The Zamfara State Government has started an oral cholera vaccination campaign in six Local Government Areas (LGAs) to curb the recent outbreak.
The exercise, flagged off by the State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Nafisa Muhammad Maradun, is carried out in partnership with the Federal Government through the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA), the World Health Organization (WHO), UNICEF, and other health partners.
According to Dr. Maradun, the campaign targets 878,162 people in Gusau, Bungudu, Zurmi, Anka, Talata Mafara, and Shinkafi LGAs. A total of 1,147,671 doses of oral cholera vaccine have been provided by NPHCDA for the exercise.
She explains that the vaccination is part of a wider response strategy, which includes the activation of the State Infectious Disease Hospital in Damba, supply of essential drugs to all LGAs, and stronger disease surveillance. The state is also using a multisectoral approach through RUWATSAN, with focus on water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) to support medical interventions.
“This campaign is not just about protecting people today, it is about securing the health of future generations. I call on parents, caregivers, and community leaders to make sure every eligible person is vaccinated so that together, we can achieve a cholera-free Zamfara State,” Dr. Maradun said.
In his goodwill message, WHO State Coordinator Dr. Mukhtar Raji commends Zamfara for taking quick action. He notes that cholera cases have been reported in all 14 LGAs, with laboratory confirmation in 7 LGAs. He adds that 85 percent of the disease burden is concentrated in the six LGAs now covered by the vaccination.
Dr. Raji also praises the state for its active case search, risk communication, and provision of WASH facilities in high-risk areas. He urges communities to keep practicing preventive measures such as handwashing, safe food handling, proper waste disposal, and water treatment.
He further acknowledges the contributions of partners including WHO, UNICEF, MSF, IRC, Solidarity International, Red Cross, local CBOs, and the private sector, while assuring that WHO will continue supporting Zamfara in tackling cholera and other health challenges.
The campaign covers 20 high-risk wards and targets people aged 1 to 45 years. Health officials say the goal is to break cholera transmission and bring the outbreak under control.
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