Olu Samuel, Lokoja
The National Orientation Agency (NOA), on Tuesday commenced sensitisation campaigns in its bid to curb the escalation of Lassa fever plaguing some states in the country.
The Ag. State Director of NOA, Mr Patrick Edogbanya, who led a road show campaign in Lokoja, said the exercise was to enlighten the people in order to prevent the disease from infiltrating Kogi.
According to him, aside from the roadshow campaign, the Agency has marked Dekina Local Government Area as the venue for the town hall meeting.
He added that Dekina was chosen as a means of taking the campaign to the grassroots as most of the causes of the disease are prevalent in the rural areas.
The Director General of NOA, Mall. Lanre Isa-Onilu, whose speech was read by his representative, Edna Iria, tasked the people on attitudinal change to tame the escalation of the dreaded disease from entry Kogi.
He noted that Lassa fever was preventable, even though vaccines had not been discovered, stressing that people should take personal responsibility of their daily lives.
“The campaign is a critical step in the efforts to mobilize Nigerians to take proactive measures against this deadly disease especially that we are now in the dry season, a period of heightened vulnerability to the spread of Lassa fever.
“As you may be aware, Lassa fever has claimed precious lives in some parts of the country. This outbreak underscores the importance of collective action in preventing the spread of infectious diseases.
“We mourn the loss of lives and express solidarity with the affected families.
‘In response to this outbreak, the NOA, in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Health, Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC), and other stakeholders, is launching a nationwide preventive campaign.
“Our objective is to educate Nigerians on the risks, prevention, and control measures to combat Lassa fever. We urge all Nigerians to take note of the following” he stated.
He added: “Lassa fever is preventable, if good hygiene is maintained, practices like regular hand washing with soap and water, Store food in rodent-proof containers and Avoid contact with infected persons or contaminated materials are remedies against Lassa fever”.
He said the Agency had deployed network of state and local government offices to disseminate information and utilize various media channels to amplify prevention messages.
While engaging community leaders, traditional rulers, and influencers to mobilize grassroots support., hinted that the Agency is Collaborating with schools to integrate Lassa fever and other infectious diseases prevention into their teaching engagements.
He called on Nigerians to take personal responsibility for preventing Lassa fever, support public health initiatives and to report any suspicious case to relevant health institutions.
He commended President Tinubu and the Nigeria Center for Disease Control, and stakeholders for their immense support for the control of the Lassa fever and other transmitted diseases.
The road show kicked off from the State Secretariat in zone 8 to Zango, Barracks, Kabbawa, Old Market and to other local communities in the state capital.