The Borno State government has received a supply of cholera vaccines from UNICEF and its partners to immunize residents against the disease.
A statement from UNICEF Nigeria on Thursday highlighted the organization’s commitment to providing timely support for the people of Borno.
“At the Gubio IDP Camp in northeast Nigeria, UNICEF’s @DrRownakKhan visited women and children affected by #MaiduguriFloods and cholera. By delivering cholera vaccines and medical supplies for treatment, UNICEF is on the ground, ensuring timely support to @BornoGovt and its people,” the statement wrote.
The development was also confirmed by the state’s Commissioner for Health and Human Services, Prof. Baba Mallam.
According to Mallam, the state received receiving 669,569 doses of the vaccines in Maiduguri.
Represented by Fati Ali, the State Director of Disease Control and Immunisation of the Borno State Primary Healthcare Development Board, said the initiative is timely, considering the potential outbreak of waterborne diseases following the recent floods in the state.
“UNICEF is one of the partners supporting and collaborating with the state 100 per cent. We have received 669,569 doses of cholera vaccines. Earlier, we received more than 300,000 doses of cholera vaccines. We urge everyone to go to the nearest hospital facilities to collect the vaccination,” she stated.
Dr. Gerida Birukila, UNICEF Chief of the Maiduguri field office, encouraged residents to accept the oral vaccines, assuring them of their safety and lack of side effects.
Dr Birukila highlighted that the new vaccines would be instrumental in reaching those at risk of contracting cholera, particularly people in crowded areas and children.
The development comes after the recent widely reported flooding in the state.