Responding to increased cholera cases in Niger

Government and UN delegates paid a visit to the most affected regions of Niger

Abdou Ali
cholera
UNICEF Niger/2021/Abdou Ali
15 September 2021

MARADI - ZINDER (Niger), 15 September 2021 – The Minister of Health, Dr. Illiassou Idi Mainassara, accompanied by WHO and UNICEF representatives paid a four-day visit to the regions of Maradi and Zinder to see first-hand country’s response to cholera outbreak.

As of 6 september 2021, a total of 3,479 confirmed cases with 89 related deaths has been reported across the country, according to the Ministry of Health. Most of the cases (2,049) are from the region of Maradi.

UNICEF, WHO and other partners closely work with the Government to step up the response and prevent further proliferation in the country.

Cholera
UNICEF Niger/2021/Abdou Ali
The Minister of Health, Dr. Illiassou Idi Mainassara, accompanied by WHO and UNICEF representatives paid a four-day visit to the regions of Maradi and Zinder to see first-hand country’s response to cholera outbreak.
Cholera
UNICEF Niger/2021/Abdou Ali
UNICEF supported the Government in setting up temporary cholera treatment centers in affected regions and provided supplies to active NGOs in the field to support affected persons.
Cholera
UNICEF Niger/2021/Abdou Ali
Regarding the epidemiological surveillance, UNICEF is supporting health authorities investigating cases in the affected regions.
Cholera
UNICEF Niger/2021/Abdou Ali
UNICEF also supported surveillance activities by providing tents, sampling tubes and laboratory supplies in all health districts.
Cholera
UNICEF Niger/2021/Abdou Ali
The authorities and partners including UNICEF, have been able to open 13 of the 14 planned care sites in Maradi to date.
cholera
UNICEF Niger/2021/Abdou Ali
UNICEF supported the sensitization of thousands of households on cholera prevention, hand washing with soap and water and the use of Aquatab and PUR for home water treatment.
Cholera
UNICEF Niger/2021/Abdou Ali
In addition, UNICEF supported the disinfection of households (with confirmed cases and contact families). UNICEF also provided supplies to active NGOs and rehabilitated the water points in Zinder region.
cholera
UNICEF Niger/2021/Abdou Ali
UNICEF equipped community relays in affected regions to share relevant, action-oriented information to guide people in affected communities to take proper action and to address community resilience through communication channels and community engagement. UNICEF also supports communication to the general public about prevention, preparedness and response, through national, local and community media.