The Epidemiological Society of Nigeria (EPiSON) has called on the Federal Government to activate sustainable mitigation strategies to address flooding in northern Nigeria.

President of the society Dr Matthew Ashikeni made the call in a statement he jointly signed with EPiSON”s Secretary General, Dr Nonye Egenti.

He observed that flooding has resulted in serious public health emergencies, humanitarian crises,  and displacement of communities.

Ashikeni stressed the need for government at all three levels to activate sustainable mitigation strategies such as proactive flood preparedness and evacuation plans; water treatment, and improved sanitation.

Ashikeni added that vector control measures; health education and awareness; strengthening of healthcare infrastructure will go a long way in tackling the outbreak of diseases that create health challenges.

“We are offering manpower partnerships, human resources to assist in the mitigation of these disasters (the magnitude and severity of the crisis); immediate epidemiological impact; the response – timeliness, scope, adequacy, and recovery plans.

“EPiSON is concerned with the accurate and timely collection and analysis of information during public health crises, on effective epidemiological strategies, promoting such strategies through the exchange of information and ideas, while encouraging volunteerism in the support of epidemiology as an effective tool in disease prevention and control.

EPiSON is advocating for an effective epidemiological surveillance, rapid response, and long term recovery plan which are crucial to minimizing the health impacts of flood disasters. “he said.

He added that EPiSON is mobilising and encouraging its members in the Northern states to support the ongoing response by the NCDC, NPHCDA, NEMA, and other international organisations. (NAN)