WHO, FG partner to Bolster Health Emergency Programs in Northeast Nigeria

In a significant stride toward bolstering healthcare provisions in the underserved regions of northeast Nigeria, the Federal Government and the World Health Organization (WHO), have announced their collaborative commitment to reinforcing health emergency programs.

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This determination emerged subsequent to the conclusive 13th Joint Operational Review (JOR), held in Yola, Adamawa State, from November 27 to 29, 2023.

During his welcome remarks at the JOR, the WHO Country Representative to Nigeria, Dr. Walter Kazadi Mulombo, emphatically reiterated WHO’s dedication to providing leadership and coordination, specifically targeting the vulnerable populations in the northeast.

Dr. Mulombo addressed reports surrounding an alleged concern over the rising Tuberculosis cases in Borno state, clarifying that his focus is on strengthening detection, reporting, and treatment to elevate the currently low TB detection and treatment rate in the state.

The JOR’s primary objective is to identify and document best practices, gaps, challenges, and lessons learned from the 2023 response to humanitarian emergencies in the Borno, Adamawa, and Yobe states (BAY).

“It aims to prioritize efforts and resources, aligning them with up-to-date, evidence-based plans. Furthermore, the JOR intends to aid the BAY states in crafting operational strategies for 2024, tailored to address prevalent health challenges in the region.”

Mrs. Anthonia Chukwuemeka, representing Dr. Chukwuma Anyaike, the Director of Public Health at the Federal Ministry of Health, commended WHO for championing the health-for-all agenda and pushing for Nigeria to attain Universal Health Coverage (UHC).

She expressed optimism that the JOR would enhance the humanitarian response in the BAY states, ensuring essential health services reach underserved populations.

The meeting concluded with key recommendations, including the continued implementation of lifesaving interventions, utilization of local structures to reach underserved populations, development of a multi-hazard plan focusing on preparedness, and strengthening program integration for improved tuberculosis case detection and treatment. Concerns were raised about dwindling humanitarian funds, hindering extensive health emergency responses in the affected states.

Stakeholders emphasized the importance of addressing this issue to maintain effective healthcare services.

The collaborative meeting brought together key stakeholders from the Federal and State Ministries of Health, health agencies, UN agencies, public health experts, and partners working in the BAY states.

According to the 2023 humanitarian response plan, “Approximately 5,757,483 people in the region require health interventions, with the health sector targeting 4,285,848 persons, including those in IDP camps, out of camps, returnees, and those in host communities.”

The JOR stands as a crucial component of WHO’s internal strategy, assessing and improving health emergency programs while developing a roadmap for interventions in 2024.