The World Health Organisation (WHO) says that the widespread flooding across West and Central Africa has significantly increased the risk of waterborne diseases, food insecurity, and malnutrition across the region.
According to the WHO, over 4 million people have been affected by the flood which is causing extensive damage to homes, schools, health facilities, and farmland.
“The floods have mainly impacted Cameroon, Chad, Guinea, Mali, Niger, and Nigeria, displacing over 500,000 people, destroying more than 300,000 homes, and claiming over a thousand lives. Vulnerable communities, already struggling with poverty, food shortages, and ongoing conflict, now face a deepening humanitarian crisis,” WHO said in a blog post.
The global health body said that it is currently delivering emergency medical supplies and medicines to assist more than 580,000 people across the affected countries.
It listed the supplies to include medicines for cholera and malaria treatment and prevention, as well as kits for malnutrition.
This is in addition to essential hygiene and sanitation supplies and deployed rapid response teams to address the health emergency.
“The extent and severity of the floods are unprecedented, with dire devastation among some of the most vulnerable communities in the region,” said Dr. Matshidiso Moeti, WHO Regional Director for Africa.
“The impact of these floods emphasizes the need to address the accelerating effects of climate change. As we provide emergency assistance, it’s crucial to invest in sustainability to protect the most vulnerable populations from these escalating threats.”
The WHO said that over a million people in Nigeria were affected in 15 states.
“Northern regions are the hardest hit, leaving entire communities submerged and vital infrastructure destroyed. In Niger, over a million people have also been affected, with the Maradi, Zinder, Dosso, and Tillabery regions facing the worst impact. The country is concurrently battling a cholera outbreak in several regions.
“In Mali, over 179,000 people are affected, struggling with limited access to clean water, shelter, and healthcare. Similarly, Cameroon, Chad, and Guinea are experiencing widespread devastation, leaving hundreds of thousands in dire need of emergency assistance.”
The WHO expressed concern that the floods have compounded existing challenges in the Sahel countries of Chad, Mali, Niger, and Nigeria, which were already grappling with high rates of acute malnutrition and disrupted health services.
This is in addition to leaving women and children particularly vulnerable to worsening malnutrition and disease.
“Families across the affected areas have lost their homes, livelihoods, and loved ones, and are now facing increased psychological distress, mental health disorders, and the risk of preventable diseases such as measles. Overcrowded displacement camps, poor nutritional status, and low vaccination coverage are likely to exacerbate these health risks.”
The disaster highlights the urgent need for significant investments in disaster preparedness, resilient health systems, and climate crisis recovery efforts to mitigate the growing impact of climate change on vulnerable communities in the region.
