The Sokoto State Government has confirmed the death of 33 children following an outbreak of cerebrospinal meningitis in parts of the state.

The Commissioner for Health, Dr. Faruk Abubakar, spoke on Wednesday during an advocacy meeting with district heads on Safety and Antimicrobial Resistance of Mass Administration of Azithromycin in Children (SARMAAN) and Maternal and Neonatal Tetanus Elimination (MNTE).

The meeting was organised by the state’s Primary Healthcare Development Agency in collaboration with Sightsavers and the Chigari Foundation.

According to the commissioner, 256 suspected cases have been recorded across eight local government areas of the state since the disease resurfaced about a month ago.

Residents of Kurawa village in Sabon Birni LGA had raised the alarm over a suspected outbreak of meningitis, which they said mostly affected children and teenagers.

Report also claimed the situation had worsened, with about two to three deaths recorded daily, mostly among people aged between two and 20 years.

They noted that many of the victims died before the illness was properly diagnosed, adding that residents were later advised to avoid sleeping in enclosed rooms due to the prevailing heat conditions.

Residents described symptoms including unconsciousness, severe neck pain, vomiting, diarrhoea, high fever and, in some cases, foaming from the mouth, all consistent with meningitis.

During the Wednesday meeting, Dr Abubakar confirmed the outbreak, saying Sabon Birni tops the list with 63 cases, followed by Wamakko (60), Shagari (51), Tambuwal (33), and Dange Shuni (26). Kebbe recorded 16 cases, while Bodinga, Gada, and Kware reported two, one, and two cases, respectively.

The health commissioner noted that most fatalities occurred within communities before patients were taken to health facilities.

He attributed this to delayed health-seeking behaviour, often driven by misconceptions that the illness has spiritual causes rather than being a medical emergency.

To contain the outbreak, the state government, in collaboration with Médecins Sans Frontières (Doctors Without Borders), established isolation centres at general hospitals in Dogo Daji and Tambuwal, with separate wards for male and female patients.

He added that while only about 20 samples have tested positive for meningitis so far, patients admitted early have responded well to treatment, with no recent deaths recorded since intensified interventions began.

Report also mentioned that firsthand accounts from the Dogo Daji isolation centre suggest that the situation remains critical. A nursing staff member at the facility, who requested anonymity because he was not authorised to speak publicly, was quoted as saying that the centre currently has 22 patients on admission.

“We are discharging those who have fully recovered. Even today, we discharged two patients, but they were immediately replaced as we received two new cases,” the staff member said.

He explained that the centre operates two wards—one for male patients and another for females and paediatric cases—but noted that increasing admissions may soon necessitate expansion.

“The cases are increasing. In fact, we are considering opening an additional ward to separate female and paediatric patients,” he added.

The nurse also highlighted the level of support available at the facility, stating that adequate medical personnel, including doctors, nurses, health promoters, and hygiene experts, are on the ground.

He emphasised that free treatment is provided, with patients receiving medications, feeding, and even transportation support once their cases are confirmed.

“Patients do not pay for anything. Everything is provided free, including sanitary pads,” he said.

The Nigeria-Britain Association (N-BA), in partnership with the LiveWell Initiative (LWI), successfully hosted the 2026 Health Fair on Saturday, March 28, 2026, at the British Council, Ikoyi, Lagos, reinforcing their shared commitment to advancing preventive healthcare, wellness, and community health awareness.

Themed “Attaining Boisterous Health and Wellbeing amidst a Fast World,” the health fair was convened by the LiveWell Initiative LWI using a team of dedicated healthcare professionals, wellness advocates, and participants of diverse health backgrounds including emotional health physicians, dentists, pharmacists, nurses, public health practitioners for a day dedicated to integrated health services, education, and engagement.

Mr  Sola  Oyetayo President    N-BA having his BP checked

The programme opened with an insightful health talk delivered by Dr Bisi Bright, CEO of LiveWell Initiative LWI, and Council member, N-BA, who emphasized the importance of adopting proactive health behaviours in response to the increasing pressures of modern living.

File Photo: Fruits and Salads  at the Nutrion Stand

Dr Bright further emphasized that “ individuals must take responsibility for their wellbeing by making informed choices, embracing early diagnosis, practicing basic hygiene, managing emotions, and staying consistently hydrated.”

Her session explored critical areas such as lifestyle management, stress, nutrition, resilience, and the prevention of non-communicable diseases, while advocating a more holistic approach to healthcare.

Speaking at the event, Sola Oyetayo, President of the Nigeria-Britain Association, described the health fair as part of the NBA’s broader sustainability agenda focused on promoting healthier communities and enhancing quality of life for N-BA members and Nigerians, but also to members of the Commonwealth community in Nigeria, He emphatically added that “Health is Wealth.”

Similarly, Funmilola Orokale, Council Member of the N-BA, stated that “the initiative reflects our commitment to ensuring greater health awareness, early detection of underlying conditions through accessible and respectful screening processes.”

With a team of over 50 healthcare professionals all from the LiveWell Initiative LWI, the health fair provided attendees with comprehensive and accessible medical services in a well-coordinated environment.

Participants benefited from a wide spectrum of free health screenings and consultations, ranging from cardiovascular and metabolic checks such as blood pressure and blood sugar testing, to infectious disease screenings including hepatitis, HIV, and malaria.

Specialized services such as prostate screening, breast examinations, eye assessments, dental and dermatological checks were also made available, alongside nutrition counselling, mental wellness support, and neurological assessments.

The LWI Team

In addition, a fully equipped pharmacy stand ensured access to free medications and professional guidance, while participants who require visual support received recommended eyeglasses at no cost.

There were free condoms available only for adults, with Counselling on responsible sexual behavior.

Beyond clinical services, the event delivered a holistic wellness experience featuring structured fitness sessions, recreational activities, and healthy nutrition offerings including fruit trees and various salads, smoothies and juices all aimed at promoting sustainable lifestyle changes. The engaging and impactful atmosphere enabled participants to not only assess their health status but also take practical steps toward improved wellbeing. The event recorded strong participation, with over 100 registered attendees alongside additional walk-in participants, many of whom expressed deep appreciation for the initiative, particularly the convenience of accessing multiple healthcare services in one location and gaining greater awareness to make informed health decisions.

About the Nigerian Britain Association (NBA)

The Nigeria-Britain Association is committed to fostering socio-cultural, educational, and developmental ties between Nigeria and the United Kingdom, while promoting initiatives that enhance the wellbeing of its members and the wider community.

About LiveWell Initiative (LWI)

LiveWell Initiative LWI is a health-focused nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting preventive healthcare, wellness education, and access to quality health services through community-driven programmes and strategic partnerships.

Health workers under the Joint Health Sector Unions and the Assembly of Healthcare Professional Associations are protesting at the Unity Fountain in Abuja.

The protest is against the proposed health sector regulatory bill, which is before the National Assembly.

The protesting health workers are against the bill, claiming that if allowed to pass, it would subject every medical profession to the regulation of the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria.

They maintain that all health professions have their regulatory bodies, and that the new bill was seeking to make other health professionals second-class to medical doctors.

The protesters plan to also go to the National Assembly, where they hope to present their case to lawmakers.