The World Health Organization (WHO) has donated drugs and medical consumables valued at N70 million to the Jigawa State Government. The donation, made on Monday, is part of WHO’s efforts to prevent disease outbreaks among flood victims living in temporary camps across the state.
Speaking on the occasion, Dr Bello Inuwa, WHO Coordinator in Jigawa, highlighted that the floods have severely impacted 16 local government areas, displacing thousands of people. He explained that WHO’s support aims to bolster the state’s initiatives to prevent diseases in these vulnerable communities.
Dr Inuwa also commended the Jigawa government for its ongoing efforts to enhance the healthcare system, including the creation and upgrading of primary, secondary, and tertiary healthcare facilities, as well as the recruitment of health workers.
The WHO donation aligns with its global mission to save three billion lives through its country cooperation strategy.
Responding to the donation, Dr Mohammed Kainuwa, Jigawa’s Commissioner for Health, expressed gratitude to WHO. He noted that the assistance would help alleviate the suffering of the affected population. Dr Kainuwa also pointed out that approximately 110 internally displaced persons (IDPs) are currently housed in government institutions and are in dire need of clean water and sanitation to prevent further outbreaks of diseases such as gastroenteritis.
He urged WHO to intensify its surveillance of Mpox, cholera, diphtheria, and other vaccine-preventable diseases to bridge gaps in routine immunisation and reduce the number of zero-dose children in the state.
The items donated by WHO include malaria rapid diagnostic test kits, Amoxicillin tablets, anti-malarial drugs, Mycoten cream, Zinc sulfate, and oral rehydration solutions (ORS), among other essential supplies.