Abia State Records First Case of Monkeypox, Health Authorities Mobilize Respose
The Abia State Government has confirmed its first case of Monkeypox, as disclosed by the Commissioner for Information, Prince Okey Kanu, during the state’s executive council meeting held on Monday. Out of 13 suspected cases, one has been confirmed positive, nine were negative, and three remain uncertified. Fortunately, no deaths have been reported in connection with the disease.
The confirmed case was recorded in Isialangwa, and in response, the state has activated multiple healthcare centers, including the Abia State University Teaching Hospital, with plans to open more centers in the coming days.
The state’s proactive measures were further detailed by Dr. Ngozi Azodo, the Special Adviser on Health, who highlighted the collaboration between the Ministries of Health, Environment, and Public Utilities. She announced the formation of a steering committee dedicated to managing infectious diseases and affirmed the state’s alignment with the Federal Government’s "One-Health" policy, aimed at enhancing the coordination of health responses.
In a significant development, Dr. Azodo also revealed that the Abia State Ministry of Health is set to deliver 200 Primary Healthcare Centres (PHCs) within 100 days. This ambitious project will involve the renovation and retrofitting of existing PHCs to meet current standards. The initiative is scheduled to begin in the first week of September, with completion and delivery targeted for December, in what Dr. Azodo described as a “Christmas gift” to the people of Abia State.
The state government’s swift response to the Monkeypox case, alongside its broader healthcare initiatives, underscores its commitment to safeguarding public health and improving healthcare infrastructure across Abia.
