The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has confirmed the spread of the Sokoto and Zamfara strange disease to Kaduna, resulting in a total of seven deaths. The Centre has expressed concern that the disease may continue to spread to other neighboring communities and has therefore convened a high-level meeting with commissioners of health from the affected states.

Dr. Jide Idris, the Director-General of the NCDC, disclosed that a total of 196 suspected cases have been reported across Isa, Sabon Birni, and Ilella Local Government Areas (LGAs) of Sokoto State since the outbreak surfaced on March 21, 2024. He further explained that he held an emergency meeting with Commissioners for Health from Sokoto and Kaduna States, and had a phone conversation with Zamfara’s State Commissioner for Health, Hajiya Asabe Balarabe, Dr. Aisha Anka, and Hajiya Umma Ahmed to assess the situation.

The meeting began with a visit to the Sokoto Public Health Emergency Operations Centre, where updates on response activities, including case management, surveillance, risk communication, and community engagement (RCCE), were presented. Challenges such as limited diagnostic capacity in the state and the continued spread of the illness to neighboring localities, including Zamfara State, were discussed.

Representatives from various organizations such as the World Health Organization (WHO), United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF), eHealth Africa, Solina Centre for International Development and Research (SCIDaR), and Breakthrough Action Nigeria (BA-N) were present at the meeting.

Dr. Idris emphasized the urgency of the situation and expressed concern over the lack of a definitive diagnosis. He mentioned collaboration with sister agencies such as the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) and the National Institute for Pharmaceutical Research and Development (NIPRD) to ascertain the correct diagnosis of the illness.

Visits were made to treatment facilities where firsthand observation provided valuable insight into the effectiveness of ongoing treatment protocols and the resilience of affected individuals. Additionally, Dr. Idris engaged with traditional leaders, including a visit to the Sultan of Sokoto, who pledged support in combating the outbreak.

The NCDC stressed the importance of continued vigilance and cooperation from all stakeholders to identify the illness, implement effective containment measures, and prevent further outbreaks. Public awareness campaigns and adherence to recommended safety protocols are also deemed vital in mitigating the spread of the disease.

The collaborative efforts between government agencies, healthcare providers, and international partners signify a unified commitment of the Federal government through the NCDC to safeguarding health in Sokoto State and beyond.

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