Akwa Ibom Records Zero Cholera Outbreaks In 2026 – Health Commissioner

• Zero confirmed cholera outbreaks recorded in Akwa Ibom in 2026 so far, compared with over 35 outbreaks reported last year.

• 19 model primary healthcare centres completed across the state, with facilities planned for all 31 LGAs.

• Free maternal healthcare expanded, including free Caesarean sections in government hospitals and training of 956 skilled birth attendants.

August 28, () — Akwa Ibom State has recorded no confirmed cholera outbreak so far in 2026, a significant improvement from the more than 35 outbreaks recorded in the state in the previous year, the Commissioner for Health, Dr Ekem Emmanuel John, has disclosed.

John attributed the development to increased government funding, strengthened disease surveillance, training of health personnel and support from development partners.

The Commissioner made the disclosure during the August edition of the Akwa Ibom State Government’s monthly Ministerial Briefing in Uyo, where he outlined the administration’s interventions and achievements in the health sector.

“That is not a product of accidents. It is a combination of funding by His Excellency the Governor and support from development partners”, John said.

He explained that the state government’s strategy for improving healthcare delivery went beyond the recruitment of health workers to include training, deployment, motivation, retention and continuous monitoring.

According to him, 713 primary healthcare workers have been trained in the use of data for decision-making, while 1,959 healthcare workers received training in family planning services.

He added that 600 nurses benefited from continuous professional development, while more than 530 personnel were trained on the operations of the state’s Drug Revolving Fund.

The Commissioner further disclosed that 956 skilled birth attendants, more than 100 junior community health extension workers and 656 community surveillance officers had also been trained to strengthen healthcare delivery and disease surveillance.

On infrastructure, John said the government was constructing at least one model primary healthcare centre in each of the state’s 31 Local Government Areas, with additional facilities being provided in some areas based on identified needs.

He said 19 model primary healthcare centres had been completed, while several others were expected to be commissioned in September. He added that 29 existing primary healthcare centres had also been renovated.

John said the facilities were being equipped to provide maternal and child healthcare, immunisation and emergency services, while cold-chain facilities, staff accommodation and solar power were also being provided, particularly in rural communities.

He acknowledged that Akwa Ibom has 479 primary healthcare centres, noting that rehabilitating all the facilities simultaneously would not be practicable.

At the secondary healthcare level, the Commissioner listed the completion of General Hospital, Ukanafun, and the transformation of the Airport Medical Centre among the administration’s major interventions.

He said the Airport Medical Centre, which was previously a small and rundown facility, had been upgraded with modern infrastructure and equipment, including three operating theatres, stressing that the facility was open to all residents of the state and not restricted to airport workers.

John also said equipment upgrades and theatre renovations were ongoing at facilities including Emmanuel General Hospital, Eket.

On maternal healthcare, he said the state government had intensified efforts to reduce maternal mortality through free maternal healthcare, improved facilities and increased access to skilled birth attendants.

He disclosed that women requiring Caesarean sections in government hospitals could access the service free of charge under the state’s free maternal healthcare programme.

The Commissioner also encouraged pregnant women to enrol in the state health insurance scheme, noting that pregnancy-related care and child immunisation were covered under the programme.

He said the government’s interventions were aimed at building a resilient healthcare system that guarantees accessibility, affordability and quality of care while improving health outcomes for residents.

The briefing was attended by the Commissioner for Information, Rt. Hon. Aniekan Umanah; Press Secretary to the Governor, Mr Ekerette Udoh; Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Information, Akparawa James Edet; and media aides to the Governor.