By Mustapha Salisu
The Kaduna State Ministry of Health has intensified preventive and emergency response measures to curb the spread of diseases commonly associated with the rainy season across the state.
The State Commissioner for Health, Umma K. Ahmad, said the ministry, under the leadership of Governor Uba Sani, has adopted multiple strategies to prevent outbreaks of communicable diseases and ensure a rapid response to public health emergencies.
She explained that the ministry is working closely with Primary Healthcare Centres, relevant government agencies, and development partners to strengthen disease surveillance and improve emergency preparedness during the rainy season.
According to the commissioner, the state’s intervention targets malaria, cholera, acute watery diarrhoea, typhoid fever, pneumonia, measles, and other communicable diseases, as well as health challenges arising from flooding.
Ahmad said the ministry has reinforced its Integrated Disease Surveillance and Response system to promptly detect suspected disease outbreaks through routine reporting, laboratory testing, and coordinated action by the State Public Health Emergency Operations Centre.
She added that rapid response teams have been positioned to investigate and contain any suspected outbreak before it escalates.
The commissioner disclosed that the state has also procured and stocked cholera response supplies, including preventive materials and antibiotics, with the approval of Governor Uba Sani, as part of efforts to stay ahead of any possible outbreak.
On malaria control, she said the ministry has expanded the distribution of insecticide-treated mosquito nets, supplied rapid diagnostic test kits and anti-malaria drugs to health facilities, and intensified public awareness campaigns on environmental sanitation to reduce mosquito breeding.
Ahmad further revealed that the ministry is collaborating with the Kaduna State Emergency Management Agency and other relevant institutions to identify flood-prone communities and implement measures to prevent disease outbreaks associated with flooding.
She noted that contingency plans have also been put in place to provide medical assistance in affected communities, including the referral of patients requiring specialised care to appropriate health facilities.
The commissioner urged residents of Kaduna State to support the government’s efforts by observing proper hygiene, drinking clean and safe water, washing hands regularly with soap, consuming hygienically prepared food, and adhering to expert health advice throughout the rainy season.
She reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to safeguarding the health of residents through proactive interventions and prompt response to emerging public health threats.