Flood: Kogi gov’t says no disease outbreak in IDPs camps

Kogi State Government on Saturday said there is no disease outbreak in any of the Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) Camps in the wake of flooding in the state.

Dr Zakari Usman, the Kogi state health commissioner, disclosed this during an assessment tour of various camps in the state.

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“This positive development was a result of the government’s proactive steps at a continuous assessment of the health conditions of the inmates for quick response at preventing any outbreak of disease.

“The government doesn’t want any outbreak of such diseases, which explains why our 10 mobile teams have been going around the various camps, providing routine medical care to the IDPs, especially the vulnerable group.

“Today’s visitation and assessment is to give us first-hand information on what we need to do in the area of succour to the various victims, to ensure good health conditions as they (victims) temporarily stay in the IDPs’ camps.

“We have seen the number of households in the various camps and by God’s grace we shall be able to provide them with the necessary health facilities such as Anti Malaria Prophylaxis and Long Lasting Insecticide Treated Nets (LLINs), especially for pregnant women,” he assured.

The commissioner, who was accompanied by a team of health officials of the ministry, said the government was more particular about the vulnerable group for proper medical care.

“These sets of persons or groups need adequate protection against diseases such as Malaria and Typhoid Fever, Diarrhea and Cholera pandemic.

“This is because the environment you are now dwelling in is mosquitoes infested and the water has been polluted by the flood which has exhumed graves, toilets, carcasses, drains, and sewage.

“We are aware some persons lost their homes, businesses, and a large expanse of farmlands and crops and some persons died or sustained injuries due to the flood, which is a natural disaster.

“We also understand the psychological injury sustained that will linger on for a while for you as victims of this unfortunate flood.

“This flood is a natural disaster that nobody prepared for but what matters is how we put ourselves together to move beyond it.

“As a government, which has been overwhelmed by the magnitude of the flood in the state this year, we need assistance from the Federal Government, national and international organisations as well as corporate bodies and wealthy individuals, ” he said. (NAN)