The Emir of Minna, His Royal Highness Faruq Bahago, has promised to support the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) in the fight against deadly diseases affecting parts of Niger State.
The Emir gave this assurance when UNICEF officials visited his palace. He said the Emirate Council would do everything possible to help UNICEF succeed in its health campaigns.
He encouraged UNICEF to continue its work and promised that the Emirate would provide full support in all four areas of intervention. “We have the people, and we must work for their interest. I will support your efforts and help in every way,” the Emir said.
The UNICEF Chief of Kaduna Field Office, Dr. Gerida Birukila, led the team to the palace. She was represented by Dr. Ahmed Tsofo. She told the Emir that UNICEF’s work in Niger State includes campaigns against polio, measles, cholera, and promoting exclusive breastfeeding.
Dr. Tsofo informed the Emir that 16 people had died from a cholera outbreak, while 150 people had tested positive for the disease.
He explained that the visit was to seek the Emir’s personal support and the backing of the Minna traditional institution for ongoing public health interventions in the state.
He said UNICEF is currently working on the next phase of the polio eradication campaign, the fight against cholera, the World Breastfeeding Week activities, and preparing to introduce measles and rubella vaccines in October this year.
According to him, these health campaigns require proper planning, and the support of traditional leaders is key to their success.
Dr. Birukila said these diseases can be stopped if government agencies and traditional institutions work together.
She added that Niger State has recorded over 451 suspected cholera cases, with more than 150 confirmed positive through rapid testing, and 16 deaths so far.
She also updated the Emir on UNICEF’s partnership with the state government to control the outbreak and prevent further spread.
Reports show that Niger State initially recorded 13 deaths during the cholera outbreak, but three more deaths have been reported, bringing the total to 16. The number of suspected cases has also risen from 409 to over 451.
