The Edo State Government has met with stakeholders in the seven local government councils that are most affected by Lassa fever in the state as part of measures to stop the disease’s spread and guarantee the health and safety of citizens in all Edo communities.
Prof. Obehi Akoria, the Edo State Commissioner for Health, told journalists following the meeting in the Esan West Local Government Secretariat that the government has put in place methods to limit the disease and safeguard citizens.
Esan West, Etsako West, Esan North East, Esan Central, Etsako Central, Esan South East, and Etsako East are the local government areas in the state that have been hit worst by the disease.
According to her, “The Edo State Government, through the Ministry of Health, is stepping up efforts to contain the spread of Lassa fever in the state and is meeting with relevant stakeholders, including traditional, religious, and community leaders, Heads of Local Government Administration (HOLGA), artisans, and market leaders, as well as various groups and associations in the seven local councils most affected by the disease.”
Present at the meeting were the patent proprietary medicine shop owners, pharmacists, epidemiologists, and representatives of the World Health Organisation (WHO), among other health professionals who are at the forefront of the government’s efforts to contain the disease. In particular, we’re working with the Pharmaceutical Council of Nigeria to make sure that pharmacists don’t treat people who come in with symptoms of Lassa fever; instead, they send them to the Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital (ISTH) for evaluation and care.
Lassa fever has been present in Edo State for more than 30 years, but Prof. Obehi said that the situation there has never been as bad as it is currently. We have confirmed 18 cases in the past week alone. This is quite concerning and calls for immediate action. Since lassa fever is contagious, as opposed to hypertension and diabetes, everyone is at danger if just one person gets the disease. As a result, we are dealing with a state of emergency and must confront the problem head-on.
The Edo State Public Health Emergency Operation Center for Lassa Fever has been operational since January 5, 2023, even as the government implements other necessary steps to stop the spread of Lassa Fever in our state, such as increased surveillance and public awareness campaigns, among other things. Additionally, we are collaborating closely with medical professionals and specialists to promptly detect and isolate Lassa fever cases and to give those who are affected the proper care and treatment.
She further charged, “We therefore advise all residents to take the appropriate precautions to protect themselves and their families from Lassa feve. This entails maintaining good hygiene, such as washing your hands frequently and avoiding contact with sick individuals, as well as refraining from engaging in actions that could increase your chance of contracting the disease, such as eating bush meat.”