The Ebonyi State Government has intensified measures to prevent diphtheria and other infectious diseases, with Commissioner for Health, Dr Moses Ekuma, assuring residents that the state has established a strong public health emergency response system.
Ekuma said the proactive interventions introduced by Governor Francis Nwifuru’s administration had improved healthcare delivery, strengthened emergency preparedness and enhanced the capacity of health facilities across the state.
The commissioner gave the assurance while speaking with journalists at his office in Abakaliki over the weekend, noting that the government had made investments in immunisation, medical equipment, healthcare personnel training and workers’ welfare to protect residents against disease outbreaks.
He maintained that Ebonyi State was not currently classified as a high-risk area for diphtheria, adding that the government remained committed to preventive healthcare measures.
As part of its diphtheria prevention efforts, the state government has stepped up immunisation activities to ensure that eligible children receive appropriate vaccines against diphtheria and other vaccine-preventable diseases.
According to Ekuma, routine immunisation and periodic vaccination remain important strategies for protecting children and reducing the risk of infectious disease outbreaks.
He explained that the government was working to ensure that children receive the necessary vaccines as part of its broader public health protection programme.
Although no diphtheria case had been recorded in Ebonyi State as of the time of the report, the commissioner stressed that preventive measures would continue to safeguard residents.
Diphtheria is a serious bacterial infection that commonly affects the nose and throat. It can cause a sore throat, swelling of the neck and difficulty swallowing or breathing. Vaccination, early diagnosis and prompt medical attention are important in preventing severe complications.
Ekuma disclosed that the state government had established three oxygen production plants, with one located in each of Ebonyi’s three senatorial zones, to improve access to medical oxygen and support the treatment of patients requiring emergency care.
He added that the government had introduced an ambulance service system to improve emergency transportation and ensure that patients receive timely medical attention, including those living in remote communities.
The commissioner said the ambulances operate around the clock to respond to emergencies, describing the state’s emergency response capacity as significantly improved.
He also revealed that the government had procured 100 motorcycles for health workers to address transportation difficulties and improve service delivery, particularly in primary healthcare facilities across Ebonyi State.
According to him, these interventions have helped improve access to healthcare and contributed to a significant reduction in the state’s mortality rate, although he did not provide specific figures.
The health commissioner further highlighted the recruitment of more than 1,000 health workers as one of the measures taken by the Nwifuru administration to strengthen the state’s healthcare system.
He said the government had also trained medical personnel and other health workers in public health emergency response to improve their readiness to manage potential disease outbreaks and other health emergencies.
Ekuma listed the establishment of a diagnostic centre at Oferekpe Agbaja, equipped with two magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) machines, among the government’s interventions aimed at improving diagnostic services and expanding access to medical care.
He commended Governor Nwifuru for investing in healthcare infrastructure, personnel and emergency preparedness, saying the interventions were helping to strengthen health service delivery across the state.
Despite the preventive measures in place, Ekuma urged residents to maintain proper personal hygiene and adopt healthy sanitation practices to reduce their exposure to diphtheria and other infectious diseases.
He specifically encouraged regular handwashing and other good hygiene habits as part of efforts to prevent the spread of infections within communities.
The commissioner reiterated that no case of diphtheria had been recorded in Ebonyi State as of the time of his statement, while emphasising the importance of continued vigilance, vaccination and timely access to healthcare.
The state government’s approach combines immunisation, improved medical infrastructure, emergency transportation and workforce development to strengthen public health protection and prepare healthcare facilities for potential outbreaks.
