WHO Ramps Up Flood Emergency Response in Nigeria as Health Risks Mount

Abuja – In response to devastating floods that have affected over 610,000 people across Nigeria, the World Health Organization (WHO) is intensifying its support to provide critical health assistance. The severe flooding has displaced more than 415,000 people, caused 201 deaths in 15 states, and inundated over 115,000 hectares of farmland, sparking concerns about rising food insecurity and the spread of infectious diseases.

In the northeastern city of Maiduguri, Borno State, more than 230,000 people have been impacted after a major dam collapsed following heavy rains. The floods have disrupted access to essential services, including health facilities, schools, and markets. Fourteen health facilities have been submerged, and major health risks such as acute watery diarrhea, malaria, and other waterborne diseases, alongside malnutrition, are of growing concern.

WHO has swiftly deployed four mobile health teams, made up of 20 medical personnel, to provide emergency health care in the affected areas of Maiduguri. These teams are delivering treatment for minor ailments, conducting routine immunizations, offering antenatal and postnatal care, and providing mental health services. They are also coordinating medical referrals to larger hospitals. Additionally, a WHO team of 50 volunteers has been dispatched to carry out active disease surveillance in camps for displaced persons, focusing on waterborne and vaccine-preventable diseases.

To address the rising threat of malnutrition and vector-borne diseases, WHO, in collaboration with state health authorities, has supplied food, blankets, and long-lasting insecticide-treated mosquito nets to camps like the Asheikh Jarma settlement. A cold storage facility has been established at a local hospital to store vaccines and laboratory samples, ensuring vital health services continue despite the flooding.

“The flooding in Nigeria poses a severe public health challenge, necessitating a swift, agile, and comprehensive response,” said Dr. Walter Kazadi Mulombo, WHO Representative in Nigeria. “Close collaboration between government and partners like WHO is essential to mitigate the crisis.”

The Nigerian federal government, through the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), has launched a multisectoral emergency response in coordination with local health authorities, WHO, and other partners. The Ministry of Health has activated emergency response call centers to ensure timely intervention.

In Jigawa State, one of the hardest-hit areas, authorities have converted public buildings and schools into shelters for displaced people. Food rations, blankets, and mosquito nets have been distributed. WHO has provided the state with $45,000 worth of essential drugs, including rapid malaria diagnostic kits and anti-malarial medications. Similar support is being dispatched to Bauchi and Kogi, two other severely affected states.

“We are grateful to WHO for their critical contribution in preventing disease outbreaks among flood victims in temporary camps,” said Dr. Mohammed Kainuwa, Commissioner of Health for Jigawa. “These supplies are especially vital for protecting displaced pregnant women and children, who are the most vulnerable.”

NEMA spokesperson Manzo Ezekiel warned that the situation could deteriorate further as floodwaters flow toward central and southern states in the coming weeks. WHO has pledged to continue working closely with Nigerian authorities to manage the ongoing health crisis and protect lives.

“WHO will remain committed to supporting the government in its efforts to mitigate the impact of this ongoing health emergency and save lives,” added Dr. Mulombo.