The World Health Organization (WHO) has expressed its shock and concern over the recent flooding in Borno State, Nigeria, which has displaced numerous communities and submerged parts of Maiduguri.
The WHO Nigeria Country Representative, Dr. Kazadi Molumbo, led a delegation to Borno State to assess the damage and provide support to the affected communities.
‘We are here because we heard about the sudden flooding that displaced communities from where they live,’ Dr. Molumbo stated during his visit. ‘We were very shocked by what happened, and we came to commiserate with the communities here, but also to see firsthand what those who have been displaced are facing.’
Dr. Molumbo noted the dire conditions in the camps, where many mothers and children are living outside their homes due to the flooding.
He emphasized the urgent need for support, highlighting that 14 health facilities have been cut off and some laboratories have been affected. ‘The needs are huge,’ he added, commending the efforts of the Nigerian
Vice President, who visited the flooded areas to offer support.
‘The WHO, under the UN Country Team, has activated an emergency response mechanism coordinated by the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) to address the crisis.
Dr. Molumbo assured that the WHO would lead the health response in coordination with other agencies like WFP and UNICEF, which are focusing 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 swift response to the disaster. ‘We are here to support them to help Borno State manage this unprecedented crisis,’ Dr. Molumbo affirmed.
Speaking on the disaster the Commissioner of Health and Human Services, Prof. Baba Mallam Gana described how residents of Maiduguri were taken by surprise as the Aloe Dam, a key water source, failed, causing about 70% of the city to be submerged.
‘This disa
ster has never happened in this town,’ he noted. ‘It has cut off a lot of healthcare facilities and personnel.’
Prof. Gana expressed gratitude to Governor Zulum for his leadership and quick actions in reaching out to those affected. He also appreciated the support from WHO and other partners like UNICEF and the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC).
‘There are immediate needs, such as providing shelter, food, and healthcare services,’ he said, highlighting the need to address the issue of expanding the city’s infrastructure due to its growing population of nearly 4 million people.
Prof. Gana stressed the need to protect women and children, who form the bulk of those affected, by ensuring access to healthcare and necessary vaccinations to prevent disease outbreaks, such as diarrheal diseases.
‘We are collaborating with partners, especially WHO, to set up a system to ensure that healthcare is available,’ he stated.
The Borno State government has assured the displaced people of its commitment to p
roviding them with necessary support. ‘Governor Zulum has already managed to resettle over 2.6 million internally displaced persons (IDPs) since taking office, and plans are underway to assist those affected by this latest disaster’.
‘Borno State is one family,’ Prof. Gana concluded. ‘If a disaster affects one person, it affects all of us. The people of Borno will be well taken care of today, tomorrow, and in the future.’
The WHO and its partners remain committed to supporting Borno State and Nigeria in overcoming the challenges posed by the flood disaster and ensuring the health and safety of those displaced.
Source: Voice of Nigeria