Wife of Abia state governor Mrs. Priscilla Chidinma Otti has called on parents to embrace the introduction of a new regime of  vaccination for children against Rubella-Measles to mitigate the negative impact of the disease on children of vaccination age.

Mrs Otti who was represented by the commissioner for Women Affairs Dr. Mrs. Maureen Arunkwa made the call at a measles rubella vaccination campaign spotlight meeting which took place at banquet hall of government house in Umuahia.

audio 1

She noted that vaccination coverage and information in Nigeria including Abia remains low and must be scaled up significantly for effective coverage.

Audio 2

The meeting had in attendance all the wife’s of mayors from the seventeen local government areas of the state.
The campaign will focus on anchorage, stakeholder engagement, public enlightenment and education. Measles is a virus affecting children and often presents with fever, rashes, cough and conjunctivitis. Measles remain the leading cause of death among children under five years and the introduction of the vaccine can stop 2.5 million deaths in Nigeria according to available data. The meeting also highlighted the need for vaccination against the human papilloma virus-HPV. 

As Abia State joins the rest of the world in marking World Tuberculosis (TB) Day, Mrs. Priscilla Chidinma Otti, wife of the Governor of Abia State, has reaffirmed the government’s commitment to eradicating TB and strengthening healthcare services for the people of Abia.

A release signed and made available to newsmen by Ndubueze Justice Chibuike, Media Aide to the Wife of the Governor, said Mrs. Otti noted that this year’s theme, “Yes! We Can End TB,” is a call to action for everyone—government, health institutions, and individuals—to play an active role in stopping the spread of this preventable and curable disease.

Tuberculosis remains a major public health challenge in Abia, especially due to its strong link with HIV/AIDS. Studies have shown that individuals living with HIV are at a much higher risk of developing TB due to their weakened immune systems. Available health record shows that 11% of TB Patients diagnosed in Abia State in 2024 were co-infected with HIV. Furthermore, data from the National Tuberculosis, Leprosy, and Buruli Ulcer Control Programme (NTBLCP) indicate that in 2024, Abia recorded 4,976 new TB cases, with 18% of estimated TB cases undetected due to gaps in testing and awareness. This reality underscores the importance of routine medical check-ups and early diagnosis. No one should wait until symptoms become severe before seeking help—early detection saves lives.

Under the leadership of Governor Alex C. Otti, the healthcare system in Abia State has seen remarkable improvements, particularly in the fight against infectious diseases. More healthcare centers are now equipped with modern TB diagnostic tools, ensuring faster and more accurate testing. In 2024 alone, the state established five additional GeneXpert testing centers, increasing access to rapid TB diagnosis. Free TB testing and treatment programs have been expanded across the state, making healthcare more accessible to all, especially in rural areas where the disease burden is often higher.

Beyond medical intervention, the Wife of the Governor emphasized the need for community support and compassion for those battling TB. A 2022 survey by the Federal Ministry of Health found that 58% of TB patients in Nigeria face stigma and discrimination, leading to delays in seeking treatment. Stigma remains one of the biggest barriers to care, forcing many patients into silence and isolation. Tuberculosis is not a death sentence, nor is it a curse—it is a disease that can be treated and treatment is free. The responsibility falls on all of us to shun discrimination, embrace love and care, and create a supportive environment where those affected can receive treatment without fear or shame.

Her Excellency extends her gratitude to the hardworking healthcare workers, volunteers, and organizations who continue to fight tirelessly against TB. Their dedication is saving lives every day and bringing us closer to a healthier Abia.

As we commemorate 2025 World TB Day, let us all commit to taking action. Get tested, encourage others to do the same, and stand against stigma. Together, by investing in healthcare, committing to awareness, and delivering quality medical services, we can end TB in Abia State.

Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti has flagged off the rehabilitation, remodelling and retrofitting of 200 primary healthcare facilities across the 184 Wards in Abia within 100 days.

Flagging off the project tagged “Project Ekwueme”, at the Primary Healthcare Centre, Ngwu, Uzuakaoli in Bende LGA, Governor Otti said that it is in pursuit of the broad objectives for the healthcare delivery system that he initiated the project.

According to the Governor,
“We have gathered this afternoon to flag-off a project that will see the State Government renovate and provide operational infrastructure to 200 primary healthcare facilities across the 184 wards in the State over the next 100 days.

“This initiative is set up to improve access to quality healthcare, especially in the rural communities, reduce exposure to quacks and fake drugs and effectively improve good health and longevity for the general populace.

“This initiative has been tagged “Project Ekwueme” by our team at the State Ministry of Health because it practically speaks to our commitment to fulfilling the key promises we made to change the healthcare delivery landscape in the State for the better”, Gov. Otti explained.

Governor Otti said that the primary healthcare facilities his Government intends to set-up in all parts of the State would have its independent power supply from renewable energy sources, efficient water supply system, and other support infrastructure to improve the operational environment, preserve drug supplies and medical consumables.

The Governor expressed the commitment of his administration to the using of high quality and durable materials for the rehabilitation process and assured that he would not tolerate any form of mediocrity as every contractor would be required to provide post-delivery infrastructure maintenance services at the facilities for at least five years.

The State Chef Executive said that the project is set up to benefit present and future generations of Ndi Abia by improving their maternal care, child birth management records and first level care to anyone who needs medical assistance on a round-the-clock basis.

He encouraged community leaders and other stakeholders to be part of the project monitoring efforts and ensure that acts of sabotage against the facilities are frustrated.

Speaking also, the member representing Bende South State Constituency, Hon. Emmanuel Ndubuisi while describing the project as a landmark one said that he is convinced that the Governor is willing to develop Abia. He assured that his people would protect the project.

In his address, the Commissioner for Health, Prof. Enoch Uche while highlighting the achievements of Governor Otti in healthcare delivery, recalled that the Governor did not just declared state of emergency in healthcare in the State but went ahead to allocate 15 percent of the total budget of 2024 and 2025 to healthcare.

He disclosed that the Government is investing about N10.7 Billon in the entire “Project Ekwueme” and described primary healthcare as a very important state of health care services as it is not only the first point of call but addresses the 3rd objective of SDGs. He informed the gathering that the project would be completed by February, 2025.

Earlier, the Mayor of Bende LGA, Deacon Uwabunkeonye Bassey lauded the Governor for the project and said that it would reduce maternal mortality rate that is high in Bende LGA, described the Governor as an action Governor and assured that Bende people would continue to support him.

In their goodwill messages, the Abia State Government National Assembly Liaison Officer, Mr. Ifeanyi Chinasa, the Matron in charge of Ngwu health centre, Mrs. Ihuoma Kalu and President General, Uzuakoli Development Union, Barr. Prince Okechukwu among others saluted the Governor’s decision to retrofit the primary health care facilities in the State and prayed God to bless him.

Ctz. Ukoha Njoku Ukoha
Chief Press Secretary to the Executive Governor of Abia State, Government House Umuahia.