NOA launches sensitisation programme against deadly diseases in Oyo

National Orientation Agency (NOA) has expressed concern over Lassa fever, meningitis, and other deadly diseases, and, thereby roles out measures to prevent its outbreak in any of the 33 local government areas of the state.

Part of it is a sensitization programme which is being championed by its Director General, Malam Lanre Issa-Onilu.

Issa-Onilu at a town hall meeting in Ibadan at the weekend stressed need for the people to adhere strictly to the medical guidelines on how to prevent all these diseases.

Speaking through the NOA National Director, Health and Social care, Dr. Olufemi Ayoola, the Director General noted that there is a need for Nigerians to be cautious of the dangers of Lassa fever as well as to curb the escalation of infectious seasonal diseases plaguing some states in the country.

He pointed out that we are still in the dry season, a period of heightened vulnerability to the spread of Lassa fever, meningitis, and Cholera”.

Stressing that there are yet to be vaccines to stop spread of Lassa fever, the NOA DG pointed out that Lassa fever is preventable and that the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC), United Nations, and other stakeholders are making efforts to launch a vaccine against Lassa fever.

” The town hall is a critical step in the efforts to mobilize Nigerians to take proactive measures against this deadly diseases especially now that we are still in the dry season, a period of heightened vulnerability to the spread of Lassa fever, meningitis and Cholera”, he said.

The NOA DG added, “As you may be aware, Lassa fever has claimed precious lives in some parts of the country. There was an outbreak in Saki last year, but the Oyo State government quickly attended to the disease, and prevented its spread.”

Speaking further, Mallam Issa-Onilu stressed that the sensitization was to enlighten the people to prevent the diseases from infiltrating Oyo state and that there is a need for attitudinal change to tame the spread of the dreaded dry season diseases, such as Lassa fever, meningitis, and Cholera from entry into Oyo State.

Speaking, the Oyo State Director, NOA, Dr. Olukemi Afolayan said the agency is embarking on sensitization on Meningitis, Cholera, and Measles.

“Health is wealth. Therefore,we have been going around in primary and secondary schools, to sensitize our pupils”, she said

Dr Afolayan added, “Lassa fever is not common in Oyo State, but last year there was a record in Saki. Lassa fever is caused by a virus found in a specie of rat. Vaccination”.

The event was graced by Dr. Kareem- Oyo State Epidemiologist; Mr. Olaoye Olarinde- State Health Educator; Iyaloja of Ibadan- Chief Mrs. Ameringun, Mr. Dare Adaramoye- Director, Trailblazers.