US Govt Supports UNICEF to Strengthen Multi-Hazard Emergency Preparedness in Adamawa

YOLA —By Ojoma Yusuf,Yola

The Adamawa State Government, in collaboration with UNICEF and with support from the United States Government, has commenced efforts to strengthen public health emergency preparedness and response through a comprehensive Multi-Hazard Risk Assessment and Planning Programme.

The initiative is being discussed at a five-day stakeholders’ workshop in Yola aimed at developing a framework for identifying, assessing, and responding to public health emergencies across the state.

Declaring the workshop open, the Adamawa State Commissioner for Health and Human Services, Muhammad Chubado Jada, expressed appreciation to UNICEF and the United States Government for supporting the state in developing a strategic document on public health emergency preparedness and response.

Represented by the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Pharmacist Zira Mathias Babani, the commissioner urged participants to make the most of the opportunity by contributing their expertise and commitment towardsachieving the programme’s objectives.

Speaking at the event, UNICEF Health Specialist, Dr. Eghe Abe, said participants were drawn from various government ministries, departments, and agencies, including the health, water resources, environment, agriculture, and security sectors. Representatives from the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), UNICEF, and other relevant institutions are also participating in the workshop.

Dr. Abe noted that public health emergencies are becoming increasingly frequent due to disease outbreaks, climate change, and other emerging threats. He explained that UNICEF is supporting the Adamawa StateGovernment in developing a multi-hazard risk assessment framework that will help identify and address recurring emergencies before they escalate into major crises.

Also speaking, the State Epidemiologist in the Ministry of Health, Dr. Kadabiyu Jones, revealed that the last multi-hazard risk assessment in Adamawa State was conducted five years ago. He said the current exercise is designed to assess major risks affecting the state, including flooding, communal clashes, insecurity, drought, and other threats.

According to him, the outcome of the five-day workshop will be a comprehensive and reliable document that will guide emergency preparedness and response efforts in Adamawa State.

The Multi-Hazard Risk Assessment and Emergency Preparedness and Response Plan is expected to enhance the state’s capacity to anticipate, prevent, and effectively manage public health emergencies and disasters.