WHO TO PROVIDE CHOLERA, SAM KITS, MEDICAL CONSUMABLES TO ABOUT 500,000 FLOOD VICTIMS 22-09-24
By Sadiq Aminu The World Health Organization (WHO) has supported the Borno state government with Cholera, Severe Acute Malnutrition (SAM) and other medical commodities to respond to diseases that could emerge as a result of the recent flooding.
At a ceremony in Maiduguri, WHO country Representative Dr Walter Mulombo said the organisation in collaboration with partners is committed to providing technical and material support to avert any form of epidemic.
Represented by the Officer in Charge, Dr Mary Brantuo, Molumbo observed that flood disaster has not only displaced families but also heightened the risk of deadly diseases such as cholera and worsened the nutritional status of children already vulnerable to malnutrition.
Dr Molumbo remarked that in an effort to respond to the urgent health threats, WHO is providing, Five cholera kits, Forteen Severe Acute Malnutrition (SAM) kits, Malaria drugs and other commodities.
He explained that the Cholera kits has the potential of treat 600 people, the malnutrition kits can reach 225,000 affected children while the 20 Malaria kits can treat 200,000 persons.
“These cholera kits will be essential in preventing and controlling potential outbreaks. In contrast, the SAM kits will help frontline health workers combat malnutrition among children, giving them a fighting chance for a healthy future” Molumbo said.
The Country Representative said WHO is also providing life-saving intervention including Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS) to people displaced in camps and host communities, strengthening surveillance and early warning systems.
Borno state Commissioner for Health and Human Services, Professor Baba Malam Gana thanked World Health Organization for the support, noting that the disaster has mostly affected women and children.
He confirmed that the state has not recorded any case of cholera outbreak, however two hospitals have been set up for children and adult to manage cholera cases in the event of an outbreak.
Africa247 Correspondent reports that items donated include 100 Latex Surgical Gloves,1000 Malaria RDT, 1000 RINGER lactate, 100 Sterile Single Use Syringe, 100 Rain Jacket, 5 Backpack Disinfectant Sprayer, 20 Electronic Thermometer, 100 Adult Sphygmomanometer, 100 Clinical Stethoscope.