Zamfara study identifies active cholera cases in five LGAs

A new study by the Federal University Gusau has identified active cholera cases in five local government areas of Zamfara State.

The findings were presented on Friday during the release of a research report on cholera and water sources in the state.

The study was conducted by the university with support from Solidarités International.

Speaking during the presentation, the leader of the research team, Oluchukwu Abba, said the team collected 142 water samples from various sources, including tap water, boreholes, rivers, wells and sachet water.

He said the research revealed poor sanitation in many communities and heavy reliance on unsafe water sources.

“Many households lack sanitation facilities. About 79.2 per cent of residents across the state rely on well water, while active cholera cases were identified in Gusau, Bungudu, Zurmi, Shinkafi and Talata Mafara local government areas,” he said.

Abba added that the survey covered 250 residents across the affected areas, noting that Talata Mafara recorded the highest positive cholera rate at 34.48 per cent.

A microbiologist, Rosemary Okoye, also spoke on the cholera research conducted in the state.

The Dean of the Faculty of Science, N. A. Sani, said the university commenced the research immediately after the cholera outbreak in Zamfara to help prevent future cases.

According to him, research remains one of the university’s core responsibilities.

The Vice-Chancellor of the university, Tukur Adamu, said recurring cholera outbreaks in Nigeria underscored the need for continuous scientific research and community support programmes.