Mokwa Disaster: UNICEF Move To Avert Disease Outbreak, Deploys Medical Expert.

Mokwa Disaster: UNICEF Move To Avert Disease Outbreak, Deploys Medical Expert.

Inorder to avert the outbreak of endemic diseases, a team of medical experts has been deployed by the United Nations Children’s Fund to Mokwa Local Government Area in Niger State.

The intervention follows recent flooding in some of Mokwa’s communities, which claimed nearly 200 lives and displaced several thousands.

The UNICEF effort aimed at supporting vulnerable persons, especially women and children, many of whom have been rendered homeless as a result of the unavoidable incident.

The medical experts are expected provide healthcare services to pregnant women and children affected by the tragedy.

UNICEF’s Water, Sanitation and Hygiene specialist, Teresa Pamma, who spoke to newsmen at the intervention camp set up in Mokwa, said the aim was to assist children traumatised by the flood.

According to her, the medical team would also provide special care for pregnant women to ensure they receive the necessary services to prevent infection and promote maternal health.

“UNICEF is here to ensure that survivors of the flood get the necessary medical help they can get, particularly, pregnant women and the infants."

"A lot of them are traumatised by this incident, so we must do whatever is necessary to ensure that they gradually recover from the trauma."

“As you can see, the tragedy is big. If the society does not come to their care they may relapse into despair,"

“UNICEF is here with drugs and other things to ensure that the needed assistance is provided. We are also giving support to the children by way of engaging them in recreational activities which will ensure that they take their minds away from the pains even if for a short time,” Pamma stated.

Niger State Deputy Governor, Yakubu Garba, who visited the camp where UNICEF mounted its tent and sick bay after visiting some resettlement areas in Mokwa town, commended the international agency for their intervention in support of flood victims.

“We will not take this for granted, right from when the incident took place, you were proactive and you are very much on the ground. We commend you."

He urged UNICEF to be patient with the people, pointing out that most of them were still traumatised and would need some level of psychological support.