Abia Govt To Begin Distribution Of Insecticide-Treated Nets In October, Targets Mosquito Larvae In High-Burden LGAs

UMUAHIA — The Abia State Government says distribution of Insecticide-Treated Mosquito Nets across the state will commence in the first or second week of October, as part of efforts to curb malaria.

Commissioner for Information, Prince Okey Kanu, disclosed this on Monday while briefing newsmen after the State Executive Council meeting presided over by Governor Alex Otti.

Kanu said the nets have started arriving in the state, adding that Governor Otti will officially launch the distribution once the date is confirmed, while consultations are ongoing with stakeholders across the 17 local government areas for seamless distribution.

He said the Ministry of Health, in collaboration with the National Malaria Elimination Programme, will commence larval source management activities before the end of September, focusing on Isuikwuato and Aba South local government areas, identified through biological and available data as breeding the highest level of mosquito larvae in the state.

The Commissioner also disclosed that the Ministry of Health hosted the Optometry and Opticians Regulatory Council of Nigeria and the National Board for Technical Education for accreditation visits to hospitals for training in optometry and nursing at Federal Medical Centre and Amachara campuses of the College of Nursing Sciences.

On public health, Kanu said the Week 38 Health Advisory focused on diphtheria prevention and control, noting that despite outbreaks in some parts of the country, there is no incidence of diphtheria or other diseases of public health importance in Abia, as the public health department has instituted an outbreak prevention and preparedness plan.

On technology, he said following successful implementation of first three cohorts of Abia TechRise programme producing 2,210 graduates, with 88 outstanding graduates offered automatic employment into civil service, Governor Otti has approved preparation for the fourth cohort.

On agriculture, Kanu said the local government agricultural intervention programme under Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs is progressing, with participating LGAs receiving about 2,040 birds under poultry intervention, while agri-value chains are being monitored and most LGAs have started harvesting bell peppers.

On gender-based violence, he said the Ochendo Sexual Assault Referral Centre recorded seven GBV and SGBV cases in the period under review, comprising six sexual violence and one domestic violence case, involving five minors aged 10 to 14 and two adult women aged 25 to 40, including defilement, rape and violence against a pregnant woman.

He said the centre provided medical and other support services including surgery for a 10-year-old survivor with severe vaginal bleeding, with cases documented for investigation and legal processes.

Kanu also announced a three-day fasting and prayer programme from Monday September 21 to Wednesday September 23, from 6 a.m. to 3 p.m. daily, as part of Abia State Solemn Assembly and Covenant Renewal Programme, with climax slated for Thursday.

He added that Abia will host the 2026 edition of World Igbo Day on September 29, featuring keynote lecture on “The Igbo Charter and Development of an Igbo,” wreath laying for fallen heroes, interdenominational service, march past by state delegations, traditional dances and speeches by South East governors and Igbo leaders.

Fielding questions, Commissioner for Health, Prof. Enoch Ogbonnaya Uche, said the College of Nursing Sciences has transited from schools of nursing to collegiate system in line with global standards, with investments and ongoing renovations of hostels across its four campuses.

He said admission is ongoing on merit based on JAMB and school cut-off marks, with quota expected to increase after accreditation reports.