Ondo govt inaugurates rats eradication campaign

The Ondo State government has begun distributing pesticides to stem the scourge of deadly Lassa fever in the state, especially in the area the disease is prevalent.

The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control in its recent rating said Ondo State was one of the states with a high prevalence of the Lassa fever disease.

The pesticides are distributed in places like Owo, Akure South, Akure North, Ose, Akoko South-West, Akoko South-East and Idanre local government areas, where the disease is prevalent.

Speaking at the flag-off of the rat eradication campaign in Owo Town, the headquarters of Owo Local Government, the state Commissioner for Health, Dr Banji Ajaka, said the government was committed to eradicating the disease in the state.

He said, “There are three treatment sites on the ground in the state including Federal Medical Centre, Owo among others to ensure easy access to treatment.

“The government has produced raticides and they are distributed free of charge to residents and we urged them to use them appropriately.”

The commissioner commended, the Olowo of Owo, Oba Ajibade Ogunoye, for his support in the exercise. He called on him to ensure that the people embrace proper food processing and avoid sun-drying food.

He also advised the residents of the local governments to maintain proper hygiene in their environment and embrace proper waste management and also discourage bush burning.

In her opening remarks, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Health, Mrs Folukemi Aladenola, said the government was prepared to reduce drastically the number of infected persons on yearly basis.

While appreciating stakeholders for their support in this regard, she called on all to play active roles in the campaign.

In his response, Oba Ogunoye commended Governor Rotimi Akeredolu for his efforts in the health sector, especially in Lassa fever eradication noting that residents of Owo were aware of ways of tackling the fever. He called on the residents to support the government in ensuring good use of pesticides in order to guarantee healthy living.