Borno Floods: NMA urges govt to activate measures for public health safety

Following devastating floods that ravaged Maiduguri last week, the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) on Monday called on the government and other critical stakeholders to immediately activate measures that will guarantee public health safety.

This was expressed in a statement issued by the Chairman, Borno State Council of the MMA, Dr. El-Yakub Yakubu Mohammed, who emphasised the need for proper hygiene and appropriate latrines to prevent outbreaks of diseases like cholera.

While sympathizing with the displaced persons, he raised concerns over reports received from various IDP camps within Maiduguri Metropolitan Council concerning situations which might trigger public health crisis in the coming days.

“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,” the MMA said.

According to the statement, the government’s swift intervention is crucial in deploying more healthcare resources, strengthening disease surveillance, and ensuring that adequate preventive measures are in place to protect the health and well-being of the vulnerable populations in the affected areas,

El-Yakub pledged the association’s full support as part of its corporate social responsibility, urging all members to be prepared to provide health services at the IDP camps as well as their neighborhoods.