The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the African Field Epidemiology Network (AFENET) have dispatched a rapid response team to Zamfara State as authorities battle a devastating cholera outbreak.
According to the state’s Ministry of Health, the outbreak—which began on January 15—has so far resulted in over 11,000 cases with a 1.6% case fatality rate. All 14 local government areas are affected, with Talata Mafara, Gusau, Bungudu, and Zurmi accounting for more than 60% of reported cases.
The crisis, compounded by insecurity and humanitarian challenges in the region, has become a major public health emergency.
To strengthen the response, the CDC and AFENET deployed seven residents and one graduate of the Field Epidemiology and Laboratory Training Programme (FELTP) for a 14-day mission in high-burden areas. Their role includes bolstering surveillance, supporting case management, and coordinating efforts with the State Public Health Emergency Operations Centre (PHEOC).
Alongside personnel, the CDC-AFENET delivered 29,500 critical medical supplies, including:
40,000 medicines such as oral rehydration salts, Ringer’s lactate, dextrose water, and normal saline.
3,900 consumables, including IV cannulas, gloves, and cotton wool.
500 infection prevention items, such as hand sanitizers and sodium hypochlorite.
1,000 PPEs, including IV giving sets, to protect frontline health workers.
The supplies were formally handed over to Zamfara State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Nafisa Maradun, by the rapid response team lead, Ahmad Aliyu.
Dr. Maradun hailed the intervention as “a massive support that will go a long way in containing the outbreak.” She assured that all donated items would be fairly distributed to maximize their impact.
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