Korede Abdullah in Lagos
The Anambra State Primary Healthcare Development Agency (ASPHCDA), in collaboration with key partners, has convened a one-day planning and sensitization meeting to assess flood preparedness in 11 flood-prone Local Government Areas (LGAs) of the state.
The meeting, held at the ASPHCDA office in Awka on Saturday, brought together PHC Directors, Local Immunization Officers, Disease Surveillance Officers, Cold Chain Officers, and Social Mobilization Officers.
“The essence of inviting the LGAs health team was to know their plans and ensure they were prepared for the task ahead so that they do not start in the middle of the crisis to run helter-skelter,” said Pharm Chisom Uchem, ASPHCDA Executive Secretary, represented by Dr. Nnamdi Placid Uliagbafusi.
Health officials and partners emphasized the need for written preparedness plans from each LGA, detailing flood response activities to protect health infrastructure and ensure service delivery during emergencies.
“This will enable the Agency to prepare its plan as regards healthcare facilities as we need to be prepared on how to guard against any damage or how to provide services/manpower in case of emergency,” Uchem added.
The State Immunization Officer, Mrs. Edith Onwuka stressed the importance of ensuring a workable plan for effective response, while WHO consultant Mrs. Truth Ezeudoye urged that “displaced health facilities can be mapped out to areas where they can cover, and through announcements, communities can be informed on where to visit for PHC services such as Routine Immunization during the flooding period.”
LGA health directors shared their strategies to mitigate flood impacts. Dr. Emeka Obiora Nzewi of Ihiala LGA said, “We plan on carrying out advocacies/sensitization to stakeholders such as the LGA Chairman, Traditional Rulers, and influential people in the community.”
Similarly, Mrs. Gloria Egu of Ayamelum LGA highlighted plans to stockpile vaccines before floods cut off access and to evacuate equipment from vulnerable health facilities.
She noted, “The State sensitization/planning meeting on flood preparedness had given us insights and clarification on activities to carry out as regards flood preparedness in our respective LGAs.”
