NEWS
Abia State Govt Heightens Surveillance as Global Ebola Alerts Raise Concern
...as State Govt. Confirms no Cases of Ebola, COVID-19, Lassa fever, Mpox, Diphtheria, Yellow fever, Cholera or Rabies in Abia State.
The Abia State Government has intensified public health surveillance and monitoring measures following renewed global health alerts issued over Ebola outbreaks in parts of Africa, even as it reassured residents that the state remains free from major infectious disease outbreaks.
The Commissioner for Information, Prince Okey Kanu, disclosed this on Monday while briefing journalists on the outcome of this week’s State Executive Council meeting presided over by State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti.
Speaking on the state’s public health preparedness, Prince Kanu said the government was closely following developments surrounding recent advisories issued by the World Health Organization and the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control concerning Ebola outbreaks reported in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda.
According to him, the state government has continued to strengthen its disease surveillance architecture and response mechanisms in order to safeguard residents against possible public health threats.
He, however, reassured residents that there were currently no confirmed cases of Ebola, COVID-19, Lassa fever, Mpox, diphtheria, yellow fever, cholera or rabies in Abia State.
Prince Kanu emphasized that the administration of Governor Alex Otti remains proactive in matters relating to healthcare delivery and epidemic prevention, noting that relevant health authorities and agencies in the state have been placed on alert to ensure rapid response in the event of any suspected outbreak.
He further urged residents not to panic but to remain vigilant by adhering strictly to basic health and sanitation practices capable of preventing the spread of infectious diseases across communities.
“Residents are urged to maintain personal and environmental hygiene, avoid contact with rodents and seek medical attention when ill,” he added.
The government’s reassurance comes amid growing concerns across several African countries over the resurgence of infectious diseases and the need for sub-national governments to strengthen preparedness, public awareness and emergency response systems.