Gom Mirian
The World Health Organisation (WHO) has again expressed unwavering dedication to providing vital health services to marginalised and vulnerable communities in northeast Nigeria.
Dr Walter Kazadi Mutombo, the WHO Country Representative to Nigeria, reiterated this commitment during the 13th Joint Operational Review (JOR) held in Yola, Adamawa State.
Held from 27 to 29 November, 2023, the JOR aimed to evaluate the impact of WHO’s initiatives in Borno, Adamawa and Yobe (BAY) states and identify areas for further enhancement.
Dr Mutombo emphasised the significance of this review process in ensuring that the organisation’s efforts effectively reach those who are most in need.
“We must provide access to essential health services to all individuals, including those affected by humanitarian crises. WHO is committed to delivering, promoting, and safeguarding health for all,” stated Dr Mutombo, who also advocated for the enhancement of tuberculosis case detection and treatment in Borno State.
Also, Dr Chukwuma Anyaike, the Director of Public Health at the Federal Ministry of Health, remarked that the JOR will bolster the humanitarian response in the BAY states to ensure the delivery of vital health services to underserved populations.
During the meeting’s conclusion, several recommendations were made, including the continued implementation of life-saving interventions and the ututilisation of local structures to reach mamarginalised pulations.
The development of a multi-hazard plan with focus on preparedness, improving tuberculosis case detection and treatment, building resilience and ensuring reliable data from the BAY states were also emphasised.
Also, concerns were raised about the diminishing humanitarian funds from national and international sources, which are hindering the provision of extensive health emergency responses in the affected states.
