By: John Bassey, Zamfara.

The Zamfara State Government has announced today that a recent cholera outbreak that affected numerous communities has been successfully contained, declaring zero active reported cases currently across the state.

The statement issued by Comrade Suleiman Isah, the Information Officer of the Ministry, revealed that the announcement was made during an After Action Review Meeting on the cholera response, held at the Public Health Emergency Operations Center in Gusau.

Dr. Nafisa Muhammad Maradun, the state Commissioner for Health, represented by the Director of Public Health, Dr. Yusuf Haske, confirmed the contention. She characterized the achievement as proof of the administration’s commitment to transparency, accountability, and people-centered governance.

Dr. Maradun provided a comprehensive overview of the response, revealing the outbreak’s full scope: the state recorded 15,464 cholera cases, with 15,265 patients successfully treated and discharged, while tragically 192 deaths were documented across the state’s 14 Local Government Areas.

The Commissioner noted that the State Government is now developing a robust Pandemic Preparedness Plan to address future public health threats. These threats include cholera, diarrhea, cerebrospinal meningitis (CSM), heavy metal contamination, and other diseases of public health importance.

She added that appreciation letters have been issued to all supporting partners in recognition of their vital contributions and commitment

Speaking at the review, on behalf of all partners, Dr. Raji Mukhtar, the State Coordinator of the World Health Organization (WHO), highlighted the critical importance of timely planning, proper coordination according to IMS, and data reporting.

Dr. Mukhtar cited key lessons learned, noting that initial challenges in Zurmi and Anka created a vulnerability to misinformation, particularly following media reports from Gummi, which heightened public anxiety. However, he commended the subsequent harmonization of partner support and the activation of the Incident Management System, which established a unified command and ensured an effective response.

He specifically praised Governor Dauda Lawal and the entire Zamfara State Government officials for demonstrating exemplary political will by dedicating necessary resources at every stage of the response.

Dr. Mukhtar concluded by stressing the need for improved, coordinated data reporting at the Local Government level, particularly through Disease Surveillance and Notification Officers (DSNOs), to enhance surveillance and early detection efforts.

The session reaffirmed the State Government’s commitment to strengthening public health systems and improving the quality of life for its citizens.

The review meeting was attended by major health partners, including WHO, UNICEF, AFENET, Solidarity Support, IRC, Red Cross, and Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF).
Other key and relevant government MDAs include: Ruwatsan, PHCB, Humanitarian, ZESA, Ministry of Information and Environmental.