Lassa fever:W. H. O organizes sensitization program for CHWs/Journalists in Taraba
Daniel Mtindiga, Jalingo.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has organized a capacity building training and sensitization program for Community Health Workers (CHWs) and Journalists on Community-Led Interventions for Lassa fever in Taraba State.
The program which took place in Sunkani, Ardo-Kola’s Headquarters, aimed to strengthen community awareness and risks communication using conceptualized IEC materials and outreach campaigns, Build capacity of Community Health Workers and Surveillance Officers for effective case identification, reporting and referral engagement for informal health actors and gatekeepers in promoting hygiene practices and rodent control measures, Establish community -based surveillance and referral systems for timely detection and management of suspected Lassa fever cases, To promote environmental hygiene through clean-up devices among other things.
Lassa fever, an illness that typically occurs in West Africa and can affect persons of every age, sex, tribe and religion who are exposed to infected rodents or humans, has raised public health concerns about Taraba, making it among the 5th leading States in Nigeria with Lassa fever cases.
This awareness campaign on the Community-Led Interventions for Lassa fever is focused on three Local Government Areas of the State including Jalingo, Ardo-Kola and Bali which are the LGAs in with high burdens.
Earlier in his remark, the Director, Primary Health Care Development Agency Taraba State Mr. Lawan Iliasu Mafindi, welcomed participants and urged to take the awareness campaign to their respective communities.
While, Mr. Abdulrazak Suleiman who spoke on behalf of the participants, appreciated W. H. O for such timely intervention. He further highlighted the importance of the program and pledged to take the desired action.