The Sokoto state government has confirmed that after the first outbreak in February, 300 cases of meningitis have been recorded in several local government areas. The disclosure was conducted by Health Commissioner Dr. Farouk Abubakar during a one-day sensitization campaign held on Friday, April 11. The event was organized by the State Ward Development Commission (WDC) Forum in partnership with the State Department of Health and the State Department of Health and the State Primary Health Care Development Bureau.
Although Dr. Abubakar confirmed the number of cases, he did not disclose the number of deaths related to the epidemic. He pointed out that 16 people are currently receiving treatment in the hospital, while the remaining patients have been discharged.
Muhammad Bello Marnona, special counsel for the state’s major healthcare development bureau, and Dr. Larai Aliyu Tambuwal, executive secretary of the agency, commended the WDC’s initiative in their separate speeches. They stressed that meningitis is preventable and urged residents to seek medical care in nearby sanitation facilities when symptoms occur.
The district president, Malam Ya’u Muhammad Danda, also spoke at the event, represented by Vice Chairman Alhaji Faruk Umar Garba, who described the sensitization program as timely and essential.
Sukoto Sultan Sa’ad Abubakar, represented by Gagi Regional Head Alhaji Sani Umar Jabbi, praised the continued efforts of the Governor Ahmed Aliyu government to improve the provision and protection of public health.
Earlier, WDC’s state chairman comrade Bala Gadanga Sokoto said the state’s recent meningitis outbreak has caused sensitive exercise. He found that symptoms of the disease include high fever, vomiting and stiff necks and encouraged the public to act quickly when they noticed the signs.
