The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has handed over 669,569 oral cholera vaccine doses to the Borno State Government to combat the outbreak.
Speaking during the handover ceremony in Maiduguri, Dr. Gerida Birukila, Chief of UNICEF Maiduguri Field Office, said the donation brings the total number of vaccine doses provided to the state to almost one million.
According to her, the previously donated 300,000 doses have helped reduce the spread of the disease. “The vaccine is available for anyone over one year of age and is safe for use,” she said.
ALSO READ: Minister urges collective action to support adolescent health in Nigeria
The latest cholera outbreak, declared on October 4, 2024, has affected five local government areas. UNICEF has donated 30 Acute Watery Diarrhoea kits and 50 cholera beds worth $69,075 to the state Ministry of Health.
UNICEF’s response includes risk communication, hygiene promotion, safe water supply, cholera vaccination, and case management.
Over 13,750 people have benefited from emergency latrines, 4,461 hygiene kits have been distributed, and 43,689 people now have access to safe water.
Additionally, 290,000 people have been vaccinated, with 669,374 more doses expected.
Fati Ali, Director, Disease Control and Immunisation, Borno State Primary Health Care Development Board, urged the public to take advantage of the vaccines and protect themselves against the disease, praising UNICEF for their support.
and then