The Abia State Ministry of Health has established a biomedical unit tasked with installing, maintaining, and repairing medical equipment across government-owned hospitals in the state, as part of efforts to strengthen healthcare delivery and reduce equipment failures.

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

He said the initiative also includes a practical training programme for biomedical engineers and ministry personnel, implemented in partnership with MedStar USA and CPR USA engineers currently in the state.

According to him, the training was officially flagged off on May 12, 2026, by Governor Otti, represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Dr Emmanuel Meribole, and is scheduled to run until May 22, 2026.

Kanu explained that the programme forms part of broader reforms aimed at improving the efficiency and quality of healthcare services across Abia State.

He also revealed that the state government plans to distribute three million insecticide-treated mosquito nets in September 2026 as part of its malaria prevention strategy. He noted that malaria prevalence in the state had declined from 16.5 per cent in 2024 to 11.5 per cent in 2025.

He said several health facilities are nearing completion and will be commissioned during the state’s third anniversary celebrations later this month, including Phase 1 of the Obingwa General Hospital and the Arochukwu General Hospital. He added that 15 primary healthcare centres currently being equipped would also be commissioned and made functional.

The commissioner further stated that the state has begun integrating more primary healthcare centres into its Digital Health Project, with four facilities included in the current phase.

On public health surveillance, Kanu said the state is monitoring global health alerts following warnings from the World Health Organization and the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control regarding Ebola outbreaks in parts of Africa.

He, however, assured residents that no cases of Ebola, COVID-19, Lassa fever, Mpox, diphtheria, yellow fever, cholera, or rabies have been recorded in Abia State.

Residents were advised to maintain proper hygiene, avoid contact with rodents, and seek medical attention when ill.

He also disclosed that the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation has introduced a five-day STEM programme for secondary school students to promote educational technology, including the launch of a STEM platform and the creation of Girls in ICT clubs across 30 schools.

In addition, a biogas digester pilot project has been deployed in a secondary school in Owerenta to demonstrate renewable energy generation from organic waste, with data expected to guide possible expansion.

Kanu further noted that under the Federal Government’s ECON programme, the state has set up a committee to support innovation and commercialisation, linking academia, industry, and government to promote start-ups and research-driven solutions.

He added that over 25 projects are expected to be commissioned during the third anniversary of the current administration, including major road projects such as Onu Imo Tower Road, Abiriba–Ohafia Road, Nunya–Isiukwuato Road, and Umuahia–Okuta Road.

The commissioner also said political appointees have been directed to take responsibility for maintaining projects within their communities, including minor repairs, sanitation in schools, and environmental cleanliness, as part of efforts to sustain development across the state.