FROM IKHILI EBALU, BENIN CITY
Edo State government said it is aware of the recent outbreak of diphtheria in parts of the state and had put measures in place to tackle it.
In response to the situation, according to a statement signed by the Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Fred Itua, Governor Monday Okpebholo has activated an emergency public health response, deploying the necessary resources and expertise to safeguard the health of residents.
According to Itua, the governor is personally coordinating surveillance and monitoring efforts, working closely with the state Ministry of Health and other critical stakeholders to ensure a swift and effective containment of the disease.
Itua said key interventions currently underway include the procurement of life-saving vaccines to drive immediate and statewide vaccination campaign, targeting vulnerable populations, especially children.
“Government is also ramping up public awareness campaigns through multiple platforms—radio, television, community outreach and social media to educate citizens on the symptoms of diphtheria, preventive measures and the importance of early treatment.
According to him, hospitals across the state have been placed on high alert and instructed to intensify case detection, prompt isolation and proper clinical management of suspected cases in accordance with national and international guidelines.
The statement added that the Commissioner for Health, Dr Cyril Oshiomhole had been at the forefront of the state’s medical response, working tirelessly with the emergency health task force to mitigate the spread of the disease and provide real-time updates to the public.
He said the governor had convened a multi-sectoral emergency meeting with representatives from the Nigerian Centre for Disease Control, NCDC, World Health Organisation, WHO, traditional rulers, religious leaders, civil society organisations and community development groups to harmonise efforts and strengthen the response framework.
The state government assured the public that there is no cause for panic, as the situation is under control, and that the necessary protocols are being enforced to prevent further spread.
