Meningitis: Sokoto govt on alert as 300 cases reported

The Sokoto State Government has intensified its response to the recent outbreak of meningitis, with over 300 residents reportedly affected.

At a state-level sensitization campaign held in Alu Ya Gode Hall, Sokoto South Local Government Secretariat on Thursday, Commissioner for Health, Dr. Faruku Wurno, said decisive measures are being taken to curb the spread of the disease and protect public health.

Dr. Wurno said, “while over 300 people had contracted meningitis in recent weeks, only 16 are still receiving treatment across affected local governments, with the majority already discharged”

The awareness event was organized by the State Ward Development Committee (WDC) Forum in collaboration with the Ministry of Health and the State Primary Healthcare Development Agency.

Health officials at the event, including Dr. Muhammad Marnona and Dr. Larai Tambuwal, urged residents to seek immediate medical attention at the nearest health facility upon noticing symptoms such as high fever, vomiting, or neck stiffness — key signs of meningitis.

Representatives from UNICEF, Médecins Sans Frontières (Doctors Without Borders), and the Vice Chancellor of SAISA University of Medical Sciences and Technology, Prof. Abdullahi Mainasara, were also present to support the campaign.

In goodwill messages, the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar, represented by the District Head of Gagi, Alhaji Sani Umar Jabbi, and local leaders commended Governor Dr. Ahmed Aliyu for prioritizing health in the state.

WDC Chairman, Comrade Bala Gadanga Sokoto, described the campaign as timely and crucial, especially in the wake of the recent spike in cases across various local governments.

The campaign marks the first of its kind and reflects the state’s renewed commitment to proactive public health education and disease prevention.

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