The Abia State Ministry of Health, in collaboration with the National Malaria Elimination Programme, is set to commence larvae source management activities in two pilot local government areas, Isuikwuato and Aba South, before the end of September. This move is aimed at tackling malaria from its source, following documented mosquito larvae infestation in the state. The initiative is part of a broader strategy to strengthen malaria prevention and control in Abia State.
According to the Commissioner for Information, Prince Okey Kanu, the intervention in Isuikwuato and Aba South is based on available data indicating that these areas have significant mosquito larvae breeding activities. The goal is to eliminate the larvae at source, thereby reducing the incidence of malaria in the state. Additionally, consultations are ongoing with relevant stakeholders across the 17 local government areas to ensure a seamless and effective distribution of treated mosquito nets.
The state government plans to distribute insecticide-treated mosquito nets statewide within the first and second week of October 2026. The mosquito nets have already started arriving in the state. This distribution is part of the measures to enhance malaria prevention and control. The Commissioner for Information also disclosed that the state had recorded seven cases of gender-based violence and sexual and gender-based violence.
The Nchedo Sexual Assault Referral Centre in Abia State reported seven cases of gender-based violence and sexual and gender-based violence, comprising six cases of sexual violence and one case of domestic violence. The cases involved five minors aged between 10 and 14 years and two adult women aged between 25 and 40 years. The reported cases included alleged defilement, rape, and domestic violence against a pregnant woman.
The Nchedo Sexual Assault Referral Centre provided medical and other support services to survivors, including medical intervention and surgery for a 10-year-old survivor who sustained severe vaginal bleeding. The centre has documented the cases for appropriate protection, investigation, referral, and legal processes. The state government assured that it remains committed to ensuring that perpetrators of gender-based violence are brought to justice.
In a related development, the State Ministry of Health recently hosted the Optometrists and Opticians Registration Council of Nigeria for an accreditation visit, as well as the National Board for Technical Education for accreditation of training programmes in optometry and nursing sciences. The accreditation exercise included nursing training at the Federal Medical Centre and Abiriba campuses of the College of Nursing Sciences in the state.
The state government is also preparing for the fourth cohort of the Abia TechRise programme, following the successful implementation of the first three cohorts, which produced 2,210 graduates. Furthermore, 88 outstanding graduates secured automatic employment into the Abia State Civil Service. The Local Government Agricultural Innovation Programme is progressing well across the 17 local government areas, and the state will host the 2026 edition of World Igbo Day in September.
Key points
- - Abia State Ministry of Health to commence larvae source management activities in two pilot local government areas. - The state recorded seven cases of gender-based violence and sexual and gender-based violence. - Statewide distribution of insecticide-treated mosquito nets to commence in October 2026.
