Borno State Governor, Babagana Zulum, has directed the immediate procurement and distribution of drugs, medical consumables, and hygiene materials worth millions of naira to health facilities across the state as part of efforts to contain the outbreak of acute watery diarrhea, commonly associated with cholera.
The Permanent Secretary of the Borno State Ministry of Health and Human Services, Dr. Shettima Maina Mohammed, disclosed this on Sunday during the presentation of medical supplies to healthcare facilities treating affected patients.
According to Dr. Mohammed, the state government procured and distributed the medical supplies to designated treatment centres to ensure that patients receive treatment free of charge.
“Borno State Government has procured and delivered drugs and medical consumables worth millions of naira to health facilities for the treatment of acute watery diarrhea patients. These drugs and consumables are for the treatment of patients free of charge in the facilities,” he said.
He commended Governor Zulum for the timely release of funds and his continued commitment to strengthening healthcare delivery in the state.
“We commend His Excellency, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, for the timely release of funds for the procurement of these drugs and consumables, as well as his unwavering commitment to providing effective healthcare services to the people of Borno State,” Dr. Mohammed added.
As part of measures to curb the spread of the disease, health officials launched extensive sensitisation campaigns across communities in Maiduguri Metropolitan Council and Jere Local Government Area, educating residents on proper hygiene and sanitation practices.
The delegation also paid an advocacy visit to the Shehu of Borno, Abubakar Ibn Umar Garbai El-Kanemi, seeking the support of traditional institutions in mobilising communities and promoting awareness on disease prevention.
Responding, the monarch praised Governor Zulum’s swift intervention and pledged the support of traditional leaders in combating the outbreak.
“I express my gratitude to His Excellency, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, for responding promptly to control the outbreak. We will direct traditional leaders across our communities to educate our people on better hygiene practices to prevent the spread of the disease,” he said.
The intervention team also visited Old Maiduguri, Gamboru and Shehuri South communities, where residents received education on preventive measures against the disease.
Medical supplies, including drugs, consumables, personal protective equipment and hygiene materials, were delivered to treatment centres such as the Emergency and Infectious Disease Hospital in Njimtilo and the Ngarannam Infectious Disease Camp.
Additionally, Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) materials, including chlorine tablets, liquid chlorine, disinfectants, knapsack sprayers and community education tools, were distributed to affected communities to strengthen prevention and response efforts.
The Permanent Secretary was accompanied by officials from the Ministry of Health and Human Services, the Borno State Primary Health Care Development Board, the Borno State Contributory Health Management Agency, and SEMSAS during the exercise.
