ASSESSMENT OF HEALTH RISKS AMONGST VULNERABLE GROUPS OF INTERNALLY DISPLACED PERSONS IN POMPOMARI CAMP, DAMATURU, YOBE STATE, NIGERIA

Résumé

The insurgency affecting majorly the North-East region of Nigeria has led to the loss of lives, destruction of livelihoods. It also caused displacement of a significant proportion of the affected communities; majority of them seeking shelter with relatives and acquaintances away from harm, while others were sheltered in camps for the internally displaced persons. Pompomari primary school in Damaturu, Yobe State is one of those camps designated by the Yobe State Emergency Management Agency to provide temporary shelter to internally displaced persons. The displaced persons in Pompomari camp are victims of the dreaded Boko Haram insurgency who fled their places of domicile in Gujba Local Government Area of the state. Assessment of health risks amongst the vulnerable displaced people in Pompomari camp was carried out using direct observation, focus group discussion and questionnaire administration as the primary sources of data. The official demographic records of the camp, the routine record of the camp clinic and the comprehensive report of the clinic from its inception were also utilized as secondary sources of data in this research. Attempts were made to interpret and discuss the data collated. The research found out that the vulnerable groups constitute 83% of the displaced persons in the camp. They were predisposed to health risks like inadequate sanitation, vector control, and nutrition and housing standards. However, health facility in the camp was very functional and adequate in capacity and water supply was adequate in quantity and quality. The research has helped create a scientific framework for managing the health aspect of IDP camps.