UNICEF Urges Health Checks at Owerri Airport as Diphtheria Outbreak Spreads in Imo State

As Imo State grapples with a growing outbreak of diphtheria, the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has called for immediate public health interventions—including routine health screenings at Sam Mbakwe Airport in Owerri—to curb the spread of the highly contagious disease.

The recommendation follows the confirmation of diphtheria cases in Mbutu, Aboh Mbaise Local Government Area, marking the index case in the state. With the airport located near the epicenter of the outbreak, UNICEF warns that unchecked air travel could escalate the situation and increase the risk of a national health emergency.

Understanding the Threat: What is Diphtheria?

Diphtheria is a serious bacterial infection caused by Corynebacterium diphtheriae. It primarily affects the nose, throat, and sometimes the skin, and spreads through respiratory droplets or direct contact with infected individuals or contaminated surfaces.

The incubation period ranges from 2 to 10 days, and if left untreated, the infection can lead to severe complications or even death—fatal in approximately 1 in 10 cases, according to health experts.

UNICEF Steps In to Support Government Response

UNICEF is playing a leading role in supporting the Nigerian government’s efforts to contain the outbreak. This includes assistance with:

• Case management

• Infection prevention and control

• Reactive vaccination campaigns

• Risk communication and public awareness

• Community engagement and mobilization

Speaking at a recent press briefing themed “Diphtheria Outbreak Response in Imo,” UNICEF representative Mr. Akinleye stressed the urgency of the crisis. He emphasized the critical need for immediate containment strategies, particularly in areas with heavy movement of people.

“With 10 fatalities already recorded, we must act fast to prevent a national disaster,” Akinleye warned. “Routine passenger screenings at Sam Mbakwe Airport can help identify potential carriers and reduce further transmission.”

Vaccination Drive Gains Momentum

Efforts to vaccinate residents in affected areas are already underway. According to Dr. Chibuzo Anyaehie, Imo State’s Immunisation Officer, 4,017 people have been vaccinated across the four most impacted council areas:

• Aboh Mbaise

• Ahiazu Mbaise

• Owerri North

• Owerri Municipal

So far, the state has recorded 79 suspected cases and 7 laboratory-confirmed cases. Anyaehie confirmed that treatment centers have been established at Primary Health Centres in Mbutu and Aboh General Hospital, with additional doses of the diphtheria vaccine recently supplied.

Community Engagement and Hygiene Awareness

UNICEF is also working closely with local health authorities and community stakeholders to ensure effective public education.

Dr. Ijeoma Onuoha-Ogwe, UNICEF’s Communications Officer, praised health workers from the Imo Ministry of Health for their dedication. She also called on the media to intensify public awareness campaigns focused on preventive practices, such as timely vaccination and hygiene.

Meanwhile, Mrs. Rebekah Gabriel, UNICEF’s Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) Specialist, stressed the importance of regular handwashing with soap and water as a first line of defense. She urged greater collaboration with traditional leaders and community influencers to drive sensitization at the grassroots level.

A Call for Vigilance

With diphtheria posing a serious public health threat, UNICEF and state authorities are calling on citizens to remain vigilant. Early detection, vaccination, and public cooperation remain critical in halting the spread of the disease.

As Imo State battles to contain the outbreak, the collaboration between international health agencies, government bodies, and local communities will be crucial in ensuring that diphtheria does not gain a wider foothold in Nigeria.