The Kebbi State Government has confirmed an outbreak of meningitis, with 56 reported deaths so far.
Addressing the press in Birnin Kebbi on Wednesday, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Health, Dr. Shehu Nuhu Koko, revealed that five out of 17 samples sent to the National Laboratory Reference Center in Abuja tested positive, officially confirming the outbreak.
In response, a rapid containment strategy has been activated, with support from the World Health Organization (WHO), UNICEF, Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF), and other healthcare partners. The measures include vaccine donations from the federal government, provision of essential drugs, and the establishment of isolation centers in affected local government areas. Dr. Koko stated that general hospitals in impacted towns have been stocked with vaccines and treatment supplies to curb the spread.
To further support the fight against the outbreak, Governor Nasir Idris has approved the release of ₦30 million for drug procurement, surveillance operations, and allowances for healthcare workers manning the treatment centers.
Dr. Koko cautioned relatives of patients against visiting isolation centers to prevent further transmission of the disease. He acknowledged that without the swift intervention of the government and healthcare partners, the death toll—now risen from 26 to 56—could have been even higher.
So far, Kebbi State has recorded 653 suspected cases of meningitis. Of the 17 samples tested, five were positive, five were negative, and the outbreak has now spread across four local government areas. Authorities continue to intensify efforts to contain the disease and prevent further fatalities.