By Citizenship Newspaper
Doctors Without Borders/Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) has expressed concerns over the rising number of cholera cases in Zamfara State, citing high case numbers from three of the state’s Ministry of Health (MOH) medical facilities it supports.
A statement shared Thursday morning by Abdulkareem Yakubu, the Communication Officer (MSF) said that from mid-June to early August, the medical humanitarian organisation has recorded over 1,500 cases in these facilities, while other humanitarian actors and the MOH have also reported high incidence rates in other parts of the state.
“This outbreak is unfolding in a context of insecurity, displacement, and limited access to clean water and sanitation – exacerbated by the rainy season,” said Dr. David Kizito, MSF’s medical coordinator in Nigeria.
“While cholera has been endemic to Nigeria for decades, seasonal outbreaks typically intensify between April and October. Flooding during this period contaminates water sources, accelerating the spread of the disease in areas with poor sanitation. Cholera can cause severe diarrhoea and vomiting. If left untreated, it can lead to rapid dehydration and even death within hours. In response to the outbreak, MSF has scaled up its water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) interventions and promotional activities alongside other humanitarian actors and the state MOH – which activated a Public Health Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) on 3 July. MSF has particularly invested efforts in hotspot areas like Shinkafi, Zurmi, and Talata Mafara, where access to safe water remains critically low.
“Ensuring access to safe drinking water through boiling, practising regular handwashing, consuming freshly prepared meals, avoiding open defecation, and keeping vaccinations up to date are straightforward yet highly effective measures to safeguard yourself and your family from preventable diseases,” said Dr. Ahmad Bilal, MSF head of mission in Nigeria.
Expansion of cholera medical treatment
In addition to these preventative measures, medical teams are providing treatment at MSF-supported facilities across the state.”
The statement noted that in mid-June, following the first suspected case of cholera at an MSF-supported medical facility, the organisation increased its case management and surveillance response in Zamfara, in addition to its scaled-up WASH activities.
“In Zurmi, MSF and other humanitarian actors supported the MOH in opening a cholera treatment centre (CTC) in Zurmi General Hospital. In July, MSF supported the MOH in opening a cholera treatment unit (CTU) at the Talata Mafara General Hospital and a CTC at Shinkafi General Hospital.
“In the Zurmi CTC, medical teams reported 562 suspected cases of cholera – the majority from Yambuki, Kadamusa, and Zurmi town – between 16 June and 5 August.
“In Shinkafi General Hospital, medical teams recorded approximately 401 cases between 11 July and 5 August. The most affected areas were in Shinkafi North Ward, especially within Alkalawa, Sabon Gari and Kurya. Fifty-eight cases originated from Isa LGA in Sokoto State.
And in the Talata Mafara CTU, over 600 cases were recorded between 1 July and 8 August. Kayaye accounted for the highest percentage of cases, but the CTU received cases as far as LGAs like Anka and Bakura.”
The MSF also expressed worry of a likely increase in the number of cases in the coming days.
“As cholera continues to threaten lives across Zamfara, MSF remains committed to working alongside communities, health authorities, and other partners to ensure timely treatment, prevention, and support,” Dr. Kizito said.
“MSF emphasises the importance of setting up decentralized oral rehydration points and enabling all existing primary healthcare centres to treat mild and moderate suspected cholera cases. This will ensure timely treatment, reduce complications, and allow prompt referral to dedicated CTCs in hospitals such as Zurmi, Shinkafi, and Talata. Moreover, urgent cholera vaccination is needed to halt transmission and save lives. The participation of everyone in Zamfara is needed to reduce the spread. No one should die from a preventable disease.”
Doctors Without Borders/Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) said it brings medical care to people in need, in Nigeria and more than 75 countries worldwide.
“Our actions are guided by medical ethics and the principles of impartiality, independence and neutrality. Almost all of our funding comes from private donors, allowing us to maintain our independence. MSF has been working continuously in Nigeria since 1996 and is currently providing free medical care in nine states across the country,” the statement recalled.
