Epidemiologists Task FG On Flood Mitigation Strategies In Northern Nigeria

The Epidemiological Society of Nigeria (EPiSON) has called on the Federal Government to activate sustainable mitigation strategies to address flooding in Northern Nigeria.

Dr Matthew Ashikeni, made the call in a press statement he jointly signed with EPiSON”s Secretary General, Dr Nonye Egenti Friday in Abuja .

He noted that flooding has resulted in a serious public health emergency, humanitarian crisis and the displacement of communities.

Ashikeni stressed the urgent need for the Federal, State and Local Government to activate sustainable mitigation strategies such as proactive flood preparedness and evacuation plans; water treatment and improved sanitation.

Ashikeni explained that vector control measures; health education and awareness; strengthening of healthcare infrastructure will go a long way in tackling breakout of health challenges.

He noted that these impacts can be immediate health impacts, short term health impacts and long term health impacts especially affecting women and children, leading to loss of lives.

He added that these strategies will reduce to the barest minimum ,the epidemiological impact caused by the recent flood disaster on vulnerable populations including the elderly, pregnant women .

He explained that people with pre-existing medical conditions, low-income communities and those with limited access to healthcare add to the data of those immensely affected.

“We are offering manpower partnerships ,human resources to assist in the mitigation of these disasters,the magnitude and severity of the crisis; immediate epidemiological impact; the response – timeliness, scope, adequacy and recovery plans.

“EPiSON is concerned with the accurate and timely collection and analysis of information during public health crises, on effective epidemiological strategies, promoting such strategies through the exchange of information and ideas, while encouraging volunteerism in the support of epidemiology as an effective tool in disease prevention and control.

EPiSON is advocating for an effective epidemiological surveillance, rapid response, and long term recovery plan which are crucial to minimizing the health impacts of flood disasters. “he said.

He added that EPiSON is mobilising and encouraging its members in the Northern states to support the ongoing response by the NCDC, NPHCDA, NEMA and other international organisations.