Anambra, Ebonyi, Enugu intensify vaccination against meningitis

Health authorities in Anambra, Ebonyi, and Enugu have intensified vaccination efforts against meningitis and other heatwave-related diseases. The health authorities made the call in separate interviews over the rising heatwave and high possibility of a meningitis outbreak. They ensured participation in statewide and primary health care-organized routine vaccinations and urged residents to stay in the shade, ventilated apartments, and drink more water to get hydrated.

In Anambra, Chizoba Ezeasor, the executive secretary of the Anambra Primary Healthcare Development Agency (APHCDA), called on parents and caregivers to present their children for vaccination against diseases, including meningitis. Ms. Ezeasor said meningitis is a preventable disease and vaccination remains one of the most effective ways of protecting children and communities. The APHCDA provides routine childhood vaccination through PHC centers across the 21 local government areas of Anambra.

Chukwudi Okani, a lecturer at the Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University Medical College in Anambra, noted that heat-related illnesses include dehydration, heat exhaustion, heat stroke, worsening of asthma, and meningitis. Mr. Okani advised parents not to ignore persistent fever, severe headache, neck stiffness, and repeated vomiting, as well as other abnormal health signs and conditions. He also noted that meningitis can be caused by several organisms, including Meningococcal bacteria and viruses.

In Ebonyi, the state government has procured vaccines and deployed health workers across communities to prevent possible outbreaks of meningitis. The state director of public health, Gabriel Ajah, said the government is taking proactive measures to protect residents against rising temperatures and the prevailing heatwave. The interventions aim to strengthen disease surveillance, improve early detection, and ensure prompt response to suspected cases across the state's 13 council areas.

In Ebonyi, the government is working with relevant health partners, authorities, and workers to ensure that residents have access to vaccination, medical attention, and appropriate treatment. Mr. Ajah urged residents to remain vigilant and promptly report symptoms associated with meningitis to the nearest health facility rather than resorting to self-medication. He also restated the importance of public awareness and community participation in preventing the spread of heatwave-related diseases.

In Enugu, the health commissioner, George Ugwu, said the state has not recorded meningitis or heatwave-related diseases. Mr. Ugwu noted that the state has effectively checked heatwave-related diseases through continued routine and special Meningitis A vaccination for children between zero and five years for over a decade. The state, in collaboration with its health partners, has continued meningitis A vaccination to enhance children's immunity, targeting over one million children in each exercise.

Residents in the three states are advised to take precautions against heatwave-related diseases, including staying in well-ventilated apartments, avoiding crowded areas with poor ventilation, and seeking medical attention if sudden fever occurs. Some residents have expressed concern over the increasing cost of coping with the heatwave, including running generating sets, buying more water, and purchasing rechargeable fans to keep their apartments cool.

Key points

• Health authorities in Anambra, Ebonyi, and Enugu have intensified vaccination efforts against meningitis and other heatwave-related diseases.
• Meningitis is a preventable disease, and vaccination remains one of the most effective ways of protecting children and communities.
• Residents are advised to take precautions against heatwave-related diseases, including staying in well-ventilated apartments and seeking medical attention if symptoms occur.