Musa Na Allah, Sokoto
Sokoto State is grappling with a recent outbreak of Cerebrospinal Meningitis (CSM), affecting no fewer than 300 people and prompting the state government to initiate a robust campaign aimed at curbing the disease’s spread.
On Thursday, in partnership with key health organizations, the state government launched a comprehensive sensitization campaign to educate the public on preventive measures and to prevent further transmission of the disease.
Dr. Faruku Umar Abubakar, the state’s Commissioner for Health, revealed that 300 individuals have been impacted by the outbreak, with 16 still receiving medical treatment.
During a one-day sensitization event held at the Congregation Hall of Sokoto South Local Government, the commissioner urged residents to stay vigilant and seek immediate medical attention if they experience symptoms such as high fever, vomiting, or neck stiffness.
The event, organized by the State Ward Development Committee (WDC) in collaboration with the State Ministry of Health and the Primary Healthcare Development Agency, brought together government officials, health experts, and community leaders to discuss effective strategies for managing the outbreak.
Comrade Bala Gadanga, the Chairman of the State WDC, highlighted that this campaign was the first of its kind in Sokoto, prompted by the rising number of meningitis cases in various local government areas. He emphasized the importance of early detection and treatment for combating the disease.
Sultan Sa’ad Abubakar, represented by the District Head of Gagi, Sani Umar Jabbi, commended Governor Dr. Ahmed Aliyu’s administration for its proactive measures in enhancing public health in Sokoto. The Sultan also reiterated the traditional institution’s commitment to supporting state health initiatives.
The campaign featured speeches from several notable figures, including Prof. Abdullahi Suleiman Mainasara, Vice Chancellor of SAISA University of Medical Sciences and Technology; representatives from UNICEF and Médecins Sans Frontières (Doctors Without Borders).
Others are Dr. Muhammad Bello Marnona, Special Adviser on State Primary Healthcare Development; Dr. Larai Aliyu Tambuwal, Executive Secretary of the Primary Healthcare Development Agency; and Comrade Bala Gadanga, who all called for collective action to safeguard public health.
Malam Ya’u Muhammad Danda, Chairman of the area, represented by his Vice, Faruk Umar Garba, described the sensitization as timely and crucial in addressing the outbreak. UNICEF and Médecins Sans Frontières also pledged continued support for Sokoto’s efforts to combat the meningitis crisis.
