The Borno State Ministry of Health and Human Services has procured and distributed drugs, medical consumables, and hygiene materials worth millions of naira to health facilities to contain cases of acute watery diarrhoea in parts of the state.
Distribution of Medical Supplies
Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Dr Shettima Mohammed, disclosed this during the presentation of medical supplies to healthcare facilities treating affected patients in Maiduguri. According to him, the drugs and consumables were procured by the state government and supplied to designated treatment centres to ensure that patients receive treatment free of charge.
Mohammed commended Governor Babagana Zulum for the timely release of funds for the procurement of the medical supplies and his commitment to improving healthcare delivery across the state.
Health Promotion and Sensitisation Campaigns
As part of efforts to curb the spread of the disease, the ministry also embarked on extensive health promotion and sensitisation campaigns across communities in the Maiduguri Metropolitan Council and Jere Local Government Area. The delegation paid an advocacy visit to Abubakar Ibn Umar Garbai El-Kanemi to seek the support of traditional institutions in mobilising communities and promoting awareness on disease prevention.
Mohammed urged traditional and community leaders to intensify public enlightenment campaigns to encourage residents to maintain proper hygiene practices and promptly seek medical attention when symptoms arise.
Support from Traditional Institution
Responding, the Shehu of Borno commended the government for its swift intervention in addressing the outbreak and pledged the support of the traditional institution toward controlling the disease. “We will direct traditional leaders across our communities to educate our people on better hygiene practices to prevent the spread of the disease,” the monarch said.
The team also visited Old Maiduguri, Gamboru and Shehuri South communities, where residents were educated on preventive measures, including proper sanitation and hygiene practices.
Delivery of Drugs and Hygiene Materials
Drugs, consumables, personal protective equipment and assorted hygiene commodities were delivered to the Emergency and Infectious Disease Hospital in Njimtilo and the Ngarannam Infectious Disease Camp, where patients are receiving treatment. As part of the intervention, Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) materials, including chlorine tablets, liquid chlorine, disinfectants, sprayers and community education tools, were distributed to affected communities to strengthen prevention and response efforts.
The Permanent Secretary was accompanied by directors and principal officers from the Ministry of Health and Human Services, the Borno State Primary Health Care Development Board, the Borno State Contributory Health Management Agency and the State Emergency Medical Services and Ambulance System.
