A total of 245 suspected cases of the dreaded cholera disease was reported between January 1 to October 7, 2024 with 23 cases confirmed while only one death was recorded during the period in Oyo state.
Oyo State Commissioner for Health, Dr Oluwasherimi Ajetumobi disclosed at a press briefing in Ibadan after the weekly state executive council meeting on Tuesday
The Commissioner pointed out that the only death recorded was a patient brought from Lagos adding that nine (9) patients, currently on admission at the Infectious Disease Center, Olodo, Ibadan are responding to treatment and will soon be discharged.
Dr. Ajetumobi also hinted that in a bid to combat the recent cholera outbreak in the state, the Oyo State Government announced its commitment to pay ₦210.2 million as counterpart funds to support the fight against the disease.
She said the state government’s decision comes as the number of reported cholera cases continues to rise within the period recorded, with some local government areas affected.
She also stated that the United States Agency for International Development USAID, initiative has procured a total of 5,670, 644 nets for the state and the state is expected to pay a counterpart fund of N 210, 243.
Dr Ajetumobi said a request for approval of the sum of N 210, 243 million state counterpart fund for the support of the net campaign coming up in May 2025 was also considered at the state executive council meeting.
She said, “as part of the activities towards the net campaign, there are some things that we need to do and that is the reason for the request. The United States Agency for International Development USAID, initiative has procured a total of 5,670, 644 nets for the state and the state is expected to pay a counterpart fund of N 210, 243 .
According to her, the counterpart fund is to cater for the micro planning which includes, logistics, flag off, net campaign, storage and distribution across the 33 Loca governments of the state.
“Just as we know that the burden of severe malaria in oyo State disproportionately affects the vulnerable population particularly children under five, pregnant women and the elderly
“Malaria, if happened during pregnancy, can lead to severe outcomes ranging from severe anaemia, miscarriage, and low birth weight which she said adversely affect maternal and foetal health.” The Commissioner said.
She stated further that the procurement of the nets costs the USAID the sum of N1,726, 214, 195.
While assuring that every household will benefit from the net distribution exercise with consideration for the vulnerable persons particularly children under five years, pregnant women and the elderly.
Residents of the state have however been advised to remain vigilant and cooperate with health officials and continue to apply all necessary preventive and precautionary measures to stop the spread of the dreaded disease.
