Cholera survivors in Gombe get relief items from NEMA

Chima Azubuike

The Gombe State Government has received a consignment of relief materials from the National Emergency Management Agency for the survivors of cholera in the state.

The items were presented to the Government at the Primary Health Care Centre, Tudun-Wada, Gombe, during a ceremony where the Deputy Governor, Dr. Manassah Jatau, represented Governor Muhammadu Yahaya.

The Governor received the items and later made a symbolic presentation to a few of the survivors, directing the relevant officers to ensure the items get to all those whom they were meant for.

In an address shortly before the presentation, Yahaya, lauded the Federal Government of Nigeria and the National Emergency Management Agency for coming to the aid of the victims of cholera by giving them succour.

He said, “the heavy downpour we witnessed this year came with the adverse effect of flooding which led to devastation on humanity including cholera infection. 

“The disease affected over 600 people across seven local government areas in the state as against the five local government areas reported by NEMA. 

“May I call on NEMA to reconsider their assistance, since they made provision for five local governments.”

“It is worth noting that, since inception, our administration has prioritised the health sector because good health is the basis for each sector. Education is second then, Agriculture.

“We shall continue to ensure providing the citizenry with the basic health care needs for a better society. May I call on all well-meaning individuals to complement the effort of the administration by assisting less privileged towards aiding them in any aspect of human development.

“Let me emphasise that the items should not be sold under any circumstance but to be judiciously used for the purposes they were meant. Let me also appeal to the beneficiaries to assist their neighbours who may be in dire need of any of the materials.”

The Representative of the Director-General National Emergency Management Agency, Mustapha Ahmed, said the items were to alleviate the sufferings of the survivors of Cholera in the state and the nation.

He listed the items to include, 39 cartons each of Dettol, Izal, and bleach, 800 packets of detergents, and 1000 pieces each of blankets, mattresses, plastic buckets, spoons, and pieces of mosquito nets among others.

He appealed to the officials to ensure judicious distribution to the beneficiaries and the beneficiaries to ensure judicious use of the items.

The Executive Secretary, Gombe State Primary Healthcare Development Agency, Dr. Shuaibu Abdulrahaman represented by Dr. Maryam Abubakar said the state witnessed the outbreak of cholera in seven local Government Areas affecting 663 people, with a fatality of 16.

Abdulrahaman explained that the Agency with the approval of the governor embarked on house-to-house sensitization, provision of water treatment bowls, and active surveillance to contain the spread of the disease.

“The disease, though very dangerous, can be prevented through a hygienic lifestyle of keeping the environment clean, ensuring proper washing of vegetables before cooking and consumption among other hygienic practices,” Abdulrahaman said.

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