Adedapo Adesanya
By Adedapo Adesanya
The World Health Organization (WHO) has donated emergency medical supplies to Anambra State in response to the flood disaster that has severely affected over 600,000 persons in seven local government areas (LGAs).
In Nigeria, 35 states were devastated by flooding in 2022, and Anambra State, located in the Southeast region, is one of the worst-hit areas.
As part of WHO’s emergency response to Anambra state, the organization supported the state government in setting up health clinics and other emergency services to urgently confront the health consequences of the disaster.
The WHO State Coordinator (SC), Dr Adamu Abdulnasir, said during the handing-over of the medical consumables in Anambra that the global health agency is working with the State Ministry of Health (SMOH) to provide medical services and strengthen disease surveillance across six (6) affected LGAs to ensure timely intervention to any disease outbreak.
With the affected communities facing the risk of diseases outbreaks and other health emergencies associated with floods, the WHO donated items include – antimalarial adult tablets/dispersible/injections, Rapid Diagnostic Test Kits (RDT) kits for malaria, assorted antibiotics, anti-hypertensives, anti-diabetics, analgesics, sanitary pads, syringes, intravenous sets, cartoons of noodles, buckets with taps for hand washing and intravenous fluids, chlorine for water treatment, disinfectants as well as health resource manuals and treatment guidelines.
Dr Abdulnasir said the donations would ensure effective responses to the acute healthcare needs of people in the affected communities.
“The flood poses an increased risk for infectious disease outbreaks, including cholera, malaria, and typhoid fever. The Rapid Diagnostic Test Kits donated by WHO to the state will ensure speedy detection and response to such outbreaks.
Many houses and health facilities are submerged and taking a heavy toll on the psychological and mental health of the people. At least 675,953 people in 622 settlements across seven LGAs are affected, and 41,000 persons are sheltered in 14 internally displaced persons (IDPs) camps within the state,” he said.
Receiving the donated items, the wife of Anambra state Governor, Dr Nonye Soludo, accompanied by the Commissioner for Health, Dr Afam Obidike, commended WHO for the timely donations and technical support to the state in response to the flooding.
Flooding has become a perennial environmental risk and challenge for people in Anambra State, especially those residing in coastal areas along the course of river Niger, from Anambra West in the north to Ogbaru in the South.
