By Kingsley Agim
Cross River State has once again recorded a major public health milestone, following the successful treatment and discharge of the state’s only confirmed case.
The State Commissioner for Health, Dr Henry Egbe Ayuk, disclosed that the lone case was confirmed on April 16, 2026, by the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) at the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital (UCTH) isolation centre.
According to him, the State Government swiftly activated its public health emergency response mechanisms, including the Emergency Operations Centre (EOC), to contain the situation and prevent further spread.
Dr Ayuk explained that the response, carried out in close collaboration with key partners such as the World Health Organization (WHO) and the NCDC, involved comprehensive contact tracing, line listing of exposed persons, clinical monitoring, as well as sample collection and testing.
He noted that all identified contacts were closely followed up with, and none developed symptoms or tested positive for the virus.
“I am pleased to report that Cross River State is COVID-19 free. On May 1, 2026, the index and only patient was discharged in excellent health, with a negative COVID-19 test result’ he said.
The Commissioner assured residents that the State Public Health Department and the Emergency Operations Centre remain on high alert to promptly detect and respond to any disease of public health concern.
He expressed appreciation to development partners and institutions that supported the response effort, including UCTH, the Federal Ministry of Health, the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA), NCDC, WHO, UNICEF, and others.
Dr Ayuk also commended Governor Bassey Edet Otu for providing the necessary political will and resources that ensured the effective management of the case.
