By Ahmed Ahmed
Residents of cholera-prone communities in Borno State have called on the government and humanitarian organizations to sustain health, water, sanitation, and livelihood interventions to prevent future outbreaks and improve living conditions in vulnerable areas.
The appeal was made during an interview with journalists in Maiduguri, where community leaders and beneficiaries reflected on the impact of recent cholera response efforts across affected communities.
Speaking on behalf of residents of Mashamari Ward in Jere Local Government Area, the Village Head, Malam Aisami Abba, said the community of more than 120,000 people was severely affected by a cholera outbreak three months ago.
He praised the Borno State Government under Governor Babagana Umara Zulum, local authorities, and humanitarian partners for their prompt response, which helped contain the disease and minimize casualties.
Abba specifically commended Al-Amin Foundation, International Alert, and Voluntary Aid Initiative (VAI) for distributing hygiene kits, conducting door-to-door awareness campaigns, training women and youths on sanitation, and constructing toilets in vulnerable locations.
He noted that the influx of displaced persons from Gwoza, Dikwa, Marte, Mafa, Konduga, and Kukawa has placed significant pressure on existing facilities.
“We still need livelihood support, agricultural assistance, improved water and sanitation facilities, health interventions, and ambulances to strengthen emergency response services,” he said.
A resident of Dalori Gari, Bukar Lawan, credited the intervention with saving lives, including that of his daughter who contracted cholera.
Meanwhile, VAI Executive Director, Amb. Musa Umar, said the 45-day emergency response, funded by Start Network and implemented with partners, strengthened community capacity through health and WASH interventions, volunteer training, and disease prevention measures to ensure long-term resilience against future outbreaks.
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