The National Orientation Agency (NOA) launched an awareness campaign on Tuesday aimed at curbing the spread of infectious seasonal diseases affecting several states in Nigeria.
Speaking at a town hall meeting, the Director General of NOA, Mallam Lanre Issa-Onilu, emphasized the need to educate the public in order to prevent diseases such as Lassa fever, meningitis, and cholera from entering Oyo State.
Mallam Onilu urged residents to embrace a change in behavior to help prevent the spread of these deadly diseases during the dry season. He specifically pointed out the importance of personal responsibility in preventing Lassa fever, even though a vaccine has not yet been developed for it.
“The town hall is an essential part of our efforts to mobilize Nigerians to take proactive measures against these deadly diseases, particularly as we are still in the dry season, which heightens the risk of diseases like Lassa fever, meningitis, and cholera,” said Onilu, who was represented by Dr. Olufemi Ayoola, the National Director of Health and Social Care.
He added that Lassa fever had claimed lives in other parts of the country, noting an outbreak in Saki last year. However, the Oyo State government responded swiftly to contain the spread of the virus. This, Onilu stressed, highlighted the critical role of personal and environmental hygiene in preventing the spread of such diseases.
The Director General also advised citizens to maintain a balanced diet, eat fruits, and engage in regular exercise to reduce the likelihood of infections. He noted that the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) and other stakeholders are working towards developing a vaccine for Lassa fever.
Dr. Olukemi Afolayan, the State Director of NOA, added that the agency had been actively sensitizing the public on the dangers of meningitis, cholera, and measles. She emphasized the importance of health education in schools, particularly among primary and secondary students.
“Lassa fever is not common in Oyo State, but there was a recorded case in Saki last year. The disease is caused by a virus found in a specific species of rat,” Dr. Afolayan explained.
In attendance were several health officials, including Dr. Kareem, Oyo State Epidemiologist, Mr. Olaoye Olarinde, State Health Educator, Iyaloja of Ibadan, Chief Mrs. Ameringun, and Mr. Dare Adaramoye, Director of Trailblazers.
The campaign also stressed that prevention remains the most effective measure in managing Lassa fever, with ongoing efforts to develop a vaccine by the NCDC.
The message was clear: prevention is key, and awareness is the first step towards safeguarding public health.