WHO donates medical, nutrition commodities to Borno state
By Tada Juthan, Maiduguri
The World Health Organisation (WHO) has handed over the donated essential medical and nutrition commodities to the Borno state government.
The donated commodities comprise life-saving medicines, nutritional supplements, and other medical supplies to healthcare centres in the state.
Presenting the life-saving commodities yesterday (Tuesday), in Maiduguri, the State Coordinator of WHO, Dr. Ibrahim Salisu, disclosed: “The donated medical supplies are for treating and preventing malnutrition and common childhood illnesses across the state.”
Besides the life-saving initiatives, he added that the donated medical supplies will also improve the health and well-being of the vulnerable population below the age of five.
“Our medical and nutritionally donated commodities could boost healthcare and nutrition in the various communities,” he said.
He noted that the life-saving commodities are intended to mitigate the heightened morbidity associated with the lean season, thereby reducing maternal and child mortality rates in the state.
Continued: “In 2023, WHO supported the state government in reaching over 1.6 million vulnerable populations, including children 0–59 months, pregnant and breastfeeding women, and adolescent girls, with critical interventions.
According to him, the UN agency interventions included malaria treatment services, multiple micronutrient supplementation for pregnant mothers, vitamin A, and deworming for children in hard-to-reach areas of the state.
Salisu stated that the current donated medical supplies have been targeted to reach over 484,740 vulnerable populations, particularly those in security-compromised locations with limited access to healthcare services.
He explained that over 3,200 children under five with severe acute malnutrition (SAM) and medical complications were admitted to the stabilisation centres.
He said the children will be provided with high-quality treatment services with SAM kits.
While receiving the life-saving commodities, the Commissioner of Health, Prof. Baba Mallam Gana, thanked WHO for the much-needed medical and nutritional supplies to ensure healthcare delivery services in the state.
He, therefore, pledged to distribute the donated medical supplies to the various hospitals and primary healthcare centres in the three senatorial districts.
