By Ude Ogbonnaya Israel, Bauchi
The National Orientation Agency (NOA), has challenged pressmen in Bauchi on their critical role in helping the masses prevent Lassa Fever in the state.
The NOA joined forces with the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC), to launch a nationwide preventive campaign on the outbreak of Lassa fever.
Addressing newsmen on Wednesday at the Federal Secretariat Bauchi , the Director-General of NOA, Lanre Isa-Onilu maintained that their core objective is to educate Nigerians on the risks, prevention, and control measures to fight Lassa fever.
Represented by its state Director, Mrs Theresa Omaga the agency lamented that Lassa fever has claimed precious lives in some parts of the country which requires collective action in preventing the spread of infectious diseases.
The DG explained that, “This press conference is a critical step in our efforts to mobilize Nigerians to take proactive measures against this deadly disease especially that we are now in the dry season, a period of heightened vulnerability to the spread of Lassa fever.”
The DG reiterates that Lassa fever is preventable by maintaining good hygiene practices, including regular handwashing with soap and water, Storing food in rodent-proof containers, avoiding contact with infected persons or contaminated materials among other steps.
According to him, “Lassa fever is preventable, Maintain good hygiene practices, including regular handwashing with soap and water, Stpre food in rodent-proof containers,Avoid contact with infected persons or contaminated materiajs and Report suspected cases to the nearest health facility promptly.”
He further noted that,”As the Agency of government responsible for value reorientation and attitudinal change with robust network, platforms and structures, we shall be doing the following; Deploy our network of state and local government offices to disseminate information and utilize various media channels to amplify prevention messages.”
The NOA boss also said that the Agency will also engage community leaders, traditional rulers, and influencers to mobilize grassroots support and ollaborate with schools to integrate Lassa fever and other infectious diseases prevention into their teaching engagements.
Also speaking Mr Simon Idoko Deputy Director, health and social care Abuja said it is way easier and cheaper to enlighten the people on prevention protocol of the disease.
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