By Princess Simon (Bureau Chief North Central, in Minna)
The Emir of Minna, Alhaji Umar Farouq Bahago has commended the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) for intervention to stem Cholera spread by unraveling and managing 150 new cases in some parts of the state.
The Emir spoke when he granted audience to the UNICEF Chief of Kaduna Field Office, Dr. Gerida Birukila, who led a team of health experts on an advocacy visit to the Emirate council.
While pledging the support of the Emirate at all times, the Emir prayed that Allah enable the team achieve desired goals of stemming the spread of the disease which has so far claimed 16 lives, mostly children out of about 451 recorded cases.
The Emir assured his guests that, “We will continue to talk to our people and work in the interest of our people. We will support your efforts and complement your activities in all the four areas of intervention”.
The UNICEF Kaduna Field Office Chief had earlier told the Emir that they were at the palace on an advocacy visit on how to end cholera spread.
Gerida who was represented by UNICEF health Specialist, Dr. Ahmed Tsofo solicited for the Emir's support to stop the spread of cholera and other related diseases ravaging the state.
The UNICEF Chief told the traditional ruler that, “We have recorded more than 451 cases of cholera infections out of which over 150 were confirmed positive through rapid diagnostic testing".
The number of deaths has gone up from 13 as at last week, adding that, “So far, we have now 16 deaths and we are here to inform the Emir, and also updated him on the supports we are providing and collaborations between UNICEF and the state government to prevent further spread of the disease”.
Dr. Gerida Birukila enlisted other childhood diseases that UNICEF is intervening in to include; polio, measles and low rate of exclusive breastfeeding. NNL.
