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Ondo partners NCDC, seeks end to lassa fever crisis

By Kemi Olatunde

As the Lassa fever outbreak continues to claim lives in Ondo State, the government has called for a united front among Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) to halt the spread of the disease.

During a meeting with a team from the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) and other stakeholders in Akure, the Head of Service, Bayo Philip, highlighted the urgency of the situation. He noted that tackling the epidemic has become a top priority in the State Executive Council’s deliberations.

Philip stressed Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa’s unwavering resolve to address the crisis, urging the Ministries of Health, Agriculture, and Environment to implement immediate and sustainable measures to prevent future outbreaks.

“We must act decisively. Whether it’s ensuring adequate drug supply, fostering collaboration, promoting public enlightenment, or maintaining environmental cleanliness, everyone must contribute to this effort,” he said.

He also advocated for partnerships with private health facilities and urged traditional and religious leaders to champion awareness campaigns on hygienic food practices, a critical factor in reducing infections.

Speaking on behalf of the Ministry of Agriculture, Permanent Secretary Mrs Foluke Tunde-Daramola explained that the collaboration with NCDC was necessitated by the alarming prevalence of Lassa fever in the state.

Leader of the NCDC team, Dr Olubunmi Olopha, revealed that 90 confirmed cases out of 200 suspected instances had been recorded since the outbreak. She assured that the NCDC had deployed experts to assist the state government in combating the scourge.

Olopha further cautioned healthcare providers against delays in referring suspected cases to specialised facilities, noting that swift action was crucial in saving lives.

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Ondo partners NCDC, seeks end to lassa fever crisis

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