By David AFOLABI
Experts in Nigeria are testing water sources in Maiduguri-Borno, the epicenter of a cholera outbreak that has killed more than 90 people.
According to Bukar Tijjani, secretary to the Borno State Government, it is one of the actions taken by the government to get to the roots of the problem.
“That is one of the things we have done. We have to ensure that the root cause of the outbreak is traced. We have taken a sample of the water for testing and blocked access to unsafe local dams and reservoirs.”
He added that they are also using water trucks to deliver safe drinking water to citizens.
The northeastern state has recorded more than 85 deaths and 8,457 cases between May 1 and June 7, according to the state government, with Maiduguri, the state capital, being the hardest-hit area due to high population density and overcrowded displacement camps.
ALSO READ: Ogun community where one govt school, one Health Center service 200,000 people
In the central state of Plateau, health officials confirmed on Sunday that five people had died, while 11 confirmed cases and 53 suspected cases were reported.
Saleh Kaza, head of the Borno State Contributory Healthcare Management Agency, described the situation as “a serious public health emergency that has overwhelmed the health infrastructure and emergency response systems.”
Health authorities said the outbreak has been fueled by the onset of the annual rainy season and compromised water infrastructure.
ALSO READ: South Africa: Stranded Nigerians cry out ahead June 30 deadline
In April, the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention placed 10 states on high alert over the risk of cholera outbreaks linked to heavy rainfall and flooding, warning that the affected regions face an elevated risk of cholera.
The Nigerian government has activated its incident management system and deployed health teams to affected regions. International organizations, including the World Health Organization, the United Nations Children’s Fund, and the medical charity Doctors Without Borders, have joined in the fight against the outbreak.
