The United Nations Children’s Education Fund (UNICEF) has donated emergency response kits valued at $69,075 to the Borno State Government in response to a cholera outbreak declared on October 4, 2024. The outbreak has affected four local government areas: Maiduguri Metropolitan Council (MMC), Jere, Konduga, Mafa, and Monguno, with over 450 suspected cases reported and 17 confirmed cases.
During the presentation in Maiduguri, Dr. Rownak Khan, UNICEF’s Deputy Representative in Nigeria, highlighted that Borno State has faced recurrent cholera outbreaks since 2009. She reaffirmed UNICEF’s commitment to supporting the Nigerian government, particularly in Borno, in preventing and managing cholera cases.
Key Points from the Donation Ceremony
- Dr. Khan stated, “I am very pleased to announce that I am handing over 30 Acute Water Diarrhea kits (90 units) and 50 beds to the Borno State Government,” emphasizing UNICEF’s ongoing support.
- The total monetary value of the donation is approximately N113,284,213.60 million.
- She also discussed the importance of cholera vaccination in their response efforts, noting that 300,000 doses of oral cholera vaccine have already been delivered and administered, with an additional 600,000 doses expected.
- Dr. Khan mentioned that the aim is to reach over 500,000 people through these interventions.
The state government, represented by Dr. Abubakar Hassan, Special Adviser to the Government on Health Matters, expressed gratitude for UNICEF’s swift response and highlighted its crucial role in preventing and managing cholera in the state. The government also acknowledged the longstanding collaboration with UNICEF, which has lasted over a decade, and assured that the donated resources would be effectively utilized to enhance case management and save lives.