Zulum Orders Free Cholera Treatment as Borno Moves to Contain Outbreak
Borno State Governor, Prof. Babagana Zulum has ordered the immediate procurement and distribution of drugs, medical consumables, personal protective equipment, and hygiene materials worth millions of naira to health facilities across Borno State as authorities intensify efforts to contain an outbreak of acute watery diarrhea, commonly associated with cholera.
The intervention, announced on Sunday by Dr. Shettima Maina Mohammed, Permanent Secretary of the Borno State Ministry of Health and Human Services, is aimed at ensuring that affected patients receive treatment free of charge in designated healthcare facilities.
According to the ministry, the supplies have already been delivered to treatment centres handling cases linked to the outbreak, with the state government covering the cost of drugs and medical consumables.
“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. These drugs and consumables are for the treatment of patients free of charge in the facilities,” Mohammed said.
The Permanent Secretary praised Governor Zulum for the prompt release of funds, describing the intervention as a demonstration of the administration’s commitment to strengthening healthcare delivery and responding swiftly to public health emergencies.
Beyond medical treatment, the state government has launched an aggressive public health awareness campaign across communities in the Maiduguri Metropolitan Council and Jere Local Government Area, where health officials are educating residents on disease prevention, sanitation, and personal hygiene.
As part of the campaign, the delegation paid a courtesy and advocacy visit to Abubakar Ibn Umar Garbai El-Kanemi, seeking the support of traditional institutions in mobilising communities against the spread of the disease.
Mohammed urged traditional rulers and community leaders to intensify sensitisation efforts, stressing the need for residents to maintain proper hygiene and seek medical attention immediately when symptoms emerge.
In response, the Shehu of Borno commended Governor Zulum’s swift action and pledged the full support of the traditional institution in the fight against the outbreak.
The sensitisation exercise also covered Old Maiduguri, Gamboru, and Shehuri South communities, where residents received information on preventive measures, including proper waste disposal, safe water practices, and improved sanitation.
Medical supplies were delivered to the Emergency and Infectious Disease Hospital in Njimtilo and the Ngarannam Infectious Disease Camp, where patients are currently receiving treatment.
The intervention comes amid growing concerns over seasonal outbreaks of waterborne diseases in parts of northern Nigeria, particularly during periods of heavy rainfall and poor sanitation. Public health experts have repeatedly emphasised that rapid treatment, access to clean water, improved hygiene, and community awareness remain critical to preventing the spread of cholera and other diarrhoeal diseases.
With the latest emergency response measures, the Borno State Government is seeking to halt further transmission while ensuring that affected residents receive timely and free medical care.
