WHO Donates Medical Supplies To Flood Victims In Anambra

The World Health Organization (WHO) donated emergency medical supplies to flood victims in southern Nigeria's Anambra state.

Over 6,00,000 people were affected by the severe floods that ravaged Anambra during monsoon season, a statement released by WHO said on Thursday. The rain has damaged a lot of houses and health facilities and wreaked havoc on the mental health of the people.

During the handing over of the medical supplies, WHO State Coordinator, Dr. Adamu Abdulnasir said that the WHO is working with the State Ministry of Health, to strengthen the process of disease surveillance across six affected LGAs (Local govt. areas) to ensure timely intervention in case a disease breaks out.

"The flood increases the risk of infectious disease outbreaks such as cholera, malaria and typhoid fever," Xinhua news agency reported him as saying. "The Rapid Diagnostic Test Kits donated by WHO to the state will ensure speedy detection and response to such outbreaks," he added.

The items donated by the WHO include – Rapid Diagnostic Test Kits, anti-hypertensives, antimalarial adult tablets/dispersible/injections, assorted antibiotics, analgesics, anti-diabetics, syringes, sanitary pads intravenous sets, buckets with taps for hand washing, intravenous fluids, chlorine for water treatment, disinfectants as well as health resource manuals and treatment guidelines.

Dr. Nonye Soludo, the wife of the Anambra governor, accompanied by the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Afam Obidike, received the donations. The duo thanked WHO for the timely support in response to the flooding.

In late October, the Nigerian government revealed in its reports that the floods killed at least 612 people and rendered 3.2 million people homeless. On Oct. 25, Sadiyya Farouq, minister of humanitarian affairs, disaster management and social development, said that approximately 2,776 people had been injured in various flood-related incidents across Nigeria in 2022.