UNICEF, Plateau State Battle Cholera Outbreak in Bokkos with Vaccines, Clean Water Measures.

By Uzairu Dauda Bunga:

The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), in partnership with the Plateau State Government and other health stakeholders, has provided critical support to combat the recent cholera outbreak in Bokkos Local Government Area.

UNICEF’s Vaccine Security and Logistics Consultant in Plateau State, Abubakar Shafa disclosed that over 200,000 doses of cholera vaccines have been delivered to protect residents, especially children, from the deadly outbreak.

He said, the vaccination campaign, which began earlier this week, will run for five days and is being carried out through house-to-house visits and strategic locations such as schools, Churches across all communities in Bokkos.

Mr Shafa said, UNICEF also supported the chlorination of water sources, including wells and streams, and distributed water purification tablets to ensure access to safe drinking water.

He said, Community members have shown strong cooperation in both the vaccination and water treatment efforts.

Speaking during the campaign, Aminu Annur, the Plateau State Coordinator for the National Primary Healthcare Development Agency (NPHCDA), emphasized that the cholera vaccine is safe and effective.

He urged all residents to get vaccinated to prevent the disease from spreading to neighboring communities.

On his part, the Director of Primary Healthcare in Bokkos, Mr. Joseph Dashey, revealed that the outbreak began in May 2025 in the Indiom community, where it claimed the life of a pastor who was also a university professor. Within weeks, the disease spread to several neighboring wards.

He said, So far, 85 people have tested positive, with two confirmed deaths.

Dashey warned that cholera is highly contagious and can lead to rapid fatalities, posing a significant threat to public health and local economic activities.

He confirmed that UNICEF’s support also included the provision of cholera treatment supplies such as cholera vaccine doses, Zinc tablets, tents for displaced persons, and community sensitization programs across the 20 wards of Bokkos.

The Bokkos PHC Director said, the outbreak has been linked to contaminated water sources, as many residents rely on streams, rivers, and uncovered wells for drinking water.

Dashey urged residents to adopt healthy hygiene practices such as regular handwashing, cleaning food containers, cutting grass around their homes, and covering food to prevent contamination by flies.

On his part, the Director of Water Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) in Bokkos LGA, Ibrahim Umar Zungum said the local government has intensified efforts by fumigating public areas, chlorinating wells, and conducting widespread public sensitization to stop the spread of the disease.

He added that IDP camps have been equipped with sanitation facilities and safety measures to prevent further infections.

While responding on behalf of community leaders, the Social Director of the Bokkos Community, Comrade Shams Obet, expressed gratitude to UNICEF and the Plateau State Government for their timely intervention.

He assured that local leaders would continue to promote community awareness on boiling drinking water, personal hygiene, and environmental sanitation to keep the disease at bay.

Comrade Obet said, the coordinated efforts by international partners, government agencies, and the local community mark a significant step toward containing the cholera outbreak and preventing future occurrences.