Lassa Fever: Osun Govt Takes Sensitisation To Border Communities

In continuation of her efforts to curtail the spread of Lassa Fever outbreak, the State government of Osun on Sunday took it’s sensitization and awareness campaign to Olode and Ifetedo, in Ife South West LCDA and Ife South local government area respectively.

Dr Olasiji Olamiju, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Public Health, said that the awareness campaign became necessary as the two cases of Lassa fever recorded were traced to migrants from Ondo, a neighbouring State which shares borders with the communities.

Olamiju stated that residents needs to be aware and informed, in order to take up responsibilities in preventing the spread of Lassa fever outbreak in the State.

He stressed that the battle against this disease should be the collective responsibility of both government and personal commitment.

“From here (Ifetedo) in Ife South local government, it’s just a fifteen minutes drive to Ondo. We are here to talk to the people about prevention which is key and to also sensitise them on the need to practice good environmental and personal hygiene; these are some of the best ways of staying safe.

“As you are aware, Lassa fever is already ravaging Ondo State which is very close to us here and we have recorded two imported cases. We realise that prevention is better than cure and that was why we came out to sensitise traders and everyone around the border areas today.”

“The State government of Osun under the leadership of Governor Adegboyega Oyetola has equipped all Primary Health centres across the State and our health workers are battle-ready to pick up patients showing signs or symptoms of the disease in all communities and border areas”, he added.

Speaking, Honourable Adebisi Yinusa, Chairman Ife South West LCDA commended the state government for taking proactive steps toward curbing the outbreak of Lassa fever in the state.

He observed that taking the campaign to market, religious centres and the border areas was a step in the right direction, adding that when everyone take matters of public health as important, the results are usually great and rewarding to the society at large.

While enlightening the public, the Olubosin of Ifetedo, Oba Akinola Akinrera advised that everyone should keep their environments clean and properly cover their food items to avoid contamination with rodents’ feaces or urine.

The state Ministry of Health sensitization campaign team visited St. John’s African church, Olode parish, Christ Apostolic church, Ifetedo, Olode market and many other spots where food items were being sold.

On the campaign train are, the APC leader Ife South local government, Elder Jonathan Ologbenla; the Vice Chairman, Ife South West LCDA, Hon. Olusola Afolabi, other parliamentarians, among others.