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By Stephen Adeleye.
The World Health Organisation (WHO), on Thursday donated 22 motorcycles to Kogi Government to strengthen disease surveillance in the 21 local government areas.
Dr Alemu Wondimagegnehu, the Country Representative of WHO, made this known at the told presentation of the motorcycles at WHO office in Lokoja.
Wondimagegnehu said that the organisation recognised surveillance as the core of disease control, elimination and eradication efforts.
Represented by Kennedy Adejoh, the country representative said surveillance enabled monitoring and assessment of impact strategies, and served as early warning system for impending public health emergencies.
“Today, with the support from donors, WHO is pleased to to make a donation towards the state’s efforts to further enhance surveillance, build a highly sensitive and robust system to rapidly respond to diseases.
“Disease Surveillance and Notification Officers (DSNOs) plays a major role in active surveillance through visit to community health facilities, and linking with the key community informants.
“The 21 DSNOs across the 21 Local government areas of Kogi, serve almost 4.5 million people, especially highly vulnerable population from acquiring infectious diseases and facing events of public health importance,” he said.
He, however, urged the state government to ensure that the motocycles were put to good use by the surveillance officers for the intended purpose and properly maintained.
In his remarks, the Commissioner for Health, Dr Saka Audu, thanked WHO for the gesture, saying it would go a long way in strengthening disease surveillance particularly the active case search.
Audu also commended the organisation for their supportive role in immunisation and capacity building for the state’s health workers, saying surveillance was very key in early detection of outbreaks and prompt response.
“Gov. Yahaya Bello is a health-friendly governor that places high premium on the health of Kogi people, which we have demonstrated through various health projects and programmes across the state.
“The state government will continue to do its best to ensure we provide the needed logistics for a very responsive and highly sensitive surveillance in the state.
“We spent over N94 million as counterparts fund in 2017.
“The ministry has requested for a Hillux Vehicle for the state surveillance team, to enable them carry out active case search in every part of the state and respond appropriately to outbreaks,” Audu said.
(NAN)
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