Sokoto cholera response intensifies as authorities deploy health workers, supplies and community outreach across 12 affected LGAs

Sokoto cholera response has been stepped up as the state government launched a rapid intervention across 12 affected local government areas following a fresh outbreak recorded earlier this week.

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Officials confirmed swift mobilisation of health workers and emergency supplies to contain transmission and stabilise patients.

A senior official at the State Ministry of Health, Biliyaminu Sifawa, speaking on behalf of the State Primary Health Development Centre, said health personnel were deployed within twenty four hours of receiving the alert.

He explained that teams were dispatched to Primary Health Centres in the affected communities to deliver treatment, essential drugs and consumables.

He said health workers moved immediately to stabilise patients while ensuring that all facilities had the resources needed to manage rising cases.

He added that the state intensified community sensitisation on hygiene, safe water handling and the hazards of open defecation, describing these measures as vital in stopping the spread.

UNICEF’s Head of Field Office in Sokoto, Michael Juma, confirmed that the agency supported the response across all 12 affected LGAs, which include Binji, Dange Shuni, Gada, Goronyo, Gwadabawa, Kebbe, Kware, Silame, Sokoto North, Sokoto South, Tureta and Wamakko.

He said UNICEF delivered lifesaving materials including twenty cartons of Aqua Tabs, hundreds of cholera kits, WASH dignity packs and drums of chlorine.

He noted that the intervention was funded by SIDA and the United States Bureau for Humanitarian Assistance. The supplies were distributed to bolster case management, water purification and sanitation in vulnerable communities.

Sokoto and neighbouring northwestern states have long struggled with recurrent cholera outbreaks driven by unsafe water sources and poor sanitation practices, particularly during the rainy season.

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State authorities say monitoring has been intensified as health workers continue case management and surveillance to curb further transmission.