Hussaini Kafi in Kano
Sokoto State has said 25 people have been confirmed dead due to the outbreak of Gastroenteritis in three local government areas of the state.
The state Commissioner for Health, Hajiya Rabi Balarabe, disclosed this information while briefing newsmen on the outcome of the incident on Friday in Sokoto.
According to Balarabe, 1,160 people were affected by the outbreak, with 25 succumbing to the disease.
The affected areas include Sokoto North, Silame, and Kware local government areas.
The commissioner stated that rescue teams are working collaboratively with the state government to manage the outbreak.
In response to the crisis, the state government has purchased and distributed drugs free of charge to 18 local governments as an intervention measure.
Balarabe appreciated the turnout of women, especially pregnant women, seeking medical consultations and pregnancy tests at various health institutions.
She highlighted challenges facing the health sector, including dilapidated infrastructure and inadequate resources, which have plagued the sector for the past eight years.
However, she expressed hope in Governor Ahmad Aliyu’s efforts to revitalize the sector.
Balarabe noted that patients often face numerous problems in public health institutions, such as atrocities, loud disturbances, lack of water, and power outages.
She commended the governor for recruiting 864 nurses and midwives to address these issues and announced plans to recruit additional supporting staff.
Our correspondent in the state gathered that victims of the escalating cases of Cholera/Diarrhea outbreak in Bazza Gidadawa Community, Sokoto Metropolis, where few have died and others are receiving treatment at Primary Health Centre Bazza and that of Kofar Rini clinic in Waziri B Ward of Sokoto North LGA.
