Cross River State has once again recorded a major public health milestone, following the successful treatment and discharge of the state’s only confirmed COVID-19 case.

The 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 Organisation (WHO) and the NCDC, involved comprehensive contact tracing, line-listing of exposed persons, clinical monitoring, and 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 concerns.

MEANWHILE, stakeholders in Nigeria’s health sector have called for urgent and sustained action on hand hygiene to reduce infections and save lives.

The stakeholders include NCDC, WHO, and the United States Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

They made the call yesterday, May 5, 2026, in Abuja, during the 2026 World Hand Hygiene Day celebration, themed “Action Saves Lives,” where experts emphasised that consistent practice – not just knowledge – is critical to improving patient safety.