The Benue State Commissioner For Health and Human services, Dr. Joseph Ngbea has called for a collaborative effort between government, citizens and other stakeholders in the state in the fight against Lassa fever.
The commissioner made the call yesterday when he delivered a speech at a press briefing which was held in the conference hall of the State Ministry of Health as part of activities to mark the ongoing ONE HEALTH 2023 LASSA FEVER AWARENESS WEEK.
According to him, Lassa fever is a zoonotic disease caused by the Lassa virus which is transmitted from rodents to humans and can also be transmitted through person-to-person contact.
He warned that Lassa fever can lead to severe illness and loss of life in severe cases and called for the one health approach which recognizes the interdependence of human, animal, and environmental health in addressing zoonotic diseases like Lassa fever.
Dr Ngbea who highlighted some of its symptoms as well as some preventive measures that could be employed in the fight against Lassa fever amongst other diseases, disclosed that Lassa fever is currently a significant public health concern in Nigeria with outbreaks occuring regularly.
He added that out of the total 42 suspected cases and 17 confirmed cases recorded in Benue state for the year 2023, two deaths have already been recorded as of February 7th 2023.
He encouraged all to take responsibility for their health and the sanitary condition of their environments while charging media practitioners to utilize their platforms in complementing the government’s effort of creating awareness to the masses.
Also speaking at the event, sanitation and desk officer of the state Ministry of water resources and environment, Mr Adaji Samuel who spoke on the environmental condition of the state said that the level of poor waste management and refuse disposal practices witnessed in Makurdi metropolis in recent time were a result of insufficient facilities at the disposal of the ministry to carryout its functions.
He however, applauded the state government while disclosing that the state government has recently purchased four new trucks for refuse evacuation in the state.
He assured that henceforth, littered roadsides within Makurdi metropolis especially, at High-level, Wurukum and other parts of town will soon become a thing of the past.
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