Zamfara State is strengthening its capacity to detect and respond to disease outbreaks, with health workers receiving specialised training on cholera, diphtheria, acute flaccid paralysis and other vaccine-preventable diseases.
The training, organised by the state Ministry of Health in collaboration with the World Health Organisation, was held at Darma Hotel in Gusau.
The ministry’s Public Relations Officer, Sulaiman Isah, said the programme was designed to improve clinicians’ ability to detect, assess, report and manage cases of infectious diseases.
Participants were taken through the epidemiology of cholera, diphtheria, AFP and other vaccine-preventable diseases in the state, as well as standard case definitions and appropriate treatment procedures.
The training also focused on case classification, referral and triage, alongside the responsibilities of clinicians during disease outbreaks.
Health workers were further sensitised on early detection, timely notification and coordination with disease surveillance teams to ensure a faster response to suspected cases.
The programme also emphasised infection prevention and control measures in healthcare facilities to reduce the risk of transmission among patients and health workers.
The organisers say the training is expected to improve Zamfara’s preparedness for disease outbreaks and strengthen coordination between healthcare workers and surveillance teams.
