Sokoto State Government has reported a meningitis outbreak affecting approximately 300 people.
In response, the government has launched a sensitization campaign to raise awareness and prevent further spread of the disease.
Commissioner for Health, Dr. Faruku Umar Abubakar Wurno, announced that approximately 300 people have been affected by the disease, with only 16 currently receiving treatment.
A one-day state-level sensitization campaign was held at Alu Ya Gode Hall in Sokoto South Local Government Secretariat, organized by the State Ward Development Committee (WDC) in collaboration with the State Ministry of Health and Primary Healthcare Development Agency.
Speakers emphasized that meningitis is preventable and urged citizens to visit nearby health facilities if they notice symptoms such as high fever, vomiting, and stiffness of the neck.
Sultan Sa’ad Abubakar praised Governor Dr. Ahmed Aliyu’s administration for its commitment to improving the health status of citizens.
Sultan Abubakar who was represented by the District Head of Gagi Alhaji Sani Umar Jabbi also assure the state administration commitment toward improving Health status of its citizenry.
Earlier, speaking the State Chairman of the WDC Comrade Bala Gadanga Sokoto said the sensitisation which was first of its kind was organised considering the outbreak of the disease recently recorded in some local government areas of the state.
Comrade Bala Gadanga similarly mentioned high fever, vomiting and stiffness of the neck as some signs of the disease.
Other speakers during the occasion were Vice chancellor SAISA University of Medical Sciences and Technology Prof. Abdullahi Suleiman Mainasara, Representatives of UNICEF and Medicines Sans Frontiers in the state.
Dr. Muhammad Bello Marnona, Special Adviser on State Primary Healthcare Development Agency, Dr. Larai Aliyu Tambuwal,Executive Secretary of the Agency and Comrade Bala Gadanga Sokoto,the State Chairman of the WDC.
Also commenting, Chairman of the area Malam Ya’u Muhammad Danda represented by his Vice Alhaji Faruk Umar Garba described the occasion as timely.
Prof. Abdullahi Suleiman Mainasara, Vice Chancellor, SAISA University of Medical Sciences and Technology, Representatives of UNICEF and Médecins Sans Frontières Pledged to support the state’s efforts in combating meningitis.
The event highlights the importance of collaboration between government agencies, healthcare organizations, and community leaders in raising awareness and preventing the spread of meningitis.
By working together, they aim to ensure a healthier society and reduce the impact of this diseases according to Nura Bello Maikwanci Public Relations Officer of the ministry.
