Afrigather Maiduguri, 14 September, 2024 –Following extreme flash floods that displaced hundreds and precipitated vital injury throughout a number of communities in Maiduguri, the capital of Borno State, the World Well being Group (WHO) Consultant in Nigeria, Dr. Walter Kazadi Mulombo, pledged the group’s unwavering help to these affected.
Throughout his go to to Maiduguri, Dr. Mulombo met with key figures, together with the Governor of Borno State, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, the Shehu of Borno, Alhaji Garbai El-Kenemi, officers from the Ministry of Reconstruction, Rehabilitation & Resettlement, in addition to representatives from the College of Maiduguri Educating Hospital and Internally Displaced Individuals (IDP) camps. In these discussions, he reaffirmed WHO’s dedication to supporting Borno in addressing the well being challenges introduced on by the current floods.
Accompanied by the Borno State Commissioner of Well being and Human Companies, Professor Baba Mallam Gana, Dr. Mulombo assessed the state of affairs in flood-displaced communities, together with the Bakasi and Yerwa IDP camps, the place many displaced individuals have sought refuge.
Dr. Mulombo expressed deep concern over the affect of the catastrophe on the lives of the affected inhabitants, particularly essentially the most weak, together with ladies, kids, and the aged. He assured the individuals of Borno State that WHO would proceed to supply crucial technical and operational help to mitigate the well being impacts of the floods.
The flooding, brought on by the breach of the Alu Dam, displaced over a million individuals and considerably elevated well being dangers akin to cholera and different waterborne ailments. This has additional exacerbated the already difficult humanitarian state of affairs within the state. Moreover, the flood affected the WHO Nationwide Polio Laboratory situated on the College of Maiduguri Educating Hospital (UMTH).
“On behalf of WHO, I prolong my heartfelt sympathy to the individuals of Borno State affected by this devastating flood. WHO stands with you throughout this tough time, and we’re dedicated to making sure that important well being providers attain these in want, significantly these displaced by the disaster,” mentioned Dr. Mulombo. “We’re shocked by the size of the catastrophe, however we’re right here to evaluate the wants and help each the state and federal governments in addressing the challenges posed by this sudden emergency.”
Dr. Mulombo reiterated WHO’s dedication to collaborating with the Borno State authorities and different companions to prioritize the well being and well-being of affected populations.
In partnership with the Borno State Ministry of Well being, WHO and its companions have been actively addressing the well being challenges posed by the floods. WHO is intently collaborating with well being authorities to strengthen illness surveillance, make sure the immediate supply of medical provides, and stop outbreaks of waterborne ailments.
As a part of its quick response, WHO has deployed 4 cell clinics to IDP camps and offered important medicines and medical provides, together with Interagency Emergency Well being Kits (IEHKs) and malaria remedies. Moreover, WHO is working to reinforce the state’s capability to quickly detect and reply to illness outbreaks throughout the camps.
Expressing gratitude to WHO for its ongoing help in responding to the flood emergency, Professor Gana acknowledged, “We respect WHO’s swift response and continued efforts to deal with the well being wants of our individuals. As we deal with quick aid, we should additionally prioritize constructing stronger well being methods that may face up to future challenges posed by disasters like this.”
Whereas guiding the WHO group by the state capital, Professor Gana highlighted that the flooding is essentially the most extreme the area has skilled prior to now 30 years. He reported that 14 well being amenities had been affected and hundreds of individuals displaced.
The Commissioner emphasised that the quick wants of the individuals embrace shelter, Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH), meals, and well being providers. He urged companions to help the federal government in addressing these pressing wants, whereas the federal government continues its efforts to make sure that individuals can return to their houses as quickly as doable.
In his remarks, the Shehu of Borno expressed his appreciation to each the federal government and WHO for his or her immediate help to the affected populations. He additionally known as on the federal government to implement an enduring answer to stop future breaches of the dam.
WHO’s involvement, alongside well being companions, varieties a part of a broader dedication to supporting the Borno State authorities in addressing the well being impacts of emergencies akin to floods, illness outbreaks, and different humanitarian crises. As a part of this ongoing help, WHO has deployed emergency well being groups to flood-affected areas to conduct danger assessments, ship well being training, and improve surveillance methods to detect and stop illness outbreaks, together with cholera and malaria.
These floods come at a time when Borno State is already grappling with a posh humanitarian disaster pushed by years of battle and displacement. The WHO Nation Consultant’s go to and the Group’s steadfast dedication to supporting the state spotlight the crucial want for sustained well being interventions in such difficult humanitarian settings.
WHO’s efforts in Borno State are aligned with its international mandate to supply technical management and steering in emergencies, making certain that weak populations proceed to have entry to life-saving well being providers, even in essentially the most tough circumstances.
