By Edokpayi Adesuwa
Edo State Commissioner for Health, Prof. Obehi Akoria has reinforced the State Government’s commitment to the health of its citizens.
Prof. Akoria made this assertion when she received officials of the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) – Lassa fever Response team, led by Dr. Bunmi Olopha, recently in her office in Benin City.
Appreciating the team for their visit, the Commissioner said, the State Government is adequately prepared and fully equipped to handle reported cases of Lassa fever from affected Local Government Areas, adding that the State would welcome the support of its partners to help fix some of the challenges at the Lassa fever isolation centre at Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital (ISTH).
According to Prof. Akoria, the State Government regularly provides Infection Prevention Control (IPC) commodities for the care of patients at the Lassa fever isolation centre.
Outlining the features of the facility, Akoria said: “the facility has capable, experienced, and committed healthcare professionals on the ground to manage the wide range of clinical scenarios associated with Lassa fever”.
Explaining some of the measures put in place by the ministry, Prof. Akoria said that the Ministry of Health is maximizing its efforts in educating the public on the best practices to prevent the spread of Lassa fever, some of which are increasing efforts to promote good hygiene and Sanitation in communities as well as closely working with healthcare providers and other stakeholders to ensure that those who are infected receive prompt and effective treatment.
Earlier, the Team Lead, of NCDC- Rapid response team for Lassa fever, Dr. Bunmi Olopha said they were deployed to Edo State to support the management of the upsurge cases of Lassa fever.
She made known that Lassa fever is a threat to global security hence; it is the mandate of NCDC to protect the health of Nigerians.
Olopha added that their mission is to be in Edo State for two weeks in order to critically identify the gaps and areas needing support in the State.
