No fewer than 10 people have died of cholera outbreak, out of 61 cases recorded in Bauchi State in the last three weeks.
The Executive Secretary, Primary Health Care Development Agency in Bauchi State, Dr. Nisser Umar, disclosed this on Saturday in an interview with newsmen in Bauchi.
He, however, said that the government was on top of the situation.
While lamenting the high level of poor sanitation among the people, especially those in the rural areas of the state, Umar said of the 61 cases recorded, more than half of the number were Amajiri children.
He said the government was doing all within its power to control the epidemic.
He said, “Government has taken proactive measures in tackling the cholera outbreak.
“We have averted a major disaster that would have affected the state negatively as a result of the outbreak of this disease and considering the fact that the state is surrounded by states that have been adversely affected by cholera.
“Over 15,000 wells across the state have been chloronated to avoid further spread to other areas not yet affected while three boreholes have been provided in some communities to grant them access to clean water.”
The executive secretary noted with appreciation the role played by stakeholders in combating cholera in the state.
He said, “We were able to get support from the state government, UNICEF, SEMA, NPHCDA and also technical support from Doctors Without Borders.
Umar also commended the efforts of traditional and religious leaders in sensitizing the people on the need for them to maintain a healthy lifestyle.
