The recent floods in Maiduguri and Jere in Borno State have displaced over 600,000 persons, severely damaging hospitals with looming health crisis, according to a statement from the Unique Care and Support Foundation (CASFOD).
The flooding, caused by heavy rainfall and overflow of the Alau Dam, worsened conditions in Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camps, where overcrowding and poor sanitation heightened the risk of disease outbreaks. The contaminated water in the camps has increased the likelihood of cholera, typhoid and dysentery.
This is as the Borno State Governor, Babagana Zulum, has said improving healthcare systems and well-being will contribute to economic growth, social equity, human capital development and technological innovation.
Zulum made this statement while being honoured as a fellow at the Nigeria Academy of Pharmacy (NAPharm)’s 10th anniversary and investiture of new fellows in Lagos, with the theme “Healthcare Transformation and National Development’.
The governor is the fourth recipient of the prestigious award after Gen Yakubu Gowon (rtd), Gen Theophilus Yakubu Danjuma and Afe Babalola. According to the governor, who was represented by his deputy, Umar Kadafur, when healthcare systems are transformed to be more efficient, equitable and technologically advanced, they create the foundation for a prosperous and resilient society.
He said as nations face global challenges, investing in healthcare transformation would be vital to unlocking sustainable development and a brighter future for all.
Terrorism, he added, has destroyed over 230 healthcare facilities in the state. “Borno has lost over 230 healthcare facilities in the past 10 years during the insurgency. But we are still determined to ensure that we give the medical sector the best.”
CASFOD, alongside Pam Care Community Initiative, is providing urgent assistance, including potable water, health services and hygiene supplies to displaced families.
However, the organisations warned that more resources were needed to address immediate health and sanitation needs, and help flood-affected families regain stability.
The statement explained that the floods devastated the city, displacing people and resulting in at least 30 deaths. It impacted the agriculture sector, leaving farmers without income or food.