Abia State Government has sounded a public health alarm following a confirmed outbreak of diphtheria in neighbouring Imo State, urging residents to immediately adhere to preventive measures, including vaccinations for both children and at-risk adults.
Commissioner for Information, Okey Kanu, made the announcement on Monday, June 2, during a post-Executive Council press briefing in Umuahia. He emphasized that the health advisory was triggered by official reports from Imo health authorities confirming multiple diphtheria cases across parts of the state, with several patients currently receiving treatment.
Parents and guardians were specifically urged to be vigilant and report early signs of diphtheria in children, such as sore throat, fever, swollen glands, and difficulty breathing. Kanu stressed that prompt reporting to local health centers could save lives and prevent further spread across state boundaries.
Stakeholders, community leaders, and religious institutions were also directed to step up awareness campaigns, while the Ministry of Health intensified routine surveillance across border communities and urban centers. Free diphtheria vaccinations are now being administered at all Primary Health Centres in Abia, according to ministry sources.
In a separate development, Kanu announced that the Federal Government had officially certified Abia free of river blindness, following 30 years of sustained mass drug administration. The World Health Organization’s recent regional review listed Abia among states that had achieved full interruption of transmission.
On road safety, the state also unveiled a new enforcement directive targeting “One Way” drivers, who have been blamed for a spike in road crashes within Umuahia and Aba. Offenders risk having their vehicles impounded, fined heavily, or auctioned if left unclaimed, Kanu warned.
The Commissioner said the Transport Ministry’s special task force would begin operations immediately and assured residents that Governor Alex Otti remains committed to public health and safety across Abia.
