Abia designates specialist hospital as Ebola isolation centre

The Abia State Government has designated the Specialist Hospital and Diagnostic Centre, Amachara, as an isolation centre for Ebola, pending the completion of the Infectious Disease Hospital in Aba.

The development comes against the backdrop of Nigeria’s ongoing response to the Ebola disease situation after the country confirmed its first case of the Bundibugyo strain in the Federal Capital Territory on October 20, 2026.

The NCDC had earlier urged states to strengthen their Ebola preparedness, including arrangements for early detection, isolation, referral, laboratory diagnosis, infection prevention and control, contact tracing and risk communication.

Abia was classified among the states at moderate risk of importation in the agency’s May 2026 preparedness advisory.

The state Commissioner for Information, Okey Kanu, disclosed this on Monday in Umuahia, the state capital, while briefing journalists on the outcome of this week’s State Executive Council meeting presided over by Governor Alex Otti.

Kanu said the Ministry of Health had set up a multi-sectoral Ebola Preparedness and Response Technical Working Group to strengthen the state’s readiness.

“Through several engagements, the technical working group has produced an Ebola preparedness and response plan for the state. Accordingly, the state has designated the Specialist Hospital and Diagnostic Centre, Amachara, as an isolation centre for Ebola, pending the completion of the Infectious Disease Hospital in Aba,” Kanu said.

He assured all that there were no reported cases of diseases of public health importance in the state during the period under review.

“There are no reported cases of diseases of public health importance in Abia State during the period under review, and this is between 28th of October and 1st of November, 2026. Ebola disease, Lassa fever, COVID-19, diphtheria, cholera, mpox, and yellow fever are some of these diseases,” he added.

On breast cancer awareness, Kanu said the Office of the Wife of the Governor, Mrs Priscilla Otti, had led the campaign.

“An event to mark the World Breast Cancer Awareness Month was organised by the Office of the Wife of the Governor, Her Excellency, Mrs Priscilla Otti, in collaboration with the Ministry of Health. The project is aimed at attracting attention towards the high burden of breast cancer in Nigeria, and the need for women of childbearing age to embrace cancer-preventing lifestyles and screening to ensure early detection,” he said.

Kanu also disclosed that Abia had been selected to host a modern Stroke and Neurovascular Centre following its participation in an international health symposium.

“Through the approval of government, the State Ministry of Health participated in the 2025 Symposium of the Swedish-African Neurosurgery Symposium in Gothenburg, Sweden. The achievements of the health sector reforms were celebrated at the symposium. With the health sector achievements of the state, Amachara has been selected as the location to host its stroke and neurovascular centre. This is another milestone achievement of this administration,” he stated.

He added that the Federal Ministry of Health had recently recognised Abia as a national champion for health promotion.

“The State Ministry of Health was recently recognised as the national champion by the Federal Ministry of Health. This is another recognition of the health transformation going on in the state,” he said.

On the housing project, Kanu said work was progressing rapidly.

“As we speak, the estate site is active with all contractors on site to meet with the deadline set for the project. The deadline for the project is set early next year, so all the contractors are working very hard to meet the deadline.

“The oversubscribed portion of the housing fund is indicative of the high level of confidence that Abians who subscribe to the fund have in the administration of His Excellency,” he added.

Speaking on agriculture, Kanu said the local government agribusiness initiative was yielding results.

He said, “The ministry’s Joint Agricultural Intervention Programme is thriving across the 17 local government areas. This is a partnership initiative of the state government and the 17 LGAs to develop viable agricultural enterprises, attract investment, expand food production, and create jobs.

“For instance, the Arochukwu Local Government Area has expanded its agricultural activities by planting 86,000 palm trees.”

On the creative economy and the festive season, Kanu said preparations were in top gear.

“The ministry has signed an MoU with Abia Fashion Week. The 2026 Abia Fashion Week will be held between the 24th and 27th of November, 2026. These partnerships are expected to strengthen Abia’s position as a fashion hub while creating opportunities for youth employment and creative enterprise development.

“Preparations are in top gear to ensure a memorable, well-organised, and culturally vibrant festive season across the state. These activities are designed to promote tourism, showcase Abia’s rich cultural heritage, stimulate local businesses, and position the state as a leading destination for arts, culture and entertainment,” Kanu said.

He also announced the upcoming Tertiary Education and Sports Fiesta.

“The Abia Tertiary Education and Sports Fiesta will formally kick off tomorrow, 3rd of November, 2026. About 1,850 athletes are expected to participate in the fiesta. The highlight of the event will be the unveiling of the new Abia State University Fan Club,” he said.