The World Health Organisation (WHO) has pledged to support the Borno State government in mitigating the impact of the recent flood disaster in Maiduguri, which displaced many communities and left over 30 people dead.
The flood has also cut off 14 health facilities and affected some laboratories, leaving many communities without access to healthcare services.
Speaking during an on-the-spot assessment of the situation, WHO Country Representative in Nigeria, Dr. Walter Mulombo, lamented the devastating impact of the flood and pledged the organization’s support to the state government. He commended the state government for showing leadership and responding quickly to the situation, adding that there is a coordinated response to the crisis.
Similarly, the State Commissioner for health, Prof. Baba Mallam Gana, noted that the flooding has never happened at this scale in Borno State, adding that the Alau Dam, which provides water to Borno State, had problems, and about 70 per cent of Maiduguri has been submerged underwater. He stated that the flood has cut off many healthcare facilities and personnel, and the state is collaborating with partners to address the situation.
The immediate need, according to Gana, is to provide shelter and food to displaced people, provide healthcare services, and later find out why the dam broke down. He commended the UN system for coordinating the response and assured that the government is working to bring succour to the displaced persons.
The WHO’s support will focus on providing healthcare services, including vaccinations, to the affected communities. The organisation will also work with the state government to assess the damage to healthcare facilities and laboratories and provide support for their rehabilitation.
The flood disaster in Maiduguri has highlighted the need for urgent action to address the impact of climate change in Nigeria. The WHO’s support to the Borno State government is a step in the right direction, and it is hoped that it will help mitigate the suffering of the affected communities.
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