MSF Raises Health Hazards Alarms Over Malaria, Cholera Outbreaks As Floods Displace 400,000, Claim 24 Lives in Maidugiri
Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF), has sounded the alarm over the potential for malaria and cholera outbreaks in Maiduguri, where severe flooding has displaced 400,000 people and claimed 24 lives.
By: Abdulwasiu Akintunde
Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF), has sounded the alarm over the potential for malaria and cholera outbreaks in Maiduguri, where severe flooding has displaced 400,000 people and claimed 24 lives.
OPEN TELEVISION NAIJA (OTN) News gathered from a statement issued over the weekend by Field Communications Manager, Zoe Bennell and Communication Officer, Abdulkareem Yakubu, MSF raised serious concerns about the heightened risks of malaria and cholera due to the extensive flooding in Maiduguri.
The organization cautioned that without immediate medical and humanitarian aid, the situation could deteriorate further, leading to increased malnutrition and a rapid spread of waterborne diseases in the flood-affected areas.
MSF’s Head of Mission in Nigeria, Dr. Issaley Abdel Kader, expressed deep concern over the dire living conditions, noting that cases of malaria and acute watery diarrhea were already rising before the floods, and there have been signs of cholera emerging in the state.
The organization stressed the need for urgent medical support, particularly in areas of water, sanitation, and hygiene, to prevent a surge in cases.
OTN News gathered that MSF teams have visited several displacement camps like Galtimari, Yerwa, Ali Sheriff, Vocational Enterprise Institute, and Teachers Village, to evaluate needs and provide essential services like water supply, latrine repairs, and mosquito net distribution.
The body has also begun offering outpatient consultations, including mental health support, at these sites.
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