The Zamfara State government, supported by the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA), World Health Organisation (WHO), UNICEF, and other partners, has conducted a reactive oral cholera vaccination (OCV) campaign in six high-burden Local Government Areas (LGAs).
The move, disclosed by WHO on Monday, was to contain the cholera outbreak in the state.
The intervention followed WHO’s facilitation of the release of 1,194,742 doses of OCV from the International Coordinating Group (ICG) global stockpile for Nigeria and the training of over 1,800 frontline workers.
On August 30, The Zamfara State Government launched an oral cholera vaccination campaign with 1,176,671 doses, targeting 878,162 persons aged one to 45 years across six Local Government Areas (LGAs) most affected by the recent outbreak.
According to WHO, after the six-day campaign, 964 765 individuals aged one to 45 years across 20 wards in the six most affected LGAs including Gusau, Bungudu, Zurmi, Anka, Talata Mafara, and Shinkafi, were vaccinated with the lifesaving vaccines.
The State Commissioner of health, Dr Nafisa Muhammad Maradun, during the flag-off, stated that the vaccination initiative is part of a broader response to the outbreak, including activating the State Infectious Disease Hospital in Damba, distributing essential medication in affected LGAs, and strengthening disease surveillance.
He also noted that WHO and partners provided vaccines and technical support as part of the broader effort to contain the outbreak.
Also, the WHO Zamfara State Coordinator, Dr Raji Mukhtar, emphasised that the release of vaccines from the global stockpile reflects coordinated efforts to respond to the outbreak.
He said, “Remember our role is to support the government and ensure coordination. Vaccination, alongside disease surveillance, case management, and Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) interventions, is crucial for controlling cholera.
“Cholera cases have been reported in all 14 LGAs in Zamfara State The six high-risk LGAs account for over 85 per cent of total cases, making them the priority for cholera vaccination.”
WHO noted that Zamfara State has observed a significant number of cholera cases, resulting in several unfortunate fatalities. It also noted that the state coordinated the multisectoral response through the State Emergency Operations Centre (EOC).
It further pointed out that it has been supporting state authorities with technical and operational support for surveillance, case management, and the establishment of treatment centres and oral rehydration points. It has also donated essential medicines and supplies, including cholera kits, IV fluids, and diagnostic tools.
These efforts, it said, have been made possible with generous funding from the Government of Japan, enabling rapid response and health system strengthening in the affected LGAs.
While oral cholera vaccination offers critical protection, WHO continues to urge communities to; Use only boiled or chlorinated water for drinking and cooking, wash hands frequently with soap and water, use safe toilets and dispose of waste hygienically, thoroughly cook all food and avoid unsafe street foods, and seek medical care immediately if experiencing diarrhoea or vomiting.
Reaffirming WHO’s commitment to cholera control, the WHO Nigeria Emergency Preparedness Response Lead, Dr Ann Fortin, reassured that cholera is preventable and treatable.
She further commended the State Government, the Federal Government and partners for their swift action, emphasising that WHO will continue providing support to ensure affected communities receive care and prevention services.
The oral cholera vaccination campaign in Zamfara underscored the importance of strong government leadership, partner collaboration, and community engagement in protecting public health and achieving national targets outlined in the National Strategic Plan of Action for Cholera Control (NSPACC) 2025-2029.