Meningitis: Sokoto targets 700,000 for immunization

More than 700,000 children and adults are targeted for vaccination against cerebrospinal meningitis in Sokoto, where the government is spending N50 million to combat the disease. The state health commissioner Shehu Kakale told a press briefing that more than 500 cases of meningitis had been treated. He said with vaccination, they intend to achieve high […]

More than 700,000 children and adults are targeted for vaccination against cerebrospinal meningitis in Sokoto, where the government is spending N50 million to combat the disease.

The state health commissioner Shehu Kakale told a press briefing that more than 500 cases of meningitis had been treated.

He said with vaccination, they intend to achieve high immunity against any outbreak in coming years.

"At the onset of the CSM outbreak, the state Ministry of Health took steps to mitigate the effects of the outbreak and break the transmission cycle," he stated.

He said consequent upon the outbreak of CSM in the state, the state government swung into action and declared a state of high alert aimed at mitigating the outbreak.

Kakale added fully kitted specialized medical teams comprising 150 medical doctors, nurses and other medical professionals were deployed across the state while CSM drugs,  consumables, ambulances and other logistics were provided.

“The outbreak has been brought under total control by the concerted efforts and inter-sectoral collaborations of ministries, departments and agencies in the state,” Kakale said.

Sokoto remains on high alert until the last case is recorded.