In a recent meeting held in Yola, Dr. Walter Mulombo, the Head of Mission/Country Representative for the World Health Organisation (WHO), voiced deep concern about the escalating rates of tuberculosis infection in Borno, a region still grappling with the aftermath of the Boko Haram insurgency.
The 13th WHO End-Term Joint Operations Review focused on Borno, Adamawa, and Yobe states, all affected by the insurgency. Dr. Mulombo emphasized the urgency of addressing the alarming tuberculosis situation in Borno, stating that the region could potentially become a ticking time bomb for a tuberculosis outbreak in Nigeria.
Despite the challenges, the WHO expressed its commitment to collaborating with the Borno Government to tackle this pressing issue. Dr. Mulombo stressed the need for a collective effort, framing the situation as a humanitarian emergency that requires immediate attention. He urged stakeholders to take swift action to accelerate aid and work towards achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goal of leaving no one behind.
Governor Babagana Zulum of Borno highlighted the devastating impact of the insurgency on the state’s health infrastructure, with approximately 50% of health institutions lost and many staff either abducted or killed. He pointed out that tuberculosis has become a significant concern, requiring additional staff and resources.
Acknowledging the challenges in reaching remote areas, Governor Zulum disclosed the state’s reliance on the military for services like immunization in hard-to-reach regions. He called on the WHO to lend support in this regard and also address issues such as gender-based violence.
The collective plea from both the WHO and the Borno Government underscores the gravity of the health crisis and the pressing need for concerted efforts to mitigate the impact on the affected population.