September 24, (THEWILL) – In efforts to prevent outbreaks of waterborne diseases following the recent flood disaster that ravaged Maiduguri and Jere LGAs, UNICEF, in collaboration with the Borno State Government, Primary Healthcare Development Agency (PHCDA) and other partners, have launched campaigns for Oral Cholera Vaccination, Measles Vaccination, and Vitamin A supplementation.
The UNICEF Chief of Maiduguri Field Office, Mrs Christina Valderrama Maya-Alfirev, emphasised the importance of these measures in securing the futures of children and promoting public health.
“On behalf of all health and nutrition partners, we commend the leadership of the Borno State government for its swift response in mitigating the impact of the flood disaster that befell Maiduguri”, she said.
Christina highlighted the severity of cholera, measles, and vitamin A deficiency, emphasising the need for vaccination and supplementation.
“Cholera is a severe diarrheal disease that can lead to death within hours if left untreated. Measles is a highly contagious disease that can cause serious health complications, including pneumonia. Vitamin A deficiency can lead to blindness and increased susceptibility to infections”, she explained.
The Borno State Commissioner of Health, Prof. Malam Baba Gana, confirmed two cases of cholera in Maiduguri and stressed the state government’s efforts to enhance the health status of its people.
Prof. Gana advised parents to take their children to the nearest hospital for vaccination and encouraged adults to go for rehydration.
The Executive Secretary, PHCDA, Borno State, Professor Mohammed Alhaji, called on parents, guardians, and community leaders to mobilise their children and neighbours to go to hospitals and designated centres for vaccination and dehydration.
He assured that the drugs are safe and have been tested and approved by relevant authorities.
