Edo Scales Up Campaign Against Lassa Fever

The Government of Edo State is stepping up the campaign to curb the spread of Lassa fever in the state.

The state is currently rallying the collaboration of stakeholders in the state to contain the disease and protect citizens across all communities in the state.

According to Vanguard, the State’s Ministry of Health, took the sensitization campaign to Edo Central and Edo North Senatorial Districts where they met with patent medicine dealers on the need to complement the government’s efforts at containing the disease.

The Incident Manager, Ministry of Health, Dr Ekaete Tobi, State Director of Public Health, Dr Stephenson Ojeifoh and Director of Pharmacy Services, Ministry of Health, Pharm. Osa-Afe Tivere were among those in the delegation.

According to the Edo State Commissioner for Health, Prof. Obehi Akoria, the sensitization is aimed at forestalling a further spread of the virus as Edo North and Edo Central Senatorial Districts accounted for over 95 per cent of the 40 confirmed cases in the state.

Akoria said, “The Governor Godwin Obaseki-led state government remains committed to the health and wellbeing of all residents and is taking necessary steps, including improving surveillance and sensitization, among others to contain Lassa fever and protect Edo people.

“The Edo State Public Health Emergency Operation Centre for Lassa fever has been activated since January 5, 2023, even as we have continued to rally stakeholders in the state, especially in Edo Central and Edo North where we have most confirmed cases of the virus. 

"The two senatorial districts account for about 99 percent of all confirmed cases in the state as we recently confirmed one case in Ovia North East local council, which is the only Lassa fever case recorded in Edo South Senatorial District.”