Following the disastrous floods that destroyed Maiduguri last week, the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) on Monday urged the government and other essential stakeholders to promptly implement steps to ensure public health safety.
This was underlined in a statement published by Dr El-Yakub Yakubu Mohammed, Chairman of the MMA’s Borno State Council, who highlighted the need for basic cleanliness and sufficient latrines in preventing disease epidemics such as cholera.
While sympathizing with the displaced, he expressed worry over information received from several IDP camps inside Maiduguri Metropolitan Council about scenarios that might spark a public health catastrophe in the coming days.
The MMA said:
“The NMA Borno State Branch is calling on the Borno State Government to take immediate action in addressing the public health crisis that may arise as an aftermath of the flood.
“With thousands of people displaced, living in overcrowded conditions, and lacking access to clean water and sanitation facilities, there is a heightened risk of disease outbreaks, including cholera, malaria, and other waterborne and vector-borne diseases.”
According to the statement, the government’s immediate engagement is critical in deploying more healthcare resources, increasing disease surveillance, and ensuring that effective preventative measures are in place to preserve the health and well-being of the vulnerable people in the impacted areas.
El-Yakub reaffirmed the association’s full assistance as part of its corporate social duty, asking all members to be ready to provide health services in both IDP camps and local communities.
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cc: Daily Post Ng
