The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Kano Operations Office, has emphasized the importance of disaster preparedness and effective emergency response during the 3rd Public Health Week organized by the National Association of Public Health Students (NAPHS) at Al-Istiqama University, Sumaila, Kano State.
The lecture, delivered as part of activities marking the annual event, focused on disaster preparedness, risk awareness, early warning systems, and coordinated emergency response mechanisms aimed at minimizing the impact of disasters and public health emergencies on communities.
Participants were taken through key aspects of disaster management, including hazards, risks, vulnerabilities, preparedness, response, recovery, and disaster risk reduction strategies. The session also highlighted the crucial role public health professionals play in emergency management and humanitarian response efforts.
Speaking during the engagement, NEMA officials stressed the need for proactive measures, community awareness, and collective responsibility in mitigating the effects of disasters and emergencies.
The agency encouraged students to actively support initiatives that strengthen disaster preparedness and resilience within their communities and educational institutions.
The interactive session provided students and academic staff with an opportunity to deepen their understanding of the relationship between public health and disaster management while promoting a culture of preparedness, safety consciousness, and resilience among future public health practitioners.
NEMA noted that the programme forms part of its ongoing efforts to create awareness, build capacity, and promote effective disaster risk reduction and emergency preparedness across communities, schools, and institutions in line with its statutory mandate.
The agency reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening public awareness and enhancing community resilience against disasters through sustained advocacy and stakeholder engagement.
