Lassa fever: Edo kicks off fresh sensitization campaign

• as number of cases drops

Edo State Government has commenced a fresh strategic sensitization campaign to halt the recent upsurge of Lassa fever in different parts of the state.

A Press Release from the State Ministry of Health said the campaign led by the Commissioner for Health, Prof. Obehi Akoria, is being launched amidst reports showing that the disease is already on the decline in some local governments.

According to the release, only 19 people, 9 adults and ten children are on admission, as at February 15, with the total number of deaths, so far, standing at 25.

Launching the campaign at Ekpoma, Esan West Local Government, the Commissioner applauded the advocacy work done so far within the LGA.  She however tasked everyone to take the charge to their homes, schools, churches to ensure total eradication of the fever.

Prof. Akora further called on all persons in authority, as well as parents, to educate their community and family members because, “it is only those alive that can play politics and also take care of their families”.

Prof. Akoria addressing the participants at Ekpoma

Prof. Akoria was received by the council Boss, Hon. Friday Amiedamhen Idialu who briefed her on the sensitisation campaign by the health department to eradicate the disease from the Local Government. He also gave a break down on the council’s achievements since the commencement of the campaign.

Hon. Idialu further stated that Esan West LGA which was the flash point of Lassa fever in Edo State now ranks among the few LGAs that have reduced the number of cases to the least. The council Boss also assured the commissioner that his team would totally flush out Lassa fever in the coming months.

He thanked the Commissioner for prioritizing the health of the people as proven by her taking time out of her very busy schedule to visit the Local Government.

The Primary Health Center Coordinator, Esan West Local Government Area, Dr. Ehis Emuah noted that the campaign was aimed at creating awareness on ways to prevent the fever. He spoke on the possible means of contracting the fever and other related diseases which is through animals and pets. He further enlightened the people on the symptoms and prevention of Lassa fever. 

Other Senior Health Officials in the council took turns to give the break down on the efforts made towards curbing the disease as well as achievements recorded so far within the LGA. 

The sensitization campaign was taken to churches, mosques, market places, motor Parks, communities, and other targeted locations with participants drawn from host communities, health workers from across the Local Government Council and all Special Advisers across the 10 wards in the Local Government Area.