Ondo Epidemiologist urges enhanced vigilance against lassa fever
By Kemi Olatunde
Ondo State Epidemiologist and incidence manager, Dr Ayokunle Orimolade, has advocated for improved health behaviours among residents to mitigate the impact of Lassa fever and other infectious diseases in endemic local government areas within the state.
He made this known in Akure during a two-day After Action Review (AAR) workshop organised to evaluate Lassa fever response activities for 2024 and to prepare for any potential outbreaks in the state, alongside members of the Emergency Operations Centre (EOC).
According to him, Ondo State is endemic for the disease, as it occurs annually despite interventions put in place each year. He noted that, in the past, Lassa fever was only endemic in five local government areas of the state, adding that with coordinated surveillance, more local government areas are now being identified with new cases of the fever.
Dr Orimolade advocated for a high index of suspicion regarding Lassa fever among health workers to enhance detection and facilitate early referral of patients.
He commended the Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) team for their relentless dedication, which he described as a service to humanity.
The State Coordinator for the World Health Organization, Dr Dele David, noted that the meeting aimed to critically review and assess the response for 2024 while also developing strategies to enhance preparedness and response for the future.
He stated that this would aid in monitoring the implementation of agreed points and reducing Lassa fever outbreaks in the affected local governments in the state.
The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Health, Dr Adeniran Ikuomola, while welcoming attendees, expressed his appreciation for their commitment to combating the scourge of Lassa fever.
He also thanked partners for their collaboration during the last season, especially the World Health Organization (WHO), the Institute of Human Virology (IHVN), and ALIMA, explaining that the activity was intended to review actions and activities, identify challenges and gaps, and glean lessons to reduce prevalence and mortality rates in the state.
Represented by the Director of Public Health, Dr Stephen Fagbemi, he urged participants to invest their efforts into the review to enhance responses for the next season.