The Coalition of Professional Health Volunteers Association of Nigeria (COPHVAN), led by its National Coordinator, visited the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) headquarters in Abuja to show support for NEMA’s Director General, Mrs. Zubaida Umar.
COPHVAN acknowledged Mrs. Umar’s exceptional leadership as the first female Director General of NEMA since its transition to an agency in 2003.
Mrs. Umar has shown remarkable dedication and resilience in addressing disaster management challenges since her appointment earlier this year. In recognition of her efforts, COPHVAN presented her with a formal vote of confidence, highlighting her commitment to advancing NEMA’s mission and effectively managing recent disaster-related issues.
The visit also underscored the urgent need for enhanced health promotion and awareness in areas affected by recent flooding, notably from the Alau dam in Maiduguri, Borno State.
COPHVAN stressed the importance of health interventions in these communities.
Mrs. Umar assured COPHVAN of NEMA’s continued efforts to address flood-related issues and collaborate with stakeholders to ensure safety.
In response, COPHVAN is preparing to provide aid to flood victims, particularly in Maiduguri and other affected regions.
The National Emergency Operations Centre dashboard reports that the flooding has impacted approximately 611,201 individuals, including 225,169 displaced persons across 154 local governments in 29 states.
The disaster has resulted in 201 fatalities, 2,119 injuries, and significant damage to 115,265 hectares of farmland. Sokoto and Bauchi states have been particularly hard-hit.
COPHVAN calls on health professionals and students to apply their expertise to mitigate the impact of flooding and related health issues, such as waterborne diseases.
By working together, health volunteers can play a crucial role in addressing these concerns and promoting preventive measures.
COPHVAN commends Mrs. Umar for her effective management of NEMA’s complexities and reaffirms its commitment to supporting her efforts during this challenging period.