Editor
The World Health Organization has expressed its dismay regarding the recent calamity of floods in Maiduguri, the capital of Borno State in Nigeria, which resulted in the displacement of numerous communities and the submersion of certain parts of the city.
WHO underscored the critical necessity for assistance, noting that 14 healthcare facilities have been isolated and several laboratories have been impacted. The requirements are substantial.
Dr. Kazadi Molumbo, the Nigeria Country Representative, led a delegation to Borno State to evaluate the extent of the damage and offer aid to the affected communities.
“We are present here due to the abrupt flooding that has uprooted communities from their dwellings,” Dr. Molumbo articulated during his visit.
The dire conditions in the camps, where many mothers and children are residing outdoors as a result of the flooding, were acknowledged by Dr. Molumbo.
WHO lauded the efforts of the Nigerian Vice President, who visited the flooded regions to extend support.
Under the UN Country Team, WHO activated an emergency response mechanism managed by the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) to tackle the crisis.
Dr. Molumbo has guaranteed that WHO will spearhead the healthcare response in collaboration with other organizations like WFP and UNICEF, who are concentrating on nutrition and water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) respectively.
Dr. Molumbo also commended the leadership of Borno State Governor Professor Babagana Zulum and the State Commissioner for Health, Prof. Baba Mallam Gana, for their prompt reaction to the disaster.
“We are here to provide them with assistance in managing this unparalleled crisis in Borno State,” affirmed Dr. Molumbo.
Discussing the disaster, the Commissioner of Health & Human Services, Prof. Baba Mallam Gana, depicted how residents of Maiduguri were caught off guard by the failure of the Aloe Dam, a crucial water source, resulting in approximately 70% of the city being submerged.
“This catastrophe has never before been witnessed in this town.
“It has severed access to numerous healthcare facilities and personnel.”
Prof. Gana expressed appreciation to Governor Zulum for his leadership and swift actions in reaching out to those affected,” he remarked.
He also acknowledged the support from WHO and other partners such as UNICEF and the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC).
“There are immediate needs, including the provision of shelter, sustenance, and medical services,” he stated.
Emphasizing the necessity to address the issue of expanding the city’s infrastructure due to its burgeoning population of nearly 4 million individuals, Prof. Gana underscored the importance of safeguarding women and children, who constitute the majority of those affected, by ensuring access to healthcare and essential vaccinations to prevent outbreaks of diseases like diarrhea.
“We are collaborating with partners, particularly WHO, to establish a framework to ensure the availability of healthcare,” he declared.
The Borno State government has assured the displaced individuals of its dedication to providing them with the requisite support.
Governor Zulum has successfully resettled over 2.6 million internally displaced persons (IDPs) since assuming office, and initiatives are underway to aid those impacted by this recent disaster.
“Borno State is akin to a single family,” Prof. Gana concluded.
“If one individual is afflicted by a disaster, it impacts all of us. The people of Borno will be well cared for today, tomorrow, and in the future.
“”.WHO and its partners remain steadfast in their commitment to aiding Borno State and Nigeria in surmounting the challenges posed by the flood disaster and ensuring the health and safety of those who have been displaced.
