By Femi Bolaji

Jalingo—Taraba State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Gbangsheya Buma, has confirmed the outbreak of the viral hemorrhagic fever (Lassa) in the state.

He said of the nine suspected cases registered at Federal Medical Centre, FMC, Jalingo, eight have tested positive.

Speaking to newsmen via telephone, Buma assured that the state Ministry of Health was actively monitoring the situation and ready for any eventuality.

According to him, “It is not a surprising thing, this is the season and we have made preparations, though the outbreak may be overwhelming, I just received support from NCDC, they have sent some people here to provide technical support with the aim of stopping the progress of the disease.

“We are actually on top of it. We have provided support as a state to the FMC to provide free treatment to patients of lassa fever.

“Eight of the nine blood samples from suspected cases collected from FMC Jalingo as at Friday have been confirmed for Lassa fever.”

Also, acting Head of Clinical Services at FMC, Jalingo, Joseph Kuni, provided insight into the gravity of the situation.

According to him, “One of the hospital staff, a medical doctor, was also affected but has since been treated and discharged.”

As part of its effort towards making orphans and vulnerable children safe, Nima Memorial Care Foundation has vowed to enhance its charitable operations and activities through welfare benefits.

The Co-founder of the foundation, Mrs Zainab Abdulmalik stated this at the annual symposium/grand ball held recently in Lagos with the theme: “Ensuring the safety and social welfare of children in the society.”

The symposium, organised by the Nima Memorial Care Foundation, sought to honour and perpetuate the work of Nimatallahi Fashipe, whose contributions to child welfare have left a lasting impact despite her untimely death at 30. With hundreds of communities and families touched by her efforts, the foundation aims to ensure that her vision for a safer and more nurturing society for children continues to inspire action.

According to Abdulmalik, children, especially less privileged are faced with numerous challenges ranging from hunger, malnutrition, kidnapping, bullying, domestic accidents among others, adding that the foundation was out to support the prevailing needs of less privileged children, their safety and wellness.

She urged government, humanitarian organisations and well meaningful Nigerians to support this cause, noting that they have been able to fund their activities from donations and 10 per cent from late daughter’s soap production factory.

Also speaking, Commissioner for Finance, Kwara State, Dr Hauwa Nuhu, said child’s safety is not just security alone but includes education,well-being and their upbringing.

On his part, Director of Commonwealth Institute of Advanced and Professional Studies, Prof. Anthony Kila, appealed to educationalists, government officials, and families to be fully involved in the social welfare of children, adding that this will guarantee a better nation in the future.