…commences sensitization in Benue

By Peter Duru, Makurdi

The Director Generel of the National Orientation Agency, NOA, Mallam Lanre Onilu has decried the high rate of Lassa Fever infection in the country saying over 1,025 infections have been recorded across 28 states as at October 2024.

The Director Generel who raised the concern Tuesday when he flagged off the NOA Lassa Fever sensitization campaign in Benue state noted that the yearly outbreak of the disease should be a source of worry for all Nigerians and a call for all to ensure a rodent free environment.

Represented by the Deputy Director Health and Social Care Department, Simon Idoko, the Director General called for a concerted and deliberate effort by all Nigerians to check the outbreak and spread of the disease saying “1,025 infection rate as at October 2024 was recorded in 28 states in Nigeria.”

He said the agency identified eight high risk states including Benue State to intervene in order to check the outbreak of the disease stressing the urgent need to also mobilize Nigerians to take proactive steps to safeguard themselves against the virus.

According to him, “the dry season is a period of heightened vulnerability hence, there is need for collective action to prevent the disease.

“NOA is partnering with the Federal Ministry of Health as well as the National Center for Disease Control and Prevention, NCDC to carry out this nationwide campaign in the area of risk, prevention and control measures to combat Lassa Fever.

“Lassa Fever is preventable if we maintain good hygiene, store food in rodent proof containers and avoid contact with infected persons.”

He said to ensure a successful campaign “NOA We will deploy our state officers nationwide, engage community leaders, influencers, campaign in schools and carry out road shows in rural areas to stem the rate of Lassa Fever infections.”

The Benue State Director of NOA, Bitrus Idoko noted that the virus was high among residents in the rural areas and health workers and urged the people to avoid the consumption of multi breasted rats which were the main carriers of the virus.