the 25 councils.

“And as part of our preparedness unlike COVID-19, it was highly anticipated due to human behaviours, environmental changes, we defecate everywhere, open defecation is still on the rampage. Government alone cannot do it, it’s everyone’s business.

“People need to have latrines or toilets in their homes because government cannot come and stop anyone from open defecation.”

Asked on Poliomyelitis, he explained that Nigeria so far has been certified polio-free which was celebrated in the country, just as efforts are still being made by governments at all levels to maintain the tempo.

The commissioner further explained that at the moment, the Niger State Government still has budgetary provision on polio to ensure that it never resurfaces in the state.

“The tension is still high. Niger State Government is not relenting in the fight against Polio as there is still budgetary provision to ensure that it is gone completely,” Makusidi added.