Gusau, To contain the cholera outbreak in Zamfara State, the state government- supported by the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA), World Health Organisation (WHO), UNICEF, and other partners—conducted a reactive oral cholera vaccination (OCV) campaign in six high-burden Local Government Areas (LGAs).

The intervention followed WHO's facilitation of the release of 1,194,742 doses of OCV from the International Coordinating Group (ICG) global stockpile for Nigeria and the training of over 1,800 frontline workers.
After the six-day campaign, 964 765 individuals aged 1 to 45 years across 20 wards in the six most affected LGAs —Gusau, Bungudu, Zurmi, Anka, Talata Mafara, and Shinkafi — were vaccinated with the lifesaving vaccines.

During the flag-off, Zamfara State Commissioner, Dr Nafisa Muhammad Maradun, said, "The vaccination initiative is part of a broader response to the outbreak, including activating the State Infectious Disease Hospital in Damba, distributing essential medication in affected LGAs, and strengthening disease surveillance. WHO and partners provided vaccines and technical support as part of the broader effort to contain the outbreak”

Dr Raji Mukhtar, WHO Zamfara State Coordinator, emphasised, “The release of vaccines from the global stockpile reflects coordinated efforts to respond to the outbreak.  Remember our role is to support the government and ensure coordination. Vaccination, alongside disease surveillance, case management, and Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) interventions, is crucial for controlling cholera."

Cholera cases have been reported in all 14 LGAs in Zamfara State The six high-risk LGAs account for over 85% of total cases, making them the priority for cholera vaccination."

A coordinated, government-led response
Zamfara State has observed a significant number of cholera cases, resulting in several unfortunate fatalities. The Zamfara State Government coordinates the multisectoral response through the State Emergency Operations Centre (EOC). 

WHO has been supporting state authorities with technical and operational support for surveillance, case management, and the establishment of treatment centres and oral rehydration points. WHO has also donated essential medicines and supplies, including cholera kits, IV fluids, and diagnostic tools. 
These efforts have been made possible with generous funding from the Government of Japan, enabling rapid response and health system strengthening in the affected LGAs.

Voices from the field
Fatima Kabiru, who received the vaccine alongside her daughter, said, "My neighbours fell sick, and we were worried. When I heard they were giving free cholera vaccines, I decided to tell my daughter, and together we took the vaccine to keep us safe." 

A vaccinator, Aisha Mukhtar, said people's acceptance of the vaccine has been very impressive. We move from house to house vaccinating people and have not met anyone who rejected being vaccinated".
Preventive measures remain essential.

While oral cholera vaccination offers critical protection, WHO continues to urge communities to: 
•    Use only boiled or chlorinated water for drinking and cooking
•    Wash hands frequently with soap and water
•    Use safe toilets and dispose of waste hygienically
•    Thoroughly cook all food and avoid unsafe street foods
•    Seek medical care immediately if experiencing diarrhoea or vomiting

Dr Ann Fortin, WHO Nigeria Emergency Preparedness Response Lead, reaffirmed WHO's commitment to cholera control, stating that cholera is preventable and treatable. We commend the Zamfara State Government, the Federal Government and partners for their swift action. WHO will continue providing support to ensure affected communities receive care and prevention services."

The oral cholera vaccination campaign in Zamfara underscores the importance of strong government leadership, partner collaboration, and community engagement in protecting public health and achieving national targets outlined in the National Strategic Plan of Action for Cholera Control (NSPACC) 2025-2029.