By Editor
The Ekiti Government has intensified disease surveillance and rapid response mechanisms across the 16 Local Government Areas of the state to prevent the spread of Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) and Diphtheria.
The Commissioner for Health and Human Services, Dr Oyebanji Filani, disclosed this in Ado-Ekiti at a one-day sensitisation programme for stakeholders on Ebola and Diphtheria.
Filani, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Mrs Olusola Gbenga-Igotun, said the government would continue to take proactive measures to prevent and control diseases in the state.
He said the surveillance and response systems had been strengthened to ensure early detection, prompt reporting and effective containment of suspected cases.
The commissioner commended Gov. Biodun Oyebanji for his commitment to improving healthcare delivery and the wellbeing of residents.
Earlier, the General Manager, Ekiti State Health Insurance Scheme and Pillar Lead for Ebola Risk Communication, Dr Charles Doherty, urged residents to report suspected cases of Ebola and Diphtheria to the nearest health facility.
Also speaking, the State Epidemiologist, Dr Bosede Alowooye, said the sensitisation was organised to strengthen prevention, early detection and prompt reporting of suspected cases.
Alowooye said the state was on alert following reports of Ebola outbreaks in some countries, adding that stakeholders needed to remain vigilant to prevent the importation and spread of the disease.
She said critical stakeholders, including community and religious leaders, media practitioners, road transport union members and health promotion officers, were engaged in the sensitisation to enhance public awareness.
The epidemiologist listed symptoms of Ebola to include muscle pain, headache, stomach ache, vomiting, sudden high fever, difficulty in breathing and skin rash.
She advised residents to maintain proper hand hygiene, observe personal hygiene and promptly report suspected cases to health authorities.
Alowooye also urged residents with a history of travel to countries with reported outbreaks, including Uganda, the Democratic Republic of Congo and Rwanda, to promptly report to health authorities and seek medical attention where necessary.
On Diphtheria, the Secretary of the Nigerian Red Cross Society, Ekiti State Chapter, Mr Atah Adegboyega, described the disease as deadly but preventable.
He said routine immunisation of children and uptake of other recommended vaccinations remained important measures for preventing the disease.
In his remarks, the Chairman, Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Ekiti State Chapter, Dr Emmanuel Aribasoye, commended the state government for the sensitisation programme.
Aribasoye assured that religious and other stakeholders would support efforts to sensitise residents on Ebola, Diphtheria and other diseases of public health concern.
