The World Health Organisation (WHO) has presented medical and nutrition commodities to the Borno State Government to reduce maternal and child mortality in the state.
Presenting the items at a ceremony in Maiduguri on Tuesday, the Team Lead of WHO Nigeria, Emergency Preparedness and Response (EPR), Dr Ann Fortin said that the measure would bolster health and nutrition services in Borno.
She said “Today, we mark a significant step in our ongoing partnership with the Borno State Government in improving the health and well-being of our most vulnerable population, children under five years.
“This timely contribution is to mitigate heightened morbidity associated with the lean season, thereby reducing maternal and child mortality rates across the state.
“The current donation targets explicitly reaching over 484,740 vulnerable population, especially those in security-compromised locations with limited access to healthcare services and over 3,200 children under five years with Severe Acute Malnutrition (SAM).
“In 2023, WHO supported the state government in reaching more than 1.6 million vulnerable population, including children 0-59 months, pregnant and breastfeeding women.
“Adolescent girls were also reached with critical interventions, including malaria treatment services, multiple micronutrient supplementation
for pregnant women, Vitamin A and deworming tablets for children in hard-to-reach locations.”
She explained that the scope and impact of the current support included life-saving medicines, nutritional supplements and medical supplies for the treatment and prevention of malnutrition and common childhood illnesses.
Fortin said the support was part of WHO’s broader strategy to strengthen health systems and ensure equitable access to health services for all, regardless of location or socio-economic status.
“Our collaboration with the Borno Government has been instrumental in identifying the needs and ensuring that the donated commodities
are effectively distributed and utilised,” she added.
In his response, the Borno Commissioner for Health, Prof. Baba Malum-Gana, lauded the sustained support from WHO in strengthening the state’s health sector.
“We are grateful to WHO in assisting the Borno Government in terms of equipment and infrastructure development to our hospitals in Biu and Monguno.
“The intervention will help the hospitals to metamorphose into specialist centres.”
NAN
