Disease Outbreak: FG, WHO Launch Emergency Response Initiative

The Federal Government in partnership with the World Health Organization (WHO) has flagged off a three-pillar approach that would prepare for, detect and respond to emergencies during outbreaks of diseases.

Flagging off the programme in Damaturu, Yobe State, the Chief Consultant, Epidemiology at the Federal Ministry of Health, Dr Godwin Ntadom, revealed the initiative tagged ‘Strengthening and Utilising Response Groups for Emergencies (Surge)’ is aimed at improving readiness and coordination at all levels.

Yobe, a state recovering from Boko Haram insurgency, faces both human and natural disasters.

In 2022 alone, 74 persons were killed and 30,000 hectares of farmlands were submerged by flood, while 35,000 households were displaced from their ancestral homes across the state despite warnings by the Nigeria Meteorological Agency (NIMET).

In his remarks, the Commissioner for Health in Yobe State, Lawan Gana, welcomed the initiative, explaining that despite the efforts put in place, the state is still facing inadequate skilled human resources and limited logistics.

The initiative, launched across the country’s six geopolitical zones, is expected to develop the capacity of public health workers to respond swiftly and timely to all emergencies.