The World Health Organization (WHO) says it is stepping up support to the Nigerian authorities to provide emergency health assistance following devastation caused by severe flooding over recent weeks.
The heavy rainfall has so far affected more than 610 000 people, damaged key basic infrastructure, raised the risks of food insecurity and spread of infectious diseases.
More than 225 000 people have been reportedly displaced, with 201 deaths reported in 15 of the country’s 36 states and about 115 000 hectares of farmland inundated.
In Maiduguri, the capital of the country’s north-eastern Borno state, more than 230 000 people were affected by floods after a major dam collapsed following intense rainfall. WHO said the deluge has hampered access to health facilities, schools and markets.
Fourteen health facilities have been flooded. Acute watery diarrhoea, malaria, other water-borne and infectious diseases, as well as malnutrition, are some of the major health risks in the wake of the floods, the UN agency waned.
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To mitigate the risk of malnutrition and vector-borne diseases, food and non-food items including blankets and long-lasting insecticide treated nets, have been provided by state health authorities and partners, including WHO, at the Asheikh Jarma settlement.
“The flooding in Nigeria poses a severe public health challenge, necessitating a swift, agile and comprehensive response,” said Dr Walter Kazadi Mulombo, WHO Representative in Nigeria. “Close collaboration between government and partners such as WHO is critical to such efforts.”
In Jigawa, among the worst-hit state, authorities have converted public buildings and schools into shelters for the displaced and distributed food rations, blankets and mosquito nets.
According to Manzo Ezekiel, spokesperson for the Nigerian federal government’s National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), the flooding, which has so far been confined to the north of the country, could worsen in the coming weeks as flood waters flow downwards to central and southern states.
“WHO will continue to support the government as it strives to mitigate the impact of this ongoing health crisis and save lives,” Dr Malumbo assured.
