Following the devastating extreme flash flooding that displaced 1000’s of individuals and brought about vital injury throughout a number of communities in Maiduguri, Borno State Capital, the World Well being Organisation Respentative in Nigeria, Dr Walter Kazadi Mulombo, has pledged the organisation’s assist unwavering assist to the affected folks.
Through the go to to Maiduguri, Dr Mulombo visited the Governor of the state, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, the Shehu of Borno, Alhaji Garbai Elkenemi, the Authorities officers on the Ministry of Reconstruction, Rehabilitation&Resettlement, the College of Maiduguri Instructing Hospital and the Inner Individuals Displaced Camps (IDPs) the place he reaffirmed WHO’s dedication to supporting Borno in addressing the well being challenges from the latest floods.
Accompanied by the Borno State Commissioner of Well being and Human Companies, Professor Baba Mallam Gana, the WR assessed the scenario in flood-displaced communities, together with the Bakasi and Yerwa internally displaced individuals (IDP) camps, the place many have sought refuge.
Dr Mulombo expressed his deep concern over the influence of the catastrophe on the lives of the folks, significantly probably the most weak populations, together with ladies, kids, and older adults.
He assured the folks of Borno State that WHO would proceed to supply important technical and operational assist to mitigate the well being influence of the floods.
The flood was a results of a dam (Alu dam) which broke its banks, displacing over 1 million folks and heightened well being dangers, together with cholera and different waterborne illnesses, exacerbating the already dire humanitarian scenario within the state. Additionally affected by the flood is the WHO Nationwide Polio Laboratory located on the College of Maiduguri Instructing Hospital (UMTH).
“On behalf of WHO, I prolong my heartfelt sympathy to the folks of Borno State affected by this devastating flood. WHO stands with you throughout this difficult time, and we stay dedicated to making sure that important well being providers attain these in want, particularly these displaced by this disaster.
The sudden flood has displaced folks from their properties. We’re shocked by what occurred. We’re right here to find out the wants and assist the state and federal authorities in addressing sudden challenges. Local weather change is actual,” Dr. Mulombo acknowledged.
WR and the WHO delegates and the Commissioner of well being on the Shehu’s palace
Dr Mulombo reiterated WHO’s dedication to working with the federal government of Borno State and different companions to prioritise the well being and well-being of the affected populations.,” he famous.
In collaboration with the Borno State Ministry of Well being, the WHO workforce and companions have been actively concerned in responding to the well being challenges the flooding poses. WHO is working intently with well being authorities to strengthen illness surveillance, make sure the well timed supply of medical provides, and forestall the outbreak of waterborne illnesses.
In a fast effort, WHO has supplied Borno State with the assist of 4 cell clinics deployed in IDP Camps and minimal shares of important medicines and medical provides, together with Interagency Emergency Well being Kits (IEHKs), fundamental and for malaria. Moreover, WHO has supplied the assist within the IDP camps to boost the state’s capability in quickly detecting and responding to illnesses outbreaks.
Expressing gratitude to the WHO for its continued assist and collaboration in responding to the flood emergency, Professor Gana mentioned, “We admire the WHO’s swift response and the continued assist in addressing the well being wants of our folks. “As we proceed to supply fast reduction, we should additionally deal with constructing stronger well being programs that may face up to the challenges posed by such disasters sooner or later.
Whereas conducting the WHO workforce across the state capital, Professor Gana mentioned that the flooding had by no means occurred at such magnitude prior to now 30 years. He famous that 14 well being services have been affected, and 1000’s have been displaced.
The Commissioner noticed that the folks’s fast wants are shelter, Water Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH), meals, and well being providers. He urged companions to assist the federal government in offering the fast wants of the folks whereas the federal government works tediously to make sure the folks return to their properties quickly.
The Shehu of Borno, in his comment, appreciated the federal government and WHO for his or her immediate assist and help to the folks. Moreover, He known as on the federal government to discover a lasting resolution to stop the dam from breaking its bounds sooner or later.
WHO’s involvement and from the well being companions is a part of a broader dedication to supporting the federal government of Borno State in addressing the well being impacts of emergencies, together with floods, illness outbreaks, and different humanitarian crises; as a part of its ongoing assist, WHO has deployed emergency well being groups in flood-affected communities to help with threat assessments, well being training, and strengthening surveillance programs to detect and forestall outbreaks of illnesses equivalent to cholera and malaria..
The floods in Borno State come when the state is already grappling with a posh humanitarian disaster brought on by years of battle and displacement. The WHO Nation Consultant’s go to and the Group’s dedication to supporting the state underscore the significance of sustained well being interventions in humanitarian settings.
WHO’s efforts in Borno State are supported by its world mandate to supply technical management and steerage in emergencies, making certain that weak populations have entry to life-saving well being providers, even in probably the most difficult circumstances.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of World Well being Group (WHO) – Nigeria.
