Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, has approved the immediate procurement and distribution of drugs, medical consumables, personal protective equipment (PPE), and hygiene materials worth millions of naira to health facilities across the state in response to an outbreak of acute watery diarrhea.
The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Health and Human Services, Dr. Shettima Maina Mohammed, disclosed this on Sunday during the presentation of medical supplies to healthcare facilities treating affected patients.
Dr. Mohammed said the intervention was aimed at strengthening the state’s response to the outbreak and ensuring that patients receive treatment free of charge at designated health facilities.
“Borno State Government has procured and delivered drugs and medical consumables worth millions of naira to health facilities for the treatment of acute watery diarrhea patients. These drugs and consumables are for the treatment of patients free of charge in the facilities,” he said.
He commended Governor Zulum for the timely release of funds for the procurement of the medical supplies and his sustained commitment to improving healthcare delivery in the state.
“We commend His Excellency, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, for the timely release of funds for the procurement of these drugs and consumables, as well as his unwavering commitment to providing effective healthcare services to the people of Borno State,” the Permanent Secretary added.
As part of efforts to contain the spread of the disease, officials of the ministry embarked on an extensive health promotion and sensitisation campaign across communities in Maiduguri Metropolitan Council and Jere Local Government Area.
The delegation also paid an advocacy visit to the Shehu of Borno, Alhaji Dr. Abubakar Ibn Umar Garbai El-Kanemi, to seek the support of traditional institutions in mobilising communities and promoting awareness on preventive measures against the disease.
Dr. Mohammed urged traditional rulers and community leaders to intensify public enlightenment campaigns and encourage residents to maintain proper hygiene practices and seek medical attention promptly whenever symptoms arise.
In his response, the Shehu of Borno commended Governor Zulum for his swift intervention in addressing the outbreak and pledged the support of traditional institutions toward controlling the disease.
“I express my gratitude to His Excellency, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, for responding promptly to control the outbreak. We will direct traditional leaders across our communities to educate our people on better hygiene practices to prevent the spread of the disease,” the monarch said.
The health team also visited Old Maiduguri, Gamboru and Shehuri South communities, where residents were sensitised on preventive measures, including proper sanitation and hygiene practices.
Medical supplies delivered as part of the intervention included drugs, consumables, personal protective equipment and assorted hygiene materials. The items were distributed to the Emergency and Infectious Disease Hospital in Njimtilo and the Ngarannam Infectious Disease Camp, where affected patients are currently receiving treatment.
In addition, Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) materials such as chlorine tablets, liquid chlorine, disinfectants, knapsack sprayers and community education tools were distributed to affected communities to strengthen prevention and response efforts.
The Permanent Secretary was accompanied by directors and senior officials from the Ministry of Health and Human Services, the Borno State Primary Health Care Development Board, the Borno State Contributory Health Management Agency (BOSCHMA), and the State Emergency Medical Services and Ambulance System (SEMSAS).This version follows a standard news structure with a strong lead, balanced attribution, and clear presentation of the government’s intervention efforts.