Yobe, 20 May, 2024 one of Nigeria's states battling with cerebrospinal meningitis (CSM) outbreak, has recorded nothing less than 2,728 suspected cases, with 212 laboratory confirmed of cerebrospinal meningitis, as of 16th May 2024, across 11 of the 17 Local Government Areas (LGA).

Although measures have been established to ensure suspected and severe cases are being reported/referred to the treatment centres for quality health service. The World Health Organization (WHO) remains committed to guaranteeing health professionals follow guidelines and protocols in managing cases of Cerebrospinal Meningitis (CSM). 

Highlighting the impact of the World Health Organization’s support, one of the nurses working relentlessly in the Potiskum Treatment Centre expressed his joy after receiving constant on-the-job mentoring and technical guidance on effectively managing cases and adhering to Infection Prevention, and Control (IPC) measures. 

“It is overwhelming at times because of the number of patients with cerebrospinal meningitis we see every week, resulting in few lapses due to our limited capacity. However, my confidence and knowledge have vastly improved because of the on-the-job mentoring (especially on triaging, and the use of antibiotics regimen) provided by case management experts from the World Health Organization (WHO).

“I am not only motivated to graciously cater for the affected patients with a high level of excellence but I have now been mentored on the importance of constant adherence to guidelines, protocols and IPC measures, says, Nr. Sadiq Adam.

Sadiq added that he is grateful to the World Health Organization (WHO) for making available the guidelines, and protocols and guiding him and his colleagues, especially as he intends to cascade the knowledge to others and champion the need to follow the guidelines when treating patients with Cerebrospinal Meningitis (CSM).

In the same vein, his counterpart, Dr Ussaini Mohammed, the Principal Medical Officer (PMO) working at Nangere General Hospital, says, the technical guidance and on-the-job mentoring in case management and IPC provided by the WHO, made a difference, especially in the quality of services as well as outcome of the services being rendered.

“I am optimistic that the collaboration will continue and vulnerable/exposed persons will receive the health care services they need at this hospital and the state at large” added Dr Mohammed.
As of the 16th of May 2024, the state across the affected local government areas has successfully discharged more than 2,567 admitted cases of cerebrospinal meningitis. 

“In the same week, the World Health Organization (WHO) with funding support from the United States Agency for International Development’s (USAID) Bureau for Humanitarian Assistance (BHA), provided on-the-job mentoring, training, and guidance to more than 60 health professionals (comprising of doctors, and nurses) working across different treatment centres in the 11 CSM-affected local government areas in the state, says Dr Kumshida Balami, WHO Northeast Nigeria Interim Emergency Manager.

“The support to the Yobe State Government is part of WHO-Nigeria’s commitment as revealed in the Country Corporation Strategy (CCSIV), to advance the Primary Healthcare approach, enhance access to health services, strengthen capacities, and effectively respond to emergencies and outbreaks.

“WHO will continue to provide technical guidance and support to the BAY states at large including in capacity building, says Dr Balami

Applauding WHO for the support Yobe State is receiving, Dr Abubakar Kyari, the state’s case management operational lead says, the technical support being received from the World Health Organization (WHO) is quite commendable and is yielding results (in containing the outbreak) every day of the week. 

“The World Health Organization (WHO) remains a trusted and reliable partner in Yobe state through its continual support, we will ensure access to universal health coverage is achieved, added Dr Kyari.

WHO’s commitment toward Health For All is second to none, and as the global lead in health matters, it is leveraging available resources to ensure no one is left behind including those living in underserved locations in Yobe state, Nigeria.