WHO Boosts Borno’s Fight Against Cholera, Malnutrition with Lifesaving Kits

By Tada Juhan

The World Health Organisation (WHO) has handed over vital cholera and severe acute malnutrition (SAM) kits to the Borno State Government, aimed at preventing disease outbreaks and saving lives in flood-affected communities.

The cholera kits, designed to curb potential outbreaks, are intended for use in Maiduguri, the state capital, which has been severely impacted by recent flooding, presenting the diagnostic supplies on Saturday, WHO’s Country Representative, Dr. Walter Kazadi Mulombo, was represented by Mary Brantuo, the Officer in Charge of Health Emergencies.

Brantuo explained that the SAM kits will help frontline health workers combat malnutrition among children impacted by the floods, ensuring them a fighting chance for a healthy future.

Brantuo expressed solidarity with the people of Borno, noting that thousands of residents have been displaced by the flood. She highlighted the urgent need for intervention, as homes, schools, and hospitals have been submerged.

“The flood crisis has revealed the resilience of the people of Borno and the strength of collaboration among partners, government, and health workers,” Brantuo stated.

In her remarks, she emphasised the importance of collective efforts in addressing the challenges, saying, “When we come together in times of crisis, we are not just responding to the immediate needs but reinforcing the values of compassion, unity, and shared purpose.”

The WHO donated five cholera kits, 14 SAM kits, 20 basic module medicines, and 100 malaria modules, along with a variety of other medical supplies, including surgical gloves, syringes, stethoscopes, and thermometers.

Each cholera kit has the capacity to treat 100 patients, making it possible to aid up to 600 people suffering from cholera and malnutrition. The organisation aims to reach and assist 225,000 children in the affected areas.

The Commissioner of Health, Prof. Baba Mallam Gana, expressed gratitude for the donation, noting that the state has already sheltered 700,000 displaced victims and made adequate preparations to prevent disease outbreaks in the flooded communities.