Edo State government on Wednesday said it has activated an emergency public health response, deploying all necessary resources and expertise to combat the outbreak of diphtheria and safeguard residents’ health.
Okpebholo, who personally coordinates surveillance and monitoring efforts and works closely with the State Ministry of Health, aims to ensure swift and effective containment of the disease.
In a statement, the chief press secretary to the governor, Fred Itua, noted that key interventions currently underway include procuring life-saving vaccines to drive an immediate statewide vaccination campaign targeting vulnerable populations, especially children.
“The 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.
“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.
“Medical personnel are being briefed and equipped to respond appropriately, while the State’s disease surveillance network is being expanded to trace and monitor potential contacts swiftly.
He said the honourable commissioner for health, Dr Cyril Oshiomhole has 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 noted that Okpebholo has 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.
Okpebholo urges citizens to remain calm but vigilant. Residents are advised to report any symptoms such as sore throat, fever, swollen glands in the neck, or difficulty in breathing to the nearest healthcare facility.
