Amid rising public health concerns over Lassa fever, the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and the Ondo State Government have renewed efforts to strengthen prevention and intensify statewide awareness campaigns.
The renewed push came to the fore during a courtesy visit by UNICEF officials, Mrs. Aderonke Akinola-Akinwole, Social and Behaviour Change Specialist, and Mrs. Monike Orhorhemreni, SBCC Officer, to the Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Idowu Ajanaku, in Akure.
Akinola-Akinwole, who appreciated the commissioner for receiving the delegation, described Lassa fever as a persistent public health challenge in Nigeria. She said UNICEF’s intervention is focused on deepening awareness on causes, prevention and control of the disease.
She stressed the need for urgent government action on environmental factors driving the spread of the disease and called for stronger collaboration with the ministry to expand outreach across communities in the state.
Responding, Ajanaku lauded UNICEF’s sustained support, describing the agency as a reliable partner in health communication and development.
He reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to supporting initiatives aimed at disease prevention, particularly Lassa fever, and assured that efforts would be intensified to boost public awareness.
The commissioner also pledged closer collaboration with UNICEF to widen sensitisation campaigns, noting that safeguarding public health remains a priority of the administration.
He added that the government has continued to respond promptly to reported cases, while commending the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Banji Ajaka, for sustaining standard protocols in health facilities.
Both parties agreed to strengthen collaboration in health communication and community engagement to curb the spread of Lassa fever and improve health outcomes in the state.
Discover more from Rootedscope Media
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
