UNICEF has reported that 4,017 people in Imo State have been vaccinated amid a diphtheria outbreak that has caused ten deaths so far. The first case appeared in Mbutu, Aboh Mbaise Local Government Area, according to Dr. Olusoji Akinleye, UNICEF’s Health Specialist, who spoke during a virtual briefing in Owerri. He warned that the disease poses a serious risk due to its highly contagious nature. He stressed the need for urgent containment to avoid a wider health crisis, especially with the airport near Aboh Mbaise.
Dr. Chibuzo Anyaehie, the State Immunisation Officer, confirmed the vaccination numbers and reported 79 suspected diphtheria cases across four affected local government areas: Aboh Mbaise, Ahiazu Mbaise, Owerri North, and Owerri Municipal. Treatment centres have been set up at primary health care facilities in Mbutu and Aboh General Hospital, with an additional 70 vaccine doses recently delivered.
UNICEF’s Communication Officer, Dr. Ijeoma Onuoha-Ogwe, praised the Imo State Ministry of Health for their commitment and urged journalists to help increase public awareness on diphtheria prevention and treatment. Mrs. Rebekah Gabriel, UNICEF’s WASH Specialist, highlighted the importance of regular handwashing with soap and water, calling on traditional leaders and stakeholders to boost local education efforts. UNICEF’s Chief of Field Office in Enugu, Mrs. Juliet Chiluwe, also thanked the media for their ongoing support and encouraged further public education on the outbreak.
