Diphtheria outbreak: Aboh Mbaise lawmaker, Amuchie speaks on need for every child in Imo to get vaccinated

The Imo State House of Assembly Member Representing Aboh Mbaise State Constituency, and Minority Leader of the House, Rt. Hon. Princewill Amuchie, has drawn the attention of the public on outbreak of diphtheria in Aboh Mbaise Local Government Area.

Saying that the disease is not just contagious, but also a killer, urged the public, especially parents to secure the lives of their children by ensuring they get vaccinated, which according to him, is the only remedy for it.

He also appreciated Governor Hope Uzodimma for urgently coming to their aid in Aboh Mbaise by giving directives for the relevant health agencies in the state to wade into containing the menace.

Amuchie made the call on Tuesday during the House Plenary, while moving a motion on adjournment.

Speaking, the Aboh Mbaise legislator noted that he decided to bring the information to the attention of the public, as the disease is already causing havoc in his LGA, Aboh Mbaise.

He disclosed that six pupils have been confirmed dead, eleven quarantined, and receiving medical attention at the health facility in the LGA.

He continued, “I just want to create this awareness and also use this opportunity to appreciate the state government for being proactive in nipping the issue on the board, as immediately it happened, the Ministry of health, the Center for Disease Control, the World health Organization moved to my LGA, Aboh Mbaise to contain the situation by vaccinating children in the schools.

“The public, especially parents should take note of this outbreak and endeavor to take their children to the hospital immediately they notice any form of sickness, for the disease is not just contagious, but it is also a killer.

“Other local governments should take note of this and avail there children for vaccination as it is the only remedy to the menace,’Amuchie reiterated’.

The motion would have been presented as a motion of urgent importance, but because it was raised sometime last year in July 2023, when the outbreak was witnessed, it was now brought up as a motion on adjournment.