Terrorists operating in the different frontline Local Government Areas of Katsina State, North-West Nigeria have killed 16 health workers with one still missing while 83 others abducted between 2015 and 2023.
Chairman of the Katsina State chapter of the Medical and Health Workers Union of Nigeria, MHWUN, Mannir Suleiman, made the shocking revelation at a dinner, recently held for the reappointed Executive Secretary of the State Primary Healthcare Development Agency, Dr. Shamsudden Yahaya.
Suleiman also added that one of the victims escaped from captivity with a gunshot wound, while another health worker has been missing for the last four years.
While calling for the provision and review of health worker registers in all ministries, agencies, and departments, Suleiman further requested that the government gives priority to those in the frontline local government areas that have the highest challenge of insecurity.\
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He also decried manpower shortage in the health sector in the state, adding that 50 to 60% of health workers in both the Hospital Service Management Board and the State Primary Healthcare Agency were casual or volunteer personnel.
The Chairman further advocated for the implementation of a circular for the promotion of Primary Healthcare and Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene, WATSAN, Directors, from grade levels 15 to 16.
Suleiman appealed to the State Government to look into the possibility of including social welfare staff in the prevention and cure of diseases, as part of their responsibilities.
(Editor: Terverr Tyav)
