Emergency healthcare has been described as a basic need for the citizenry in any given society irrespective of ones’ financial status, hence the need for the Nigeria government to prioritize this aspect of healthcare service delivery to its populace. Emergency patients should also be treated without emphasis on down payment for the purposes of making the urgency to save lives a matter of priority.

These were the views of a United States of America USA based registered Nurse whose area of specialty is on preventive healthcare, Mrs. Onyinyechi Glory Ibe on the Programme “Do Good, Change Lives Hour” on Family Love FM monitored by Dailytrailnews.

The US based registered Nurse who spoke on the recent incident that went viral on various social media platforms of a woman who died as a result of childbirth emergency and lack of 500,000 naira for initial deposit in a private Lagos hospital, maintained that birth preparedness campaign should be embarked upon by both the government and the enlightened members of the public, to educate people on the importance of advance preparations to avert medical emergencies.

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The Paediatrics Nurse who also works in rural communities in the USA also spoke on the possibility of government rolling out policies that would emphasize the need for designated hospitals to treat emergency patients without money, stressing that this should be backed up with active implementation.

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On the issue of raids conducted by the National Agency for Food, Drug Administration and Control NAFDAC in recent times across the country on spots with notoriety for production of fake and substandard drugs, Mrs Glory Ibe proffered some solutions as she emphasized on the agency coming up with a reward mechanism to reward vendors who comply with the sale of genuine products in the country.

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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.

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

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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.