By Mary Amodu, Lokoja.
Association of Resident Doctors (ARD) has decry poor facilities in Federal Medical Centre, Lokoja towards the ongoing Lassa fever epidemic that has ravaged the neighbouring States.
The Lassa Fever has being a problem in the country for the past few months. For now, not less than 17 States have been affected over the last 8 weeks, including Bauchi, Niger, Taraba, Kano, Rivers, Oyo, Ondo, Edo, Plateau, Gombe, Nassarawa, Lagos, Delta, Ekiti, Ebonyi and Zamfara. It has claimed 63 lives out of 212 suspected cases reported from 62 Local government areas in affected States.
The ARD President, Dr Kennedy Obohwemu advised on the urgent need to put in place adequate facilities at Federal Medical Centre, Lokoja that could possibly handle victims in the State in case of any out break
Speaking in Lokoja, during a press briefing with newsmen, he said “our centre is not sufficiently equipped to deal with a suspected, probable or confirmed case of Lassa fever”.
He also warned on consequences of the heap of refuge in Lokoja metropolis, such refuge according to him is a potential breading ground for lassa fever out break.
“The state of refuge disposal in the State, especially as these unhealthy sites we serve as breading grounds for the vectors (rats). Receptacle should be strategically located for ease refuge and other waste disposal “.
He urged government at all levels, NGOs and health professionals to step up advocacy on Lassa fever to all stakeholders including market men and women, traders, food vendors and hawkers to have sufficient knowledge on how to prevent rats from gaining access to food stores and warehouses.
He commended the Federal Ministry of Health for the prompt interventions to arrest further spread of the disease, also ensuring that the specific antiviral drugs for Lassa fever is supplied to all States of the federation.
