Amid the rising cholera outbreak, Borno State governor, Babagana Umara Zulum, has directed the immediate distribution of free cholera drugs, medical consumables, and hygiene materials to health facilities across Borno State as authorities move to contain a growing outbreak of acute watery diarrhoea.
The intervention comes as the state records 37 deaths and over 3,000 confirmed cases across seven local government areas, with Maiduguri Metropolitan Council and Jere accounting for the majority of infections.
The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Health and Human Services, Dr. Shettima Maina Mohammed, disclosed this during the distribution of medical supplies to treatment centres in Maiduguri on Tuesday.
According to him, the supplies were procured by the state government and delivered to designated facilities to ensure patients receive treatment free of charge.
“Borno State Government has procured and delivered drugs and medical consumables worth millions of Naira to health facilities for the treatment of acute watery diarrhea patients,” he said.
“These drugs and consumables are for the treatment of patients free of charge in the facilities,” he added.
He commended Governor Zulum for the swift release of funds and his continued commitment to strengthening healthcare delivery in the state.
“We commend His Excellency, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, for the timely release of funds for the procurement of these drugs and consumables, as well as his unwavering commitment to providing effective healthcare services to the people of Borno State,” he said.
As part of containment efforts, health officials also launched community sensitisation campaigns in Maiduguri Metropolitan Council and Jere Local Government Area, focusing on hygiene and early reporting of symptoms.
The delegation also visited the Shehu of Borno, Abubakar Ibn Umar Garbai El-Kanemi, seeking support for wider community mobilisation against the spread of the disease.
The monarch commended the governor’s response and pledged traditional institutions’ support in raising awareness across communities.
“I express my gratitude to His Excellency, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, for responding promptly to control the outbreak.
“We will direct traditional leaders across our communities to educate our people on better hygiene practices to prevent the spread of the disease,” he added.
Medical teams also distributed drugs, personal protective equipment, and hygiene materials to treatment centres including the Emergency and Infectious Disease Hospital in Njimtilo and the Ngarannam Infectious Disease Camp, where patients are receiving care.
Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) materials such as chlorine tablets, disinfectants, sprayers, and public awareness tools were also deployed to affected communities to strengthen prevention efforts.
