18 die of gastroenteritis in Sokoto in one week

The Sokoto State Government has said that no fewer than 18 deaths were recorded in the state within a week as a result of gastroenteritis.

The state Commissioner for Health, Dr Ali Muhammed Inname, stated this while briefing newsmen at the end of the state executive council meeting held at the Council Chambers in Sokoto.

Inname disclosed that the council has approved the upgrading of four primary health centres located at different parts of the state to general hospitals.

The upgrading of the four primary health centres, according to the commissioner, will cost the state over N700 million.

He said “between last Friday, August 19th and today, the state recorded a total number of 252 positive cases of gastroenteritis across the 16 local government areas of the state.”

He further explained that between the same periods, a total number of 18 people lost their lives at different hospitals across the state.

While giving updates on Covid-19 infections in the state, Inname said the state has so far recorded a total number of 794 positive cases since the index case in the state was discovered, out of 21,027 test done with only four patients currently on admission at the isolation centre.

He called on the general public to take advantage of the recently launched second vaccination of Covid-19 and get vaccinated against the virus.

Inname revealed that the state has received her own share of the 34,440 Moderna vaccines which is to be used in the second phase of vaccination that will cover over 17,000 people across the state.

Speaking on the approval by the state executive council on the upgrading of four primary health care centres to general hospitals, the commissioner said the action will provide more efficient health coverage for the citizens and residents of the affected areas.

The primary health centres include the one located in Salam, which was awarded at the cost of N125.6 million, while the one located at Sanyinna in Tambuwal Local Government Area will cost N210.7 million.

Others include the one in Kuchi town, Kebbe Local Government Area at the cost of N167 million, as well as the one opposite the market in Achida, Wurno Local Government Area at the cost of N263.4 million respectively.

(THISDAY)