IHS Nigeria, in collaboration with the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), has announced the donation of four solar-powered boreholes aimed at supporting victims of recent floods in Maiduguri, Borno State.
According to IHS, the initiative, in partnership with the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), aims to address the urgent water needs of those affected by flooding in Maiduguri Metropolitan Council, Jere, and Konduga Local Government Areas (LGAs).
“The response by IHS Nigeria and UNICEF will help mitigate the impact of the flood and the risk of waterborne diseases for nearly 20,000 people, including vulnerable groups such as pregnant women and young mothers, children, and patients visiting health centres,” IHS said.
IHS says that construction of the boreholes will target critical locations in the region, including settlements for displaced persons, schools, and health centres that also function as Outpatient Therapeutic Programme sites. These sites offer essential nutrition services and counseling for pregnant women, young mothers, and malnourished children. The addition of boreholes at schools aims to facilitate the early return of children to their studies.
“We empathise with the government and people of Borno State and extend our sympathies to those who lost loved ones and properties in the flood. We are aware that as people begin to return to their homes and communities with flood waters receding, they continue to face major risk factors, including damaged and contaminated water sources. A key priority for us, which informed our donation of these boreholes, is to help prevent or limit outbreaks of communicable diseases such as cholera, while improving water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) services for affected populations,” according to Mohamad Darwish, IHS Nigeria CEO.
“This donation,” Darwish added, “is an extension of our partnership with UNICEF, which since 2021 has supported the provision of WASH facilities to over 6,000 beneficiaries and enabled the delivery of over one million preventive and curative treatments for tropical diseases related to WASH.”
Unicef: IHS enabled school connectivity for 800 institutions
Kitty van der Heidjen, UNICEF’s Deputy Executive Director, Partnerships, said that under UNICEF’s Generation Unlimited Project, IHS Nigeria has enabled internet access for 800 schools, enhancing digital learning opportunities for youth across Nigeria.
“UNICEF is very grateful to IHS Nigeria for their generous donation of solar-powered boreholes, which comes at a critical time for communities affected by recent floods in Borno State. This contribution will not only provide essential safe water to thousands, but also protect vulnerable populations, including children, from the threat of waterborne diseases, and support communities as they work to start rebuilding their lives and livelihood. Together with IHS Nigeria, we are making significant strides in safeguarding children and families, and strengthening resilience through our shared commitment to water, sanitation and hygiene services in emergencies,” Cristian Munduate, UNICEF Representative in Nigeria highlighted.
$4 million invested in health and tech initiatives
Since the start of its partnership with UNICEF, IHS Nigeria said it has invested over $4 million in a range of initiatives, including the GenU 9ja programme, school connectivity, oxygen plant installations, and COVID-19 interventions.
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