ODSG distributes raticides to citizens Free of Charge to reduce Lassa Fever ...... As Ondo state gets Lassa treatment centre

To reduce the scourge of Lassa fever in the state, Ondo State Government has flagged off the distribution of raticides to all the endemic local government areas in the state

Commissioner for Health, Dr. Banji Awolowo Ajaka while speaking at the pilot program for the distribution of the raticide in the palace of Olowo, Oba (Dr) Ajibade Gbadegesin Ogunoye the III said the designated treatment centers are Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Owo, Infectious Disease Hospital, Akure and St. Louis Hospital, Owo.


Describing Ondo State has one of the endemic States in Nigeria, he explained that the treatment sites have been put in place to ensure easy access to treatment noting that Ondo State is one of the few states with either totally free or heavily subsidized treatment of Lassa fever.


Ajaka said further that the government has produced raticides which are distributed free of charge to residents stating that they should be used appropriately.

He advised residents to ensure proper reportage of number of rat killed in their household for impact assessment of the exercise.

The commissioner for Health called on Local Government to take ownership of the exercise in order to win the battle against it especially with the combination of hygienic measures.

While expressing appreciation to the Olowo of Owo, Oba Ajibade Gbadegesin Ogunoye III for his support for the exercise, he called on him to ensure that the people embrace proper food processing and avoid sun drying food.

Special Adviser to the Governor on Health, Prof. Dayo Faduyile noted that Owo is known for its ability to conquer the fever and he urged the residents to continue to embrace cleanliness,proper waste management and discourage indiscriminate bush burning


Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Health, Pharm(Mrs) Folukemi Aladenola reiterated that government was at the forefront of fighting the scourge of Lassa fever while aso noting that the ministry is prepared to reduce drastically the number of infected persons on yearly basis through strategising early for the subsequent years

According to her, it is endemic in Owo, Akure South, Akure North, Ose, Akoko South West, Akoko South East and Idanre Local Government Areas while stating that government is committed towards its complete eradication.

While appreciating stakeholders for their support in this regards, she called on all to play active role in the campaign against the Fever.
Representative, Chairman, Owo Local Government, Hon. Taye Adako while speaking promised that the Local Government would work hand in hand to support the efforts and take ownership in the coming years.

The Olowo of Owo,Oba (Dr) Ajibade Gbadegesin Ogunoye III while responding, commended the State Governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu for his efforts in the health sector especially in the fight against the eradication of Lassa Fever in Ondo state

He noted that residents of Owo are aware of the disease and ways of tackling it.

He urged the government not to relent in the fight against Lassa Fever while also urging the residents to support the government in ensuring good use of the raticides and proper disposal of the rats in order to guarantee their safety


The Olowo of Owo called for synergy between the government, the Federal Medical Centre (FMC) Owo, and Primary Health Care for effective service delivery and Data management in relation to Lassa.