Nasarawa State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Gaza Gwamna, announced on Monday that there are no confirmed cases of cholera in the state.
Gwamna, who spoke at a press conference in Akwanga, addressed concerns raised by reports of suspected cholera cases.
According to the commissioner, 29 suspected cases of cholera have been recorded in two out of the state’s 13 local government areas, stating that 19 suspected cases were identified in Kokona, and 10 in Nasarawa-Eggon, including one mortality.
“The cases at the moment are still suspected and even the person that died in Nasarawa-Eggon was not confirmed, but treated as a suspected case before his death,” Gwamna stated.
He assured that all suspected cases were currently undergoing thorough medical examinations to determine their status.
In light of cholera outbreaks in other states, Gwamna stated that the Nasarawa State Ministry of Health has implemented precautionary measures to prevent an outbreak.
Gwamna noted that cholera outbreaks were common during the rainy season due to potential water contamination.
The health commissioner pointed out the ministry’s efforts to increase public awareness about hygiene and sanitation through collaborations with traditional rulers and other stakeholders.
He added that to enhance monitoring and response, Disease Surveillance Officers have been deployed to every electoral ward across the state.
Gwamna said these officers were responsible for daily reporting of any suspected cases to the ministry to facilitate prompt action.
He said, “They are expected to give reports of happenings in their areas on a daily basis to enable the government to take action in case of any outbreak.”
He reaffirmed the commitment of Governor Abdullahi Sule’s administration to providing quality and affordable healthcare services.
He also announced the governor’s approval to upgrade four Primary Healthcare Centres (PHCs) to General Hospitals, aiming to improve service delivery.
The PHCs designated for upgrade are located in Assakyo (Lafia), Gudi (Akwanga), New Karu (Karu), and Azara (Awe).
