VICTOR DURUAMAKU ,Owerri
The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has vaccinated 4,017 children following the outbreak of diphtheria disease in Imo State, as the death toll has hit ten.
The Health Specialist of the fund, Dr. Olusoji Akinleye, disclosed this during a virtual media parley organised by the organization in Owerri, on Friday.
According to him, ” Diphtheria, a highly contagious bacterial infection caused by Corynebacterium diphtheria, became an outbreak in Imo State, with an index case reported in Mbutu, Aboh Mbaise council area of the state.”
He further explained that the organisation is supporting the efforts of the Nigerian Government in response in the management of the infection, prevention and control
Also, the health specialist, said that the organisation is supporting the Country in the reactive vaccination, risk communication and community engagement to contain the outbreak.
However, speaking on the theme, “Diphtheria Outbreak Response In Imo State “. the specialist assured that with ten casualties already recorded according to available statistics, it was imperative to restrict and contain the spread of the disease to prevent a possible “national disaster “, as the airport “sits very close to Aboh Mbaise”.
He commended Imo state Immunisation Officer, Dr Chibuzo Anyaehie for ensuring prompt vaccination of persons across the four affected council areas of Aboh Mbaise, Ahiazu Mbaise, Owerri North and Owerri Municipal.
Speaking, Anyaehie said that 4,017 persons had already received the diphtheria vaccine, adding that the state has, so far, recorded 79 suspected cases and seven confirmed cases.
“ We have established treatment centres across all Primary Health Centres in Mbutu, and the Aboh General Hospital, with an additional 70 doses of vaccines just supplied “, she said.
In her contribution, UNICEF’s Communication Officer, Advocacy, Media, and Ext. Relations, Dr. Ijeoma Onuoha-Ogwe, thanked health intervention officers from the Imo State Ministry of Health for their efforts in containing the outbreak.
Dr. Onuoha -Ogwe charged journalists to adequately sensitize the general public on preventive management of the disease to curb its spread.
UNICEF’s Water Sanitation and Hygiene Specialist, Mrs Rebekah Gabriel, harped on the need for regular hand washing with soap and water and for greater collaboration with traditional rulers and other critical stakeholders for effective grassroots sensitization.
Earlier in her opening remarks, UNICEF’s Chief Field Officer , Enugu, Mrs Juliet Chiluwe, commended the media for effective partnership and urged journalists to amplify awareness of the outbreak.
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