The Bauchi State Government inaugurated the State Cholera Steering and Technical Committees on Wednesday to curb the menace of cholera outbreaks in the state.
Speaking during the inauguration in Bauchi, the Deputy Governor of the state, Auwal Jatau, who also serves as the chairman of the steering committee, urged members to carry out their duties with passion and professionalism.
He said the inauguration comes amid recurring cholera outbreaks that have continued to claim lives, disrupt livelihoods, and strain the state’s healthcare system.
Jatau described cholera as one of the major public health threats in the state despite the government and partners’ continuous interventions.
He said that the establishment of the committees was timely and crucial for coordinated action to prevent future outbreaks.
“These outbreaks are often preventable with timely interventions, coordinated responses, and sustained improvements in water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH),” Jatau stated.
He explained that the committees would serve as the central coordinating bodies to lead Bauchi State’s multi-sectoral response to cholera outbreaks.
Jatau added that the committees would drive long-term prevention strategies in line with the National Cholera Control Plan and the broader goals of the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC).
He emphasised that members of the committees were selection based on their expertise and strategic importance to the assignment.
He urged members to focus on effective surveillance, early detection, and rapid response to potential outbreaks.
Jatau also reassured health partners of Gov. Bala Mohammed’s commitment to providing full support and an enabling environment for the committees to succeed.
Earlier, Dr. Sani Dambam, Commissioner for Health and Chairman of the Technical Committee, pledged to work collaboratively with stakeholders to achieve the state’s cholera control and prevention mandate.
Mr. Mashat Mallo, the State Team Lead for WaterAid, reiterated WaterAid’s commitment to support the state government and ensure that cholera is reduced to the barest minimum.
He called for improved access to clean water and hygiene services, as well as improved healthcare and the prevention of infectious diseases.
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