By Abdullahi Lukman
The Bauchi State Government has unveiled a strategy to curb cholera outbreaks, with renewed emphasis on disease surveillance, vaccination and improved water and sanitation services.
The Commissioner for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Sani Dambam, disclosed this on Monday, January 2, 2026, during the inaugural meeting of the state’s Cholera Technical Working Group (TWG) in Bauchi.
The commissioner said the state’s cholera prevention framework is built around nine thematic areas, including disease surveillance, sustained use of oral cholera vaccines, leadership coordination, risk communication and community engagement.
He stressed the need for heightened public sensitisation against unhygienic practices, especially in the first quarter of the year when cholera cases usually peak in the state.
Also speaking at the meeting, the Bauchi State Team Lead of WaterAid Nigeria, Mr. Mashat Mallo, underscored the importance of strengthening Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) infrastructure to support the state’s prevention efforts.
Represented by WaterAid’s Business Development Officer, Kashim Alex, Mallo urged the TWG to prioritise the rehabilitation of dilapidated WASH facilities in its budget.
He cautioned against over-reliance on donor funding, noting that such an approach was unsustainable.
Mallo explained that donor funds are often channelled through Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) for the maintenance of existing WASH facilities and should be effectively utilised.
The WaterAid team lead expressed optimism over the inauguration of the TWG, which resolved to meet monthly, while its steering committee would convene quarterly.
He said collaboration with civil society organisations, religious bodies and the media would enhance the state’s capacity to prevent and control cholera outbreaks.