Niger Collaborates with UNICEF and the U.S. Government to Improve Disease Surveillance and Prevent Outbreaks
In an effort to strengthen disease surveillance and emergency preparedness across the country, the Niger State government has held town hall meetings with 350 community, traditional, and religious leaders from six Local Government Areas (LGAs).
Recent reports show three new cases of polio in Magama and Mariga LGAs, along with diphtheria cases in Bida, Chanchaga, and Suleja LGAs.
Abubakar Kpantu, the State Immunization Officer, said during a town hall meeting on Public Health Emergency Disease Prevention and Response, organized by the Ministry of Health with support from UNICEF and the U.S. Government, that the goal is to prevent potential disease outbreaks.
He mentioned, “Although we had not recorded any polio cases for years, three recent cases were identified in Mariga and Magama LGAs, with additional diphtheria cases in Suleja, Bida, and Chanchaga.”
Kpantu stressed the need for increased vigilance and renewed efforts toward routine immunization and community awareness.
“Since the start of the rainy season, health authorities are closely monitoring the risk of cholera and other communicable diseases,” he added.
The event, attended by health officials, community, traditional, and religious leaders, development partners, and residents in Bida, Bosso, Chanchaga, Gbako, Gurara, Kontagora, and Suleja LGAs, aimed to discuss strategies for responding to public health emergencies.
Kpantu explained that the town hall meetings are meant to raise community awareness and preparedness, which are vital for managing outbreaks of diseases like meningitis, measles, diphtheria, cholera, Mpox, and others.
During the session, UNICEF Social and Behavior Change State Facilitator Adamu Mamba emphasized the importance of early disease detection, quick reporting of suspected cases, and strict compliance with public health protocols.
He highlighted the critical role of traditional, religious, and community leaders in strengthening emergency response efforts through effective Risk Communication and Community Engagement (RCCE).
Mamba emphasized that community involvement is key to increasing vaccine acceptance, supporting outbreak control, spreading accurate health information, and fighting misinformation with trusted voices.
He called on participants to actively support outbreak response efforts, promote preventive health practices, and improve community feedback systems.
