… As Gov. Makinde Commits N30 Million to Support Mass Deworming Campaign in the state

… As Oyo State Partners with Development Partners to Combat Neglected Tropical Diseases

Oyo State Government has disclosed that over 5 million residents would benefit from the 2024 mass deworming campaign and mass administration of medicines against river blindness and lymphatic filariasis in the State.

The commissioner for health, Dr. Oluwaserimi Adetumobi who disclosed this at a press conference to flag off the exercise, urged communities and residents to fully participate in the free health exercise which would be safely administered from house to house.

Dr Ajetumobi also explained that the free deworming exercise has been scheduled to end on the 30th November 2024, as over 700 trained health workers along with over 16,000 dedicated volunteers have been mobilized to administer the various medications and create public awareness to improve the overall health of the people.

She said that “In light of these pressing health issues, I urge everyone in our communities to participate actively in the ongoing free deworming campaign scheduled from November 21 to November 30, 2024.

“We have mobilized over 700 trained health workers along with more than 16,000 dedicated volunteers who will be actively participating in this year’s free deworming campaign targeting 5,243,979 at risk individuals aged 5 years and above across 31 local government areas in our State to safely administer these medicines from house-to house.

“Their commitment and hard work are vital as they will be responsible for administering medications and educating the public about these diseases.

“This extensive campaign is crucial for reducing the prevalence of these diseases and Improving the overall health of our communities.

” It is crucial for all eligible individuals- especially children aged 5 years and above to take these tablets as they play a vital role in controlling these diseases.

“The administration of these medications not only protects Individual health but also contributes significantly to community-wide efforts aimed at eliminating these diseases altogether.

“In alignment with the SDG’s Living No One Behind”, every eligible person shall be treated. No one should be discriminated against as a due to socioeconomic status, religion, ethnicity, sex, political affiliation or disability status in the course of this campaign.

“I encourage parents and guardians to ensure their children receive these treatments during the campaign period.

“Health workers will be available at designated centers throughout our communities to provide information and distribute medications safely.

“Let me, on behalf of the Oyo State Government express my heartfelt gratitude to several key partners who have made this Initiative possible: International donor partners, especially the Mectizan Donation Program and GlaxoSmithKline, for their generous provision of essential medicines for treating onchocerciasis and lymphatic filariasis, respectively.

“The World Health Organization (WHO), whose guidance and support have been Invaluable in securing the medicines.

“The Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, which has provided critical resources and oversight to ensure that we meet our public health goals.

“The ChristoffelBlinden Mission International (CBM), which has offered both financial assistance and technical expertise throughout this process at this critical time of need supporting mass deworming and free hydrocele surgeries in the State.

“To my colleagues, LGA chairmen, traditional leaders and the good people of Oyo State who have committed to eliminating these diseases in our State, I appreciate your support.

“I would like to express profound appreciation to His Excellency, the Executive Governor of Oyo State, Engineer Seyi Makinde, for his exemplary leadership and for providing a conducive environment for partners to operate effectively.

“The collaborative efforts of these critical stakeholders exemplify a shared commitment to improving health outcomes in our State

“As a responsible Government, the Oyo State Ministry of Health will continue to provide the enabling environment and infrastructure to ensure smooth collaboration with supporting partners.

‘Together, we can make significant strides toward eliminating river blindness and lymphatic filariasis in Oyo State.

“Together, we can make a significant impact towards the elimination of river blindness and lymphatic filariasis in our region.

“Your participation in this deworming initiative is essential for safeguarding our health and improving our quality of life.

‘Let us work together towards a healthier future free from these debilitating diseases.

While acknowledging that Governor Seyi Makinde has provided about 30 million naira as counterpart funding with support from development partners in ensuring the success of the exercise, the commissioner for health expressed commitment to end most of the diseases identified as Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTD) by 2030.

In their goodwill messages, some of the development partners and representative from the Federal Government pledged their resolve to continue to work with the Oyo State Government in reduces the rate of NTDs in the State as well as its negative impact to the society.

The Oyo State Rapid Response Team (RRT) has confirmed four deaths, linked to a suspected Lassa fever outbreak in Saki West local government area of the State.

The fatalities consisted of three males and one 32-year-old female who was preparing for her marriage.

The State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Oluwaserimi Ajetunmobi had earlier tasked the Oyo State Rapid Response Team to Saki, following numerous calls from Saki West Local Government reporting an outbreak that has led to a number of deaths.

The team, consisting of the Director of Public Health, the State Epidemiologist, State Disease Notification Officer (DSNO), State Laboratory Focal Persons, representatives from WHO and Red Cross, as well as the PHC Coordinator of Saki West and the LGA DSNO, embarked on a comprehensive investigation to the scene of the incidence.

Background information gathered that one of the apprentices at the hospital, who had returned from Iwajowa and fell ill about two weeks before the incident, was suspected to have introduced the infection.

She likely transmitted it to her co-workers and the hospital owner.

Three of the deceased exhibited typical symptoms of Lassa fever, including craniofacial bleeding, while the hospital owner showed fatigue and self-medicated with antimalarials and antibiotics. His condition only prompted hospital admission when his self-treatment failed.

Extensive contact tracing was conducted, with particular focus on high-risk contacts who had been involved in the bathing and burial of the deceased.

The hospital where all the deceased were associated was closed down for decontamination.

The hospital that admitted the deceased health facility owner, without being informed of the deaths from an ‘unknown’ illness, was also shut down for decontamination, and the doctor was placed under surveillance.

Public awareness campaigns were held to educate the community about Lassa fever, its transmission, symptoms, and preventive measures.

The RRT provided on-the-job training to health workers in the affected areas to reinforce Infection Prevention Control protocols and prevent further spread of the disease.

Sample collection was also carried out on a person exhibiting symptoms, pending laboratory confirmation. The line listing of contacts is still in progress, focusing on individuals at high risk.

Advocacy visits were also conducted to the palace of the Okere of Saki, who was represented by his second-in-command, and was briefed on the outbreak and the necessary containment measures.

Local government authorities within Saki West were equally informed and aligned with the efforts to manage the situation.

Investigation also revealed that the outbreak initially involved Saki West LGA but has now extended to Iwajowa and Kajola LGAs while the DSNOs in the respective LGAs have been instructed to begin preliminary containment efforts while awaiting the full deployment of the State RRT.

The Oyo State Primary Health Care Board (OYSPHCB) has begun recruitment exercise with a two-day Computer-Based examination for candidates who applied for various positions.

While monitoring the exercise at the University of Ibadan Distant Learning Center, Ajibode, Ibadan, the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Oluwaserimi Ajetunmobi explained that the ongoing recruitment exercise is significant as it will help to bridge the human resource gap that the primary  health sector is facing.

The Commissioner explained that 16,000 applicants put in for the exercise, adding  that Governor Seyi Makinde approved 30% of the recruitment for the first batch, while subsequent exercises will take care of the remaining batches.

According to her, the recruitment exercise will take care of the different categories of workers that are needed at the Primary Health Care Centers such as Community Health Extension Workers, Pharmacy Technicians, Community Health Workers, Medical Officers of Health, among others.

“Their recruitment will further promote quality healthcare delivery in Oyo State.

In his remarks, the Chairman, Oyo State House Committee on Health, Hon. Saminu Badamosi applauded Governor Seyi Makinde for approving the recruitment exercise, demonstrating his commitment and priority to the  health sector of the State.

The Executive Secretary, Oyo State Primary Health Care Board, Dr. Muyideen Babatunde Olatunji explained that the Minimum Service Package (MSP) Document which was prepared by the Board revealed a huge gap in the human resource aspect, which prompted the Governor to approve the recruitment exercise.

He maintained that the present administration has renovated about 264 PHCs across the State, which are fully equipped, hence “people to be employed now are the ones to work at the various Health Centres”.

He added that this will afford people access to qualitative healthcare delivery across the State.

Dr. Muyideen reiterated that the candidates writing the examination now are those who applied since 2021 and the CBT exam, which will last for 2 days, is the first step, after which it will be followed by an oral interview.

E-signed:

Prince Dotun Oyelade,

Commissioner for Information and Orientation,

Oyo State.