The Adamawa State Ministry of Health says it has intensified community sensitisation and treatment of suspected Buruli ulcer cases in Malabu community, Fufore Local Government Area.
The Commissioner for Health, Mr. Felix B. Tangwami, stated this on Tuesday in Yola while providing an update on the situation during a follow-up visit to the community.
He said that a total of 85 cases had so far been recorded, with seven deaths, adding that treatment and daily wound dressing were ongoing at the Malabu Primary Health Care Centre (PHCC).
Tangwami noted that patients earlier reluctant to seek medical care due to misconceptions were now reporting to health facilities for treatment.
According to him, additional drugs and consumables have been supplied to the PHCC to ensure free case management, while those admitted at the Modibbo Adama University Teaching Hospital, Yola, are also responding positively to treatment.
“As of today, the Ministry is working closely with partners and community leaders to ensure that all suspected cases receive timely and effective treatment.
“We will continue to strengthen surveillance, community engagement and health education to protect the health and wellbeing of our people,” the commissioner said.
He explained that the follow-up visit also featured sensitisation meetings with community representatives and religious leaders to dispel misconceptions and improve awareness.
Tangwami added that health teams conducted community engagement activities, provided supportive supervision, and distributed Information, Education and Communication (IEC) materials to promote early detection.
He urged residents to promptly report suspected cases and cooperate with health workers to curb further spread of the disease.
