Following the devastating severe flash flooding that displaced thousands of people and caused significant damage across several communities in Maiduguri, Borno State Capital, the World Health Organisation Respentative in Nigeria, Dr Walter Kazadi Mulombo, has pledged the organisation’s support unwavering support to the affected people.
During the visit to Maiduguri, Dr Mulombo visited the Governor of the state, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, the Shehu of Borno, Alhaji Garbai Elkenemi, the Government officials at the Ministry of Reconstruction, Rehabilitation & Resettlement, the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital and the Internal Persons Displaced Camps (IDPs) where he reaffirmed WHO’s commitment to supporting Borno in addressing the health challenges from the recent floods.
Accompanied by the Borno State Commissioner of Health and Human Services, Professor Baba Mallam Gana, the WR assessed the situation in flood-displaced communities, including the Bakasi and Yerwa internally displaced persons (IDP) camps, where many have sought refuge.
Dr Mulombo expressed his deep concern over the impact of the disaster on the lives of the people, particularly the most vulnerable populations, including women, children, and older adults.
He assured the people of Borno State that WHO would continue to provide essential technical and operational support to mitigate the health impact of the floods.
The flood was a result of a dam (Alu dam) which broke its banks, displacing over 1 million people and heightened health risks, including cholera and other waterborne diseases, exacerbating the already dire humanitarian situation in the state. Also affected by the flood is the WHO National Polio Laboratory situated at the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital (UMTH).
