Adeyemi College sensitizes workers on Lassa fever
From Sade Adewale, Ondo
The Provost of Adeyemi College of Education, Ondo, Dr. Samuel Akintunde has described public lecture on dangers of Lassa fever as suitable and timely, against the backdrop of anxiety, currently being associated with the outbreak of the disease in the country.
The College Administrator, expressed serious concern, about what he observed as lack of seriousness exhibited, by some individuals to their state of health, adding that anyone wishing to enjoy long life before and after retirement, should endeavour to take care of their health.
While making strong appeal for change of attitude, Dr. Akintunde, said doing so would help them live “healthy and have their lifespan prolonged.”
Also, while underscoring importance of sound health, the Provost noted that ” it is only people who are healthy, strong, mentally and physically fit, that can function effectively at their workplaces”.
Delivering a paper at the public lecture, one of the three medical experts invited to the College, Dr. Stephen Fagbemi, described Lassa fever as a dangerous disease that must be wiped out.
Giving historical analysis of its emergence in Nigeria in 1969, and death toll arising from those who contracted it, the Director of Epidemiology and Disease Control, Ondo state Ministry of Health, Akure, explained that the need to sensitize Staff and students of the institution on the dreaded disease, has become imperative, because ” Ondo State has been ranked second in the numbers of confirmed cases of Lassa fever in Nigeria”.
He decried what he observed as poor attitude of relevant government agencies towards curtailing it’s spread, noting that the fight against the dreaded disease, could be won, through effective partnership, and collaboration, among all stakeholders in the health sector.
The medical expert identified poor waste management practice, as one of the factors responsible for the spread of Lassa fever. He, therefore, appealed to government at all levels, religious groups, community associations and Non-Governmental organisations to join hands together, in proferring solution to the problem, through provision of good waste disposal method, stating that the move would make the environment healthier.
