Borno State in northeastern Nigeria is grappling with a cholera outbreak, compounding the challenges already faced due to severe floods that have displaced nearly 2 million people.
According to Borno’s Health Commissioner, Baba Mallam Gana, 17 confirmed cases of cholera have been recorded, though no deaths have been reported.
The outbreak has emerged as the state deals with the aftermath of flooding triggered by an overflowing dam following heavy rains.
These floods have strained already inadequate sanitation facilities, increasing the risk of waterborne diseases such as cholera and Acute Watery Diarrhea (AWD). Gana noted that nearly 500 cases of AWD have been reported across five local government areas most affected by the disaster.
To mitigate the spread of the disease, the federal health ministry has provided 300,000 doses of the oral cholera vaccine (OCV), which have been distributed to displacement camps and flood-affected areas. The state is also awaiting an additional 600,000 doses to ensure comprehensive coverage and curb further outbreaks.
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