A member of Niger State House of Assembly, Dogari Daji, representing Munya constituency has raised an alarm over a deadly ulcerative disease outbreak in parts of Munya constituency, calling for urgent government intervention to prevent further loss of lives.
The matter was presented on the floor of the House as a Matter of Urgent Public Importance during plenary, pursuant to Order 8 Rule 4 of the House Standing Orders, 2019.
Moving the motion, the Member representing Munya Constituency, Dagare Daji, informed the House that several communities across Guni, Kabula and Gini Wards are currently affected by the outbreak.
“Preliminary community and field health reports indicate no fewer than sixteen suspected cases and four confirmed deaths”, he disclosed.
Daji explains that the disease affects both adolescents and adults and manifests as large, destructive skin ulcers, mostly on the limbs. He noted that the condition often begins painlessly but progresses rapidly to severe infection and, in cases of delayed medical intervention, death.
The lawmaker observed that the clinical features of the disease are suggestive of a Buruli ulcer–like neglected tropical disease, although he stressed the urgent need for laboratory confirmation. He added that environmental exposure is strongly linked to the suspected disease.
The House acknowledged that the affected communities are predominantly rural and face serious challenges in accessing healthcare services, clean water and timely medical intervention, leading to late wound care and increased fatalities.
Lawmakers expressed deep concern over an estimated case fatality rate of about 30 percent, describing it as alarmingly high and indicative of a public health emergency.
“The estimated case fatality rate of about thirty percent is alarmingly high and clearly indicative of a public health emergency.”
The Assembly further noted that delayed diagnosis, poor community awareness and the absence of localized treatment centres have worsened the situation, resulting in long-term disability, loss of livelihood and school dropout among affected persons.
Members also warned that without immediate and coordinated action, the outbreak could spread to neighbouring communities, overwhelm local health facilities and escalate into a statewide public health crisis.
Consequently, the House resolved to urge the Executive Arm of Government to immediately declare a public health emergency in Munya Local Government Area.
The Assembly also called for the deployment of a multidisciplinary outbreak investigation and response team, comprising epidemiologists, clinicians, laboratory scientists and environmental health officers, to all affected communities.
In addition, lawmakers urged the establishment of a temporary, fully equipped wound treatment centre within the nearest urban settlement to ensure early diagnosis, effective treatment and reduced fatalities.
The House stated that all affected persons should be provided with free and comprehensive medical care, including wound management, antibiotics, pain control, nutritional support, rehabilitation and psychosocial services.
It also directed intensified community sensitisation and risk communication efforts involving traditional rulers, religious leaders, schools and youth groups to promote early detection and prompt hospital presentation.
The Assembly called for collaboration with relevant federal health institutions, development partners and non-governmental organisations for technical, logistical and financial support.
The House then mandated its Committee on Health to monitor the implementation of the resolutions and report back within a defined and reasonable timeframe.
