Abia Govt Rolls Out Free Medical Outreach For Flood-Hit Bende Communities

Distributes mosquito nets, educates residents on hygiene, safe water

UMUAHIA — Abia State Government has provided free medical services to residents of Ugwueke and Ezeukwu communities in Bende LGA following flood disaster that ravaged area.

The Intervention was aimed at providing immediate healthcare support and preventing health challenges that could arise in the aftermath of the flooding.

Governor Alex Otti, represented by Commissioner for Health, Prof. Enoch Ogbonnaya Uche, sympathised with the people of the two communities over the impact of the flood.

Otti said government remains committed to protecting health and wellbeing of residents, particularly in emergency situations.

He said medical outreach was part of government’s response to disaster, noting that access to medical care was essential to prevent secondary health challenges.

“I want to sympathise with people of Ugwueke and Ezeukwu over this unfortunate flood disaster. We understand difficulties flood has caused, and we are here to ensure that health of our people is protected,” he said.

He urged residents to make use of medical services provided and report health concerns promptly.

Medical personnel attended to residents, providing free consultation, treatment and health support.

Director of Public Health, Dr. Princess Agomuo, emphasised the need for increased personal and environmental hygiene after flood.

She cautioned against consumption of food or water that may have been contaminated by floodwater, warning that flooding could expose communities to health risks.

She advised residents to properly wash and cook food, avoid suspected contaminated foods and boil drinking water before consumption.

“At this time, you need to be very careful about what you eat and drink. Do not consume food or water that you suspect may have been contaminated,” she said.

She demonstrated proper method of handwashing and encouraged regular handwashing before eating, preparing food, after using toilet or contact with contaminated materials.

She advised residents to seek medical attention immediately when they notice symptoms of illness.

She also urged residents to protect themselves against mosquito bites, noting that stagnant water left by flood could provide breeding grounds.

She encouraged consistent use of mosquito nets, especially for children and pregnant women.

Mosquito nets were distributed to families, while health officials educated residents on proper use.

Responding, a resident Mr. Victor Nwaka said flood caused significant damage to homes and farmlands, leaving many families struggling to recover.

“The flood really affected us. Some of our houses were damaged, and our farms were also badly affected. Many people lost crops and other things they depend on for livelihood. We are grateful that state government came here to provide medical assistance,” he said.

Other residents described the intervention as timely, expressing worry about sickness due to dirty and stagnant water.

They urged government to continue supporting affected families as they recover and expressed support for Governor Otti ahead of 2027 elections.

The outreach underscored importance of combining immediate medical intervention with preventive health education in communities recovering from natural disasters.

It featured health education on disease prevention, personal hygiene and measures to protect residents from possible outbreaks of waterborne and other communicable diseases associated with flooding.