The Zamfara State government through Ministry of Health in collaboration with partners, has strengthened the one health approach to contain the incident of an anthrax outbreak in the state, saying massive sensitisation and vaccination for anthrax has commenced.
This was disclosed on Tuesday by the State Commissioner of Health, Dr Nafisa Maradun during a stakeholder meeting at the Public Health Emergency Operations Center (EOC) in the state.
According to Maradun, massive sensitisation and vaccination for anthrax has already started in the state, therefore, is a need to improve coverage and sensitization.
Earlier, the Director of Public Health, Dr. Yusuf Haske emphasized the importance of engagement of animals and livestock value chain stakeholders for early detection.
The Veterinary State Epidemiologist Dr Usman Ismail Gusau, disclosed that So far, only two animal mortalities have been recorded and no human case reported.
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“Early identification and reporting of suspected cases is crucial to contain the outbreak, and we are working closely with community leaders and traditional healers to raise awareness and encourage prompt reporting,” he said.
Also, Dr. Raji, State Coordinator of World Health Organization (WHO) has commended the state government’s swift response.
“The one health approach is essential for effectively addressing zoonotic diseases like anthrax,” Dr. Raji said.
“WHO is committed to supporting the state government in the outbreak response activities, including surveillance, risk communication, clinicians’ sensitization, and coordination amongst others” he pledged.
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