No fewer than 58 people have been confirmed dead following the new outbreak of cholera across 14 out of 20 local government areas in Bauchi State.

There are also 258 fresh cases of the disease in the state.

Bauchi State Deputy Governor, Auwal Mohammed Jatau, who disclosed this during the inauguration of two committees – the State Cholera Steering Committee and the State Technical Working Committee, regretted that the recurrent outbreaks of cholera have continued to claim lives, disrupt livelihoods, and place enormous strain on the state’s health system.

Jatau explained, “These outbreaks are often preventable with timely interventions, coordinated responses, and sustained improvements in water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH). Bauchi State has recorded not less than 258 new cases and 58 fatalities.”

Jatau noted that cholera remains one of the major public health threats despite the state government’s efforts to tackle the disease, adding that the establishment of the cholera steering committee is not only timely but essential in achieving the desired objectives.ad

He continued, “It is in this regard that this committee is expected to serve as the Central Coordinating body to lead Bauchi State’s Multi-Sectoral Response to cholera outbreaks and to drive long-term prevention strategies in alignment with the National Cholera Control Plan and the broader goals of the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC)”

The deputy governor reminded members of the committees that their nomination is a recognition of their expertise, dedication and strategic importance to the success of the assignment and hoped that they would ensure effective surveillance, early detection and rapid response to outbreaks.(Daily Trust