EDO GOVERNMENT LAUNCHES EMERGENCY RESPONSE AS DIPHTHERIA OUTBREAK HITS STATE

The Edo State Government has moved swiftly to contain a recent outbreak of diphtheria in parts of the state, activating an emergency public health response and deploying vital resources to safeguard residents.

Announcing the intervention on Tuesday, the State Government, under the leadership of Governor Monday Okpebholo, assured the public that it is fully on top of the situation, with coordinated surveillance and containment strategies already underway.

In a statement from Government House, Benin City, it was revealed that Governor Okpebholo is personally overseeing the emergency response in collaboration with the State Ministry of Health and other relevant stakeholders.

Key measures taken include the immediate procurement of life-saving vaccines for a statewide vaccination campaign, particularly targeting vulnerable groups such as children. Public awareness campaigns have also been intensified across radio, television, social media, and community platforms to educate residents on the symptoms, preventive actions, and importance of early treatment.

Hospitals and healthcare centres across Edo State have been placed on high alert, with medical personnel undergoing rapid briefings and receiving additional supplies to manage suspected cases. The state’s disease surveillance system has equally been expanded to swiftly trace, monitor, and manage potential contacts.

Speaking on the government’s coordinated efforts, the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Cyril Oshiomhole, disclosed that the emergency health task force has been fully mobilized to curb the spread of the disease and is providing real-time updates to the public.

In a bid to protect schoolchildren — identified as one of the most at-risk groups — school proprietors and administrators have been directed to strengthen hygiene protocols, implement early warning systems, and conduct health screenings in collaboration with government health officials.

Furthermore, Governor Okpebholo convened a high-level emergency meeting with representatives from the Nigerian Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), World Health Organization (WHO), religious leaders, traditional rulers, civil society organizations, and community groups to harmonize efforts and strengthen the outbreak response strategy.

The government has assured residents that there is no cause for panic, stating that Edo State has a strong history of effectively managing public health emergencies.

Citizens have been advised to report any symptoms such as sore throat, fever, swollen neck glands, or difficulty in breathing to the nearest healthcare facility and to fully cooperate with health officials in the ongoing vaccination and awareness campaigns.