Borno: Zulum directs distribution of free cholera drugs, medical consumables to health facilities

Borno State Governor Prof. Babagana Umara Zulum has directed the immediate procurement and distribution of drugs, medical consumables, and hygiene materials worth millions of naira to health facilities to curtail cases of acute watery diarrhoea in parts of the state.

The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Health and Human Services, Dr Shettima Maina Mohammed, disclosed this during the presentation of medical supplies to healthcare facilities treating affected patients on Sunday.

According to Mohammed, the drugs and consumables were procured by the state government and supplied to designated treatment centres to ensure that patients receive care free of charge.

“Borno State Government has procured and delivered drugs and medical consumables worth millions of Naira to health facilities for the treatment of acute watery diarrhea patients. These drugs and consumables are for the treatment of patients free of charge in the facilities,” he stated.

The permanent secretary commended the governor for the timely release of funds for the procurement of the medical supplies and his continued commitment to improving healthcare delivery across the state.

“We commend His Excellency, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, for the timely release of funds for the procurement of these drugs and consumables, as well as his unwavering commitment to providing effective healthcare services to the people of Borno State,” Mohammed said.

As part of efforts to curb the spread of the disease, the team embarked on an extensive health promotion and sensitisation campaign across communities in Maiduguri Metropolitan Council and Jere Local Government Area.

The delegation also paid an advocacy visit to the Shehu of Borno, Alhaji Dr Abubakar Ibn Umar Garbai El-Kanemi, to seek the support of traditional institutions in mobilising communities and promoting disease prevention awareness.

Mohammed urged traditional and community leaders to intensify public enlightenment efforts to encourage residents to maintain good hygiene practices and to seek medical attention promptly when symptoms arise.

Responding, the Shehu of Borno commended Governor Zulum for his swift intervention and pledged the traditional institution’s support in controlling the disease.

“I express my gratitude to His Excellency, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, for responding promptly to control the outbreak. We will direct traditional leaders across our communities to educate our people on better hygiene practices to prevent the spread of the disease,” the monarch assured.

The team also visited Old Maiduguri, Gamboru, and Shehuri South communities, where residents were educated on preventive measures, including proper sanitation and hygiene practices.

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Drugs, consumables, personal protective equipment, and assorted hygiene commodities were delivered to the Emergency and Infectious Disease Hospital in Njimtilo and the Ngarannam Infectious Disease Camp, where patients are currently receiving treatment.

As part of the intervention, Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) materials — including chlorine tablets, liquid chlorine, disinfectants, knapsack sprayers, and community education tools — were distributed to affected communities to strengthen prevention and response efforts.

The permanent secretary was accompanied by directors and principal officers from the Ministry of Health and Human Services, the Borno State Primary Health Care Development Board, Borno State Contributory Health Management Agency (BOSCHMA), and SEMSAS.