Hakeem Gbadamosi – Akure
As part of measures to rid the state of rats in order to combat Lassa fever and premature deaths associated with the scourge, the Ondo state government has commenced the distribution of raticide to eradicate rats in the prevalent areas in the state.
Speaking during the flag-off of the rat eradication campaign in Owo, at the palace of Olowo, in Owo Local Government Area of the state, the Commissioner for Health, Dr Banji Ajaka, expressed government commitment to eradicating the disease in the state.
He disclosed that the state government has designated three centres in the state for the treatment of Lassa fever which include, the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Owo, Infectious Disease Hospital, Akure and St. Louis Hospital, Owo.
He said the treatment sites were put in place to curb the spread of Lassa fever in the state, to ensure easy access to treatment noting that the state is one of the states with a high prevalence of the Lassa fever disease.
Ajaka enjoined the residents to use the raticide which is distributed free of charge appropriately, advising them to ensure proper reportage of the number of rats killed in their household for impact assessment of the exercise.
The Health commissioner urged the local government authorities to monitor the exercise in order to win the battle against Lassa fever.
He said “There are three treatment sites on the ground in the state including Federal Medical Centre, Owo among others to ensure easy access to treatment.
“The government has produced raticide and they are distributed free of charge to residents and we urged them to use it appropriately.”
He commended, the Olowo of Owo, Oba Ajibade Ogunoye, for his support in the exercise and appealed to him to ensure that people embrace proper food processing and avoid sun-drying food.
He also advised the residents of the local governments to maintain proper hygiene in their environment and embrace proper waste management and also discourage bush burning.
The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Health, Mrs Folukemi Aladenola, said the government was prepared to reduce drastically the number of infected persons on yearly basis.
She commended stakeholders in the state for their support in eradicating Lassa fever and called on all to play active roles in the campaign.
She noted that Owo is known for its ability to conquer the fever and he urged the residents to continue to embrace cleanliness, proper waste management and discourage indiscriminate bush burning
According to her, the Lassa fever disease is endemic in Owo, Akure South, Akure North, Ose, Akoko South West, Akoko South East and Idanre local government areas of the state and said the government is committed towards its complete eradication.
The Chairman of Owo local government, Hon. Taye Adako promised that the local government would work hand in hand with other stakeholders to support the efforts of the state government.
Speaking, Oba Ogunoye commended the state government for its efforts in the health sector, especially in the campaign against the spread of Lassa fever, noting that residents of Owo were aware of ways to tackle the deadly fever.
He called on the residents to support the government in ensuring good use of pesticides in order to guarantee healthy living and eradicate deaths caused by the disease.
The monarch called for synergy between the government, the Federal Medical Centre (FMC) Owo, and Primary Health Care for effective service delivery and Data management in relation to Lassa.
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