Enugu govt stockpiles drugs to tackle disease

The Enugu State Ministry of Health, on Monday, said it had stock-piled drugs and other consumables to tackle any possible Lassa fever outbreak in the state.

The Director of Public Health Services, Dr Okechukwu Ossai, made this disclosure to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Enugu.

Ossai said that 86 disease surveillance officers had just concluded a simulation (mock) intervention and case definition training on Lassa fever.

He stated that some community health informants also attended the training.

Ossai noted that the ministry was on top of its game, thus leaving no stone unturned to ensure optimal preparedness to tackle the disease.

“Our 86 disease surveillance officers and some community health informants had gone through the intervention simulation as well as the case definition training two weeks ago.

“They went home with a case definition chart meant to be pasted in their various offices in the council areas, secondary and tertiary hospitals as well as other strategic places.

“The case definition chart will help to remind them all they have learnt in the training and help to define symptoms properly,’’ he said.

According to him, the ministry is already on air at the grassroots, reminding people on the need to ensure environmental and personal hygiene.

“We are meeting with traditional rulers and community leaders routinely on the need to report any strange sickness to the nearest health facility,’’ he said.

Ossai noted that the ministry had been getting all the support it needed on disease surveillance and control from the State Government.

“We cannot afford to rest on our oars in order to ensure that the state is protected,’’ he said.

NAN recalls that Lassa fever had been reported in some states in the country.