April 13, 2018

The World Health Organisation (WHO) has restated its commitments to control health emergencies in Borno State occasioned by humanitarian crisis caused by the Boko Haram insurgency.

The Director General of the organisation, Dr Tedros Ghebrayesus disclosed this on Friday when he visited the state’s Deputy Governor, Alhaji Usman Durkwa in Maiduguri.

He disclosed that WHO would support the state government to strengthen the campaign againts polio, routine immunisations and healthcare delivery.

“We wanted to come to see how you are doing with your health issues, be it primary healthcare or at higher level and considering that this region is prone to several outbreaks; and also to assess the emergency and response preparedness.

“At the same time the overall situation and some of the needs that you may require support because we want to have the discussion based on what you think is a priority for the state.

“I will be happy to make our interventions and support that you require from WHO, I want to underline it that we are here to support you.

“It could be related to the Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs), other communities or populations of Borno State.

“It could be emergency services, anything you think is your priority we will be happy to support and help you in anyway.’’

Ghebrayesus called on the government to speed up work on health facilities ravaged by the insurgents in rural communities, noting that the measure was imperative to fast track rehabilitation and resettlement of displaced persons.

While commending the military for its efforts to the restoration of peace in the region, Gherayesus called for deployment of security personnel to enhance routine immunisation coverage.

Speaking earlier, the Deputy Governor commended WHO for its intervention programmes designed to eradicate polio and encourage quality health care delivery.

Durkwa called for more support from the organisation to eradicate polio, cholera and other diseases ravaging the state.