NMA urges Zamfara Govt. to change strategies in fighting epidemic

The Zamfara state chapter of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) has called on the state government to change its strategies in fighting Cerebrospinal Meningitis (CSM) outbreak to succeed in arresting the disease.

The state NMA Chairman, Dr Tijjani Abubakar, made the call on Saturday in Gusau while speaking at the Inter-Secondary School Medical Quiz Competition organised by the association to mark the 2017 World Health Day.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that 215 people have lost their lives to the disease while thousands of patients are receiving treatment at various health centres across the state.

The Chairman noted such change should be seen as a matter of urgency.

He also said the scourge of Cerebrospinal Meningitis epidemic, ravaging the state was worrisome, adding that it had reached emergency level.

Abubakar said the committee set up by the state government to fight the outbreak must involve medical personnel to ensure success.

“Government must review its strategies in fighting the disease by providing more funding to procure enough drugs and vaccines to reduce the menace of the disease in the state,” he said.

Abubakar however called on the members of the committee to be God-fearing in discharging their duties.

He further urged committee members not to see their assignment as an avenue for enrichment, but one that called for their total commitment toward bringing the disease to a standstill.

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“On behalf of all medical doctors in Zamfara, I wish to extend our heartfelt condolences to all the parents who lost their children and loved ones to the outbreak in the state and country at large.

‘’For those that suffered from various degrees of disability, we pray for their speedy recovery," he added.

Abubakar also commended all stakeholders for their support and commitments in supporting the state government’s effort toward curtailing the outbreak.

He appealed to the public to always comply with pieces of medical advice given to them as regards curtailing the disease.