Zamfara: The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) has partnered with the Zamfara Ministry for Humanitarian and Relief Matters to train medical workers from eight local government areas plagued by insecurity. Dr. Audu Alayande of the UNFPA explained that the initiative stemmed from concerns over the health crises faced by displaced persons due to banditry. Victims of bandit attacks often experience psychological trauma and physical illnesses or injuries that require immediate medical attention within 48 hours of resettlement.
According to Voice of Nigeria, the five-day training program aims to equip 30 health workers with procedures to understand victims’ circumstances and provide necessary medication as part of the Minimum Initial Service Package (MISP). The Commissioner for Humanitarian and Relief Matters, Musa Kainuwa, believed that the training was timely due to the critical situation in the state. Represented by the Acting Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Muhammed Abubakar, Kainuwa lauded the initi
ative’s timeliness.
Although insecurity is widespread, the training prioritizes eight severely affected local government areas: Anka, Birnin-Magaji, Bukkuyum, Gusau, Maradun, Maru, Tsafe, and Zurmi. Kainuwa noted that the victims required specialized care to prevent further complications. To address this, two primary healthcare staff and one general hospital staff from each of the eight local government areas have been nominated to participate. The commissioner urged participants to capitalize on this opportunity, acquiring knowledge and skills to provide adequate treatment to vulnerable patients.