By Ahmed Ahmed
As the devastating floods continue to ravage communities in Bauchi State, contaminating sources of drinking water and leaving a trail of destruction in their wake, a local Civil Society Organisation (CSO), Journalists for Public Health and Development Initiative (J4PD), has sounded the alarm on a possible outbreak of water-borne diseases across the state.
This is contained In a statement issued by Bashir Hassan Abubakar, Knowledge Management and Communication (KMC) Advisor of J4PD,made available to newsmen on Tuesday in Bauchi
They expressed deep concern over the potential health risks posed by the floods and called on relevant state authorities to take immediate and proactive measures to prevent disease outbreaks resulting from the flooding.
“The situation is dire, and we cannot afford to wait until it’s too late,” said Elizabeth Kah, Executive Director of J4PD.
“We urge the State Primary Health Care Development Agency (SPHCDA) to liaise with sister agencies like the Bauchi Water Corporation, State Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Agency (RUWASSA), Bauchi State Environmental Protection Agency (BASEPA), and other line MDAs to fashion out ways of preventing disease outbreaks.”
Kah emphasized the need for swift action in decontaminating water sources, particularly in rural areas affected by the flood disasters.
She also advised flood-prone communities to take precautions by boiling water, using alum, and other water treatment coagulants at the household level.
J4PD expressed its readiness to collaborate with state and non-state partners to implement community-based approaches to improve healthcare promotion at the community level.
They called on the state government to provide necessary support and resources to affected communities to mitigate the effects of the floods.
Our Correspondent reports that the CSO’s warning comes as the state grapples with the aftermath of the floods, which have left many communities vulnerable to water-borne diseases.
“With the rainy season still ongoing, the risk of further flooding and subsequent disease outbreaks remains high,”