By: Adelowo Oladipo, Minna
The Niger State Government, in partnership with the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and the United States Government, has stepped up efforts to strengthen disease surveillance and bolster public health emergency preparedness across the state.
Through a series of town hall meetings, more than 350 communities, traditional, and religious leaders from six local government areas have been mobilised to confront the resurgence of vaccine-preventable and communicable diseases.
Health authorities recently confirmed three new cases of polio in Mariga and Magama LGAs, alongside diphtheria outbreaks in Bida, Chanchaga, and Suleja LGAs of the State.
Speaking at one of the town hall meetings, the State Immunisation Officer, Abubakar Kpantu, stressed the urgency of renewed vigilance.
“For several years, Niger State had not recorded any case of polio. However, three new cases have recently been detected in Mariga and Magama LGAs, while diphtheria cases have also been reported in Suleja, Bida, and Chanchaga LGAs,” he said.
“This development calls for increased vigilance, stronger community engagement, and sustained commitment to routine immunisation and public health awareness.”
Kpantu however warned that with the rainy season underway, the risk of cholera and other communicable diseases is rising, making surveillance and preparedness critical.
The town hall meetings, held in Bida, Bosso, Chanchaga, Gbako, Gurara, Kontagora, and Suleja, brought together health stakeholders, traditional rulers, religious leaders, development partners, and residents to strategize on preventing and responding to public health emergencies.
He explained that the engagements were designed to enhance community awareness and response capacity against diseases such as meningitis, measles, diphtheria, cholera, Mpox, and other infectious threats.
UNICEF Social and Behaviour Change State Facilitator, Adamu Mamba, underscored the importance of early detection, prompt reporting, and adherence to public health guidelines.
He emphasised the role of traditional, religious, and community leaders in strengthening emergency response through effective Risk Communication and Community Engagement (RCCE).
“Active community participation remains essential to improving vaccine acceptance, supporting outbreak response efforts, promoting accurate health information, and combating misinformation through trusted community voices,” Mamba said.
He urged participants to support outbreak response activities, encourage preventive health practices, and strengthen community feedback mechanisms to improve health.
outcomes.
The partnership between Niger State Government, UNICEF, and the U.S. Government is expected to significantly boost disease surveillance and enhance community resilience against future public health emergencies.”
Leave a Comment