From Resistance to Resilience: Otti’s Blueprint for a Healthier Abia
Governor Alex Otti’s administration in Abia State has undertaken a comprehensive and integrated approach to combat malaria and microbial resistance, leveraging partnerships, community engagement, and data-driven strategies. These efforts are deeply rooted in collaborations with global health organizations, infrastructural upgrades, and public awareness campaigns, as reflected in official state publications and initiatives.
Central to the malaria eradication strategy is the IMPACT Project, a World Bank-supported initiative implemented across 292 health facilities in the state. This project focuses on enhancing malaria prevention, diagnosis, and treatment, particularly in rural communities with high disease burdens. Under this program, Abia State has distributed 928,116 Artemisinin-Based Combination Therapies (ACTs) for treating confirmed malaria cases, 63,808 injectable Artesunate for severe malaria in children, and 429,342 Sulfadoxine-Pyrimethamine (SP) doses for pregnant women to prevent complications. Additionally, 288,533 insecticide-treated nets (ITNs) have been distributed to households, coupled with public education campaigns emphasizing the use of nets and environmental hygiene to eliminate mosquito breeding sites.
The administration has also prioritized the adoption of emerging medical technologies. Mrs. Priscilla Otti, the governor’s wife and a Malaria Ambassador, has committed to introducing the R21/Matrix-M malaria vaccine once it becomes available in Nigeria, aligning with global recommendations to reduce under-five mortality. This aligns with the state’s broader goal of eliminating malaria by 2025, as declared during the 2024 World Malaria Day commemoration, which emphasized equitable access to prevention tools and community-driven accountability.
To address microbial resistance, the government has strengthened healthcare infrastructure and diagnostic capabilities. The Abia State Health Management Information System (ABSSIN) tracks malaria incidence and antimicrobial usage, enabling targeted interventions in high-risk areas like Umuahia and Aba. Training programs for healthcare workers across 292 facilities have been implemented to ensure adherence to standardized treatment protocols, reducing the misuse of antimalarials and antibiotics—a critical measure in curbing resistance. The state reported a 100% treatment rate with ACTs in Q3 2023 and 107% in Q1 2024, reflecting both improved supply chains and rigorous monitoring.
Legislative measures further underpin these efforts. The Abia State Electricity Bill, signed into law in 2023, ensures stable power supply to healthcare facilities, which is vital for preserving temperature-sensitive medications and vaccines. This initiative has been commended by the National Assembly as a model for other states. Additionally, the “Citizen’s Gate” portal allows residents to report healthcare issues directly, fostering transparency and rapid response to outbreaks.
Community engagement remains a cornerstone of the strategy. Local leaders, NGOs, and residents are actively involved in sanitation drives to eliminate stagnant water and promote ITN usage. Campaigns like “No Let Malaria Thief Your Pikin!”—a pidgin English slogan from a widely recognized billboard—emotionally resonate with communities, emphasizing parental vigilance and early intervention. The state also collaborates with organizations like PanAfricare and the World Health Organization to monitor the distribution and utilization of malaria commodities, ensuring resources reach vulnerable groups, including pregnant women and children under five.
Despite these advancements, challenges such as climate change, which exacerbates mosquito breeding, and funding gaps persist. However, the integration of vaccines, upgraded diagnostics, and community participation positions Abia State on a trajectory to significantly reduce malaria prevalence and antimicrobial resistance, setting a precedent for sustainable public health transformation in Nigeria.
Dr Chukwuemeka Ifegwu Eke writes from Yakubu Gowon University Nigeria
