ABUJA – The World Health Organisation (WHO) has committed to assisting the Borno State government in addressing the aftermath of a devastating flood in Maiduguri, which has displaced numerous communities and claimed over 30 lives.
The disaster, which has submerged 70% of Maiduguri, also cut off access to 14 health facilities and disrupted critical laboratory services, leaving affected communities without essential healthcare.
During an on-the-spot assessment, WHO Country Representative in Nigeria, Dr. Walter Mulombo, expressed deep concern over the scale of the destruction.
He praised the state government’s swift response, stating that the WHO will coordinate with local authorities to provide urgent healthcare services, including vaccinations, to the displaced population.
Advertisement
State Commissioner for Health, Prof. Baba Mallam Gana, described the flooding as unprecedented, partly due to problems with the Alau Dam, which supplies water to the region.
He noted that the state’s immediate priorities are to provide shelter, food, and healthcare for displaced persons, while investigations into the dam failure continue.
The WHO’s involvement will focus on rehabilitating damaged health facilities and laboratories, ensuring that healthcare services can be restored quickly to mitigate the health risks posed by the flooding.
This disaster underscores the growing impact of climate change in Nigeria, and WHO’s support marks a crucial step towards helping Borno State recover and rebuild.
