By Ayodele Oni
Edo State Government have reached out to various health bodies and stakeholders, following report of an outbreak of diphtheria, which has claimed two lives out of five cases reported.
The State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Cyril Adams Oshiomhole, has held an emergency meeting with heads of health institutions, the World Health Organization (WHO), UNICEF and other key health stakeholders in the health sector in the state.
The meeting followed an official report from the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH), confirming five cases of diphtheria, including two deaths.
The situation, he said, had raised serious concerns and called for urgent action across the health sector.
Diphtheria is a serious infection caused by bacteria. It mostly affects the nose and throat and spreads easily through coughing, sneezing, or close contact.
Without early treatment, it can lead to serious health problems, including fatality.
Dr. Oshiomhole warned that the outbreak, along with other rising health issues such as viral infections, highlights the need for quick and joint efforts to protect the public.
The meeting focused on setting up a rapid response team, improving coordination across state and local levels, reviewing surveillance data, tracing contacts, managing cases, engaging communities, and ensuring vaccine availability.
The Commissioner commended UBTH for their swift response and thanked all partners for their continued support.
He added that the Governor, Monday Okpebholo supports all necessary interventions to stop the spread of the disease and keep communities safe
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