Lassa Fever: Ondo Govt Trains 54 Surveillance Officers To Prevent Spread

Following the outbreak of Lassa Fever in about 20 States of the Federation, the Ondo State Government has trained 54 surveillance officers and informants as a proactive measure to safeguard the health of its residents.

The Disease Surveillance and Notification Officers , their Deputies and informants from across the 18 Local Government Areas of the state were trained on latest technologies of preventing the spread of Lassa fever as well as protecting themselves from being infected.

Speaking at the venue of the training, the Permanent Secretary, Ondo State Ministry of Health, Dr. Taye Oni said the training was necessary to build the capacity of the trainees for qualitative and effective service delivery.

Oni, who was represented by the Deputy Director Public Health, Dr. Ayodele Adelusi said Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu approved the training to combat any likely outbreak of Lassa fever in any part of the state.

He said the trainees are the Generals on the field that would alert the appropriate authorities if there outbreak or there is anything strange in their respective assigned areas

Dr.Oni said the training was not for Lassa fever alone but other diseases inclusive.

The Permanent Secretary noted that the trainees would also be responsible for sensitization and proper orientation of residents in the grassroots.

Similarly, Dr. Waheed Folayan, the State Epidemiologist, said the trainees were important considering their vital role in saving the state from the epidemics.

Folayan, who gave a comprehensive presentation and lecture on strengthening the capacity of Surveillance. Officers for better response urged them to be extra careful, saying that there should be an immediate report of the disease to designated referral centers.

He admonished them to carry out community mobilization, health education and sensitization as the state look up to them.

The epidemiologist cautioned them to protect themselves so that they would not become victims.

One of the participants, Mr. Adewale Agbede, said the training was timely since their job is concerned with epidemic preparedness and response work.

Mrs. Folashade Afolabi, another participant, said that the training will enable her to be an advocate for Operation Do not Eat Rat and she would encourage constant hand-washing culture.