ONDO NOA EMBARKS ON PUBLIC AWARENESS TO FIGHT LASSA FEVER SURGE, HOLDS ROADSHOW AND STAKEHOLDERS ENGAGEMENT
The National Orientation Agency, Ondo State Directorate has swung into action to combat Lassa fever in Owo Local Government Area, being one of the Local Government Areas with prevalent cases of Lassa fever in the State.
A roadshow was organized to raise public awareness about the disease, its causes, symptoms, and prevention strategies. The Roadshow kicked off at Mapo Hall, with Ondo NOA Director, Mr. James Adekunle and staff joined by Ondo State Health Promotion Officer of the Ondo State Ministry of Health, Members of the Alliance for International Medical Action (ALIMA), Social Mobilization Officer, Owo LGA and Members of WAI Brigade.
The Roadshow was followed by stakeholders’ engagement, having acknowledged the significance of stakeholders at combating the deadly disease.
During the stakeholders’ engagement, the State Director, Mr. James Adekunle, delivered an extensive presentation on the causes of Lassa fever, the symptoms and the precautionary measures put in place by the government to mitigate its impact.
Mr. Adekunle appealed to the Stakeholders to leverage their respective platforms and networks to intensify awareness and disseminate accurate information on Lassa fever to their networks and communities. This includes: recognizing the symptoms of the disease, such as fever, headache, and sore throat, and seeking immediate medical attention if suspected, adding that they play a crucial role in disseminating accurate information and promoting best practices to combat the spread of the disease.
The Ondo State Health Promotion Officer, Mrs. Ajibola Mercy emphasized that prevention is key in controlling the spread of Lassa fever. She therefore urged the participants to maintain good hygiene practices.
Other Stakeholders stressed the need for NOA to sensitize residents in the suburbs, particularly on the importance of proper food storage and hygiene practices. They noted that the practice of sundry consumables like Garri on the road as mentioned by the State Director should be discouraged, as it attracts rodents that can spread the disease.