The Edo State Government has announced plans to improve its response to Lassa fever in the state by activating a holding centre in Edo North Senatorial District.
The Edo State Commissioner for Health, Prof. Obehi Akoria, revealed this during a visit to the isolation facilities at the Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital (ISTH), in Esan Central Local Government Area of Edo State.
The commissioner was shown around the facilities by the Acting Chief Medical Director, ISTH, Prof. Reuben. Eifediyi.
Prof. Akoria said she was pleased with the facilities, adding that the state has enough facilities and manpower to effectively control Lassa fever in the state. She called for the cooperation of all residents and other stakeholders.
She said, “The isolation centre at ISTH is impressive. There is a ward for critically ill patients, with an extension for mild and moderate cases. The holding capacity was recently expanded by activating and repurposing an extension. The centre can now accommodate close to 100 patients.
“The facility is clean and spacious with good measures for infection prevention and control. We are working with the management of the institution to help solve the problems with water and power supply. They have good equipment and can provide specialist care to manage patients with other conditions and even pregnant women. Specialists available at the facility include pediatricians, ophthalmologists, physicians, and obstetricians, among others.”
The Commissioner also assured the government’s ongoing support to the federal government-owned health institution. She said, “The Edo State Government will continue to support the facility with regular IPC commodities for the care of patients at the Lassa fever isolation centre. We have also bought and installed several dialysis machines for the facility.
“The Heads of Local Government recently also gave financial support to poor patients to address patients’ hesitation to go into treatment centres.
“We plan to upgrade the state response by activating a holding centre in Edo North senatorial zone as soon as possible.”
She added, “The centre is managing well with the outbreak. Providing more wards for patient care has further improved case management. We appreciate the management of ISTH for that. There are skilled, experienced and dedicated healthcare professionals on ground to handle the various clinical situations associated with Lassa fever.”
