By Ighomuaye Lucky. O
The Edo State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Cyril Adams Oshiomhole has held an emergency meeting to address the outbreak of Diphtheria disease that has claimed the lives of two patients at the University of Benin Teaching Hospital.
Speaking with the heads of health institutions, the World Health Organization (WHO), UNICEF, and other key health partners in the state in an emergency meeting, Dr. Oshiomhole said, the meeting followed an official report from the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH) which confirmed five cases of diphtheria, including two deaths.
Oshiomhole said that the situation has raised serious concern and called for urgent action across the health sector.
While explaining the outbreak of the disease, the Health Commissioner said Diphtheria is a serious infection caused by bacteria.
He said it mostly affects the nose and throat and spreads easily through coughing, sneezing, or close contact adding that without early treatment, it can lead to serious health problems or death.
He warned that the outbreak, along with other rising health issues such as viral infections and drug resistance, highlights the need for quick and joint efforts to protect the public.
He further urged that the meeting focuses 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.
He lauded the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH) for their swift response and thanked all partners for their continued support.
He added that the governor will support all necessary interventions to stop the spread of the disease and keep communities safe.
