The United Nations Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF) has confirmed that 4,017 people have been vaccinated against diphtheria in Imo State as the disease claims 10 lives.
Dr. Olusoji Akinleye, UNICEF’s Health Specialist, revealed the figures during a virtual media briefing in Owerri on Friday. He disclosed that the outbreak began in Mbutu, Aboh Mbaise Local Government Area, and described the situation as a serious public health threat due to the disease’s contagious nature.
“With ten fatalities already confirmed, urgent containment measures are critical to prevent a national health crisis, especially with the airport located close to Aboh Mbaise,” Dr. Akinleye warned.
He praised Dr. Chibuzo Anyaehie, the State Immunisation Officer, for her swift response and coordination of vaccination campaigns across the four affected local government areas: Aboh Mbaise, Ahiazu Mbaise, Owerri North, and Owerri Municipal.
Dr. Anyaehie reported that 79 suspected cases of diphtheria had been recorded. She added that treatment centres have been established at all primary health care facilities in Mbutu and at Aboh General Hospital, with an additional 70 doses of vaccine received to boost the campaign.
UNICEF Communication Officer Dr. Ijeoma Onuoha-Ogwe commended the Imo State Ministry of Health and urged journalists to step up public awareness campaigns on the prevention and management of diphtheria.
Also speaking, UNICEF’s WASH Specialist, Mrs. Rebekah Gabriel, underscored the role of proper hygiene in curbing the spread of diphtheria. She stressed the need for regular handwashing and encouraged collaboration with traditional rulers and community leaders to boost grassroots sensitization.
UNICEF’s Chief of Field Office in Enugu, Mrs. Juliet Chiluwe, expressed appreciation to the media for their continuous support and called on them to intensify their efforts in educating the public about the outbreak.
What you should know
UNICEF and Imo State health officials are working urgently to contain a diphtheria outbreak that has killed 10 people. Over 4,000 individuals have been vaccinated across four affected LGAs, and treatment centres have been activated as awareness campaigns are ramped up to prevent further spread.
