In response to severe flooding that displaced thousands and disrupted health services in Mokwa Local Government Area of Niger State, the World Health Organization (WHO) is working closely with state authorities and partners to address urgent health needs and restore access to essential care.

Triggered by intense rainfall, the flooding submerged several communities, damaged infrastructure, and disrupted healthcare delivery. According to a joint assessment by the Niger State Ministry of Health and WHO, no primary health care centre was rendered completely non-functional; however, five sustained varying degrees of damage, and up to 44 others across affected wards may also require support.

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As floodwaters receded, Mokwa General Hospital and some private clinics resumed trauma and surgical services.

Addressing heightened health risks

WHO’s public health situation analysis indicates an increased risk of disease outbreaks such as cholera, typhoid, malaria, and skin infections. Health authorities are also monitoring concerns related to malnutrition, injuries, and the worsening of noncommunicable diseases, including hypertension and diabetes.

Delivering lifesaving care to displaced families

In collaboration with the Niger State Ministry of Health, WHO and partners have deployed mobile medical teams and supported the establishment of a health camp at Kpege Primary School, now serving as temporary shelter for displaced families.

Aisha Abubakar, 27, whose home was destroyed, has been living at the camp.  

“We lost everything,” she said. “Twenty members of my household were affected, and eight are still missing. The children are constantly exposed to mosquito bites, and we’ve had no food.”

She sought help at the clinic when her child developed a fever.  

“My child was treated for malaria, and we received cooked food and hygiene kits. The medication helped reduce the fever quickly, and the hygiene items helped us stay clean despite the situation.”

Musa Abdullahi, 31, now living in an unfinished building with his family of eight, shared a similar story.  

“The flood swept away all our belongings. When my child fell ill, we visited the WHO-supported clinic and received free malaria treatment and hygiene kits. The health support and food relief are helping us survive. What we need now is shelter and a way to rebuild our lives.

Looking ahead: Building resilience

Beyond the immediate response in Mokwa, WHO is working to strengthen Nigeria’s emergency preparedness and response capacity by deploying trained medical teams, expanding outbreak surveillance, and advocating for additional resources through the WHO Contingency Fund for Emergencies (CFE). These efforts aim to sustain the current response and enhance resilience to future flooding and public health threats.

This emergency response to Mokwa was made possible with funding support from the Government of Japan.