The World Health Organisation (WHO) has donated essential medical and nutrition commodities to Borno State government .
Handing over the items to the state commissioner for Health and Human Resources, Prof Mallam Baba Gana in Maiduguri to bolster health and nutrition services to the people, WHO country representative, Dr Walter Kazadi Mulombo, said the donation marked a significant step in the ongoing partnership with the Borno State government in improving the health and well-being of most vulnerable population, especially children under five years.
“We are here to officially hand over essential medical and nutrition commodities to bolster health and nutrition services in Borno State. This timely contribution is poised to mitigate the heightened morbidity associated with the lean season, thereby reducing maternal and child mortality rates across the state,” the WHO country representative said.
He noted that in 2023, WHO supported the state government in reaching over 1.6 million vulnerable populations, including children 0 -59 months, pregnant and breastfeeding women, and adolescent girls with critical interventions, including Malaria treatment services, multiple micronutrient supplementation for pregnant mothers, Vitamin A and deworming for children and deworming across hard-to-reach locations.
He said the current donation targets explicitly reaching over 484,740 vulnerable populations, especially those in security-compromised locations with limited access to healthcare services , adding that over 3,200 children under 5 with severe acute malnutrition ( SAM), and medical complications under admission at the stabilisation centres in Borno will be provided with high-quality treatment services utilising the SAM kits.
Represented by Dr Ann Fortin, the team lead WHO Emergency , Dr Mulombo added, “ These essential commodities include life-saving medicines, nutritional supplements, and medical supplies for treating and preventing malnutrition and common childhood illnesses. Providing these resources aims to reduce child mortality rates, combat malnutrition, and ensure children can grow and thrive in a healthy environment.
In his remarks, the commissioner for Health and Human Services, Prof Mallam Baba Gana lauded WHO for the continuous support in the health needs of the state and other parts of the northeast.
He promised that the donated items would be judiciously used to tackle the health challenges identified in the state and its environs.
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