By Sani Gazas Chinade, Damaturu
The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has commended the Yobe State Government for its proactive and effective measures in preventing a cholera outbreak, describing the state’s preparedness and public health interventions as exemplary.
The commendation was made by the UNICEF Chief of Field Office, Maiduguri, Mr. Francis Butucci, during an advocacy visit to the Acting Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Dr. Mohammed Goje, at the Government House in Damaturu.
According to a statement issued by Ibrahim Baba Saleh, Media Coordinator/Liaison Officer to the SSG, Mr. Butucci noted that despite the ongoing rainy season—a period often associated with an increased risk of cholera outbreaks—Yobe State has not recorded any confirmed case of the disease.
He attributed the achievement to the state government’s timely preventive interventions, coordinated disease surveillance, and sustained public health awareness campaigns.
“This achievement may not be unconnected to the government’s timely preventive measures, coordinated surveillance, and sustained public health awareness campaigns,” Mr. Butucci said.
The UNICEF official also praised the state government for swiftly implementing the agency’s technical recommendations, noting that the collaboration has produced positive public health outcomes.
While acknowledging the progress made, Mr. Butucci encouraged the government to sustain its efforts by expanding birth registration services at Primary Healthcare Centres (PHCs) and strengthening support for schools recently affected by windstorms across the state.
Responding, the Acting Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Mohammed Goje, expressed appreciation to UNICEF for its continued partnership and technical support in the areas of healthcare, education, nutrition, child protection, and social development.
He reaffirmed the commitment of Governor Mai Mala Buni’s administration to deepening collaboration with UNICEF and other development partners in implementing people-centred policies and programmes that improve the quality of life of residents.
Dr. Goje particularly commended UNICEF for providing a state-of-the-art oxygen gas plant to the Yobe State healthcare system, describing the intervention as a significant contribution to strengthening critical healthcare services and saving lives.
He added that the facility has complemented the government’s ongoing investments in the health sector and enhanced the capacity of health institutions across the state to deliver quality healthcare services.
