Critical healthcare support after flooding in northern Nigeria last year

MENTOR continues to provide critical services and strengthen health systems in Maiduguri, Nigeria after flooding last year caused widespread damage to healthcare facilities, schools and other infrastructure, and the displacement of close to 400,000 people.

The severe flooding impacted communities already struggling from the socio-economic crisis in the region, high rates of diseases and malnutrition, and poor living conditions.

With support from the Nigerian Humanitarian Fund (NHF), 800 delivery kits were supplied to communities and primary health facilities for pregnant women and mothers with babies, a group that is at most risk of infectious diseases.

The kits containing sterile supplies help prevent infections, support safer childbirth, and contribute to lower maternal and neonatal mortality.

Activities are also focussing on preventing infectious diseases such as malaria, to reduce the risk of suffering and deaths, including:

– Indoor Residual Spraying to protect around 40,000 people in 8,000 households living in Gonidangari, one of the worst affected areas.

– The distribution of spatial repellents to 4,000 households will help protect over 20,400 people from malaria and other diseases.

– Training community workers and educators to deliver malaria prevention and hygiene messages and improving awareness of disease transmission and health-seeking behaviour.

They also promote the importance of antenatal consultations, childhood vaccinations, nutrition and healthy feeding practices.

– A mobile clinic was set up, staffed with a medical team that can deliver essential healthcare in hard-to-reach areas.

– Six rapid response team members were trained and supported on identification and active case surveillance for common epidemic-prone diseases.