The Alliance for International Medical Action (ALIMA), one of the Partners helping the State in combating the scourge of Lassa Fever has organized a one day Stakeholders roundtable meeting with Stakeholders in Owo Local Government Area of Ondo State to introduce new line of effective treatment for Lassa Fever.
The event which has in attendance religious, traditional, Hausa and Ebira leaders in Owo Local Government took place at the Nurses' House in Federal Medical Centre Owo, Ondo State.
Speaking at the event, the Principal Investigator for INTEGRATE, Dr. Adefemi Ayodeji disclosed that Ondo State is one of the highest burdened States with Lassa Fever while Owo Local Government is the most endemic in the State.
While speaking on the treatment of the disease, Dr. Ayodeji described the drugs that were used to treat the fever in the past as accidental drugs which he said was one of the problems they have identified, noting that there has not been an acceptable way for the management of Lassa Fever.
Informing the meeting, the Principal Investigator stated that a new drug has been discovered to find solutions to the problems of Lassa Fever in Africa, stressing that the fever is preventable and treatable when patients present themselves early for treatment.
In his words "Treatment centres in the country in collaboration with partners especially ALIMA, BMITM, INCEL and University of Bourdeax have launched INTERGRATE since 2022 solely for the treatment of Lassa Fever and the drug has fewer side effects.
He therefore urged Stakeholders to give positive information to the people in order for them to key into the treatment regimen while also urging them to embrace preventive measures as the dry season is here.
He appreciated the efforts of ALIMA for partnering with the State in treating patients of Lassa Fever free of charge and providing food for them for the period they are in isolation while also saying Federal Medical Centre Owo treated the highest number of cases with fewer deaths, the success which he ascribed to the commitment of the staff.
While speaking on the overview of Lassa Fever, Dr. Rose Ikiakhele noted that about 58 million people are at risk of Lassa fever with about 174 deaths and Fatality Rate of 17% while Ondo State contributes about 28% of the confirmed cases.
She also ascribed the death from Lassa Fever to poor health seeking behavior on the part of the patients, lack of information and late presentation and referrals.
She therefore urged the people to embrace the habit of hand washing which she described as the most effective precaution.
The community outreach manager for ALIMA, Mr Love Ogundipe encouraged Stakeholders as leaders in their different spheres to use their influence to encourage early care seeking behaviour and support for participation in the clinical study. He noted that various community engagement activities will be conducted throughout the outbreak season and beyond to discuss with community members directly.
Also, the representative of the Ojomoluda of Owo, Oba Koforowola Oladoyinbo, High Chief Yakubu Afolabi applauded the round table meeting which he said would help in giving the right knowledge to their people while also promising that he would circulate the information to the necessary quarters.
Also, the Iyaloja of Iyere Owo, Chief (Mrs) Funmilayo Iwaloye promised they would continue to intensify the enlightenment programme amongst the women in the market to always keep their wares safe from infestation of rodents while she also urged the government to strengthen the environment officers to do their work judiciously.
One of the high points of the event was conducting Stakeholders round Lassa Fever treatment centre in Owo.