● “No patient will pay” — Zulum orders free drugs, PPE, hygiene kits; Maiduguri, Jere, Ngarannam centres activated
Borno State Governor Prof. Babagana Zulum has ordered free treatment for all acute watery diarrhea/cholera patients as the state battles a fresh outbreak.
The move, announced Sunday by Health Permanent Secretary Dr. Shettima Maina Mohammed, covers drugs, medical consumables, PPE, and hygiene materials worth millions of naira already delivered to treatment centres.
“Borno State Government has procured and delivered drugs and medical consumables worth millions of naira… These drugs and consumables are for the treatment of patients free of charge in the facilities,” Mohammed said.
Supplies have reached Emergency & Infectious Disease Hospital, Njimtilo and Ngarannam Infectious Disease Camp where patients are currently being treated. Zulum was praised for “prompt release of funds” amid the emergency.
Beyond treatment, Borno launched aggressive awareness campaigns in Maiduguri Metropolitan Council and Jere LGA. Health teams are teaching residents disease prevention, sanitation, safe water practices, and proper waste disposal.
The delegation also visited Shehu of Borno Abubakar Ibn Umar Garbai El-Kanemi. The Shehu commended Zulum’s “swift action” and pledged full traditional support to mobilise communities.
Sensitisation has covered Old Maiduguri, Gamboru, and Shehuri South. Mohammed urged traditional rulers to push hygiene messages hard: “Seek medical attention immediately when symptoms emerge.”
The intervention comes as northern Nigeria faces seasonal spikes in waterborne diseases during heavy rainfall and poor sanitation.
