Edo Gov’t Moves To Combat Diphtheria Outbreak

Edo State Government on Wednesday said it has activated an emergency public health response by deploying necessary resources and expertise to combat the outbreak of Diphtheria and safeguard the health of residents.

The coordinating surveillance and monitoring efforts being personally led by Governor Monday Okpebholo, working with the State Ministry of Health were aimed at ensuring swift and effective containment of the disease.

In a statement by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Fred Itua, Edo State government noted that key interventions currently underway include the procurement of life-saving vaccines to drive immediate and 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,” Itua said.

He assured that medical personnel were being briefed and equipped to respond appropriately, while the State’s disease surveillance network was being expanded to trace and monitor potential contacts swiftly.

Itua stressed that the state 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 disclosed that Governor 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 urged citizens to remain calm but vigilant.

Residents are however advised to report l symptoms such as sore throat, fever, swollen glands in the neck, or difficulty in breathing to the nearest healthcare facility.