By Oyekan Zainab
The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has visited Mrs Helen Mutfwang, the wife of Plateau Governor, Mr Caleb Mutfwang, to express solidarity and provide intervention support following a cholera outbreak .
The curtesy visit was led by Dr Raymond Juryit, Executive Secretary, Plateau Primary Healthcare Board, on Saturday in Jos, who acknowledged the government and UNICEF ongoing efforts to contain cholera in the state.
Juryit said the visit was part of UNICEF’s emergency health response, noting that Plateau, though not a priority state, continued to receive support due to the commitment of health officials in the state.
“We are here to support cholera response efforts in Bokkos Local Government Areas, following reports of outbreaks linked to recent crises.
“Within 48 hours, UNICEF mobilised drugs, vaccines, and cholera kits,” said Juret.
Speaking, during the visit, Margaret Gitiwa, Health Specialist, UNICEF Bauchi Field Office, reiterated the organisation’s commitment to addressing urgent public health issues in spite of Plateau’s “non-priority” classification.
Gitiwa said that the state was included in the national DRIVE Initiative for vaccine logistics due to advocacy from her office.
She presented a manifest of the deployed cholera response items, including oral rehydration salts, chlorine for well treatment, protective gear, and community sensitisation materials.
“Plans are also shared for engagement with local WASH teams and facility support for cholera patients, she said.
In her response, Mutfwang, expressed gratitude for UNICEF’s prompt response.
She said the intervention would incentivise clinic use and reduce maternal and child mortality.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that UNICEF pledged continued collaboration with the Plateau Primary Health Care Board.
It also confirmed that cholera response activities in Bokkos, including well chlorination and hygiene promotion, would begin soon.
The team also noted that, while some requests may fall outside UNICEF’s mandate, they would link the state to other UN agencies where appropriate.
Mutfwang was also visited the location to inspect the donated materials where a symbolic handover of the cholera response manifest was done. NAN
