As part of efforts of the Ekiti State Government to curtail the inherent risk Health workers face during contact with people with possible communicable diseases particularly in the wake of the dreaded Ebola virus disease, the state government has assured stakeholders in the state of adequate provision of protective equipments of universal
standard.
Addressing Health workers in the state at the main auditorium of the School of Nursing, Ado Ekiti, the State Commissioner for Health, Professor Olusola Fasubaa assured that the state has fulfilled all conditions required by the National Council on Health in the current efforts at curbing the spread of Ebola virus.
According to Professor Fasubaa, the state recently procured 350personal protective equipment and infrared thermometers among other universal perfect practices adding that the state has also sponsored the training of 30 Health personnel that are expected to prepare trainers that would in turn educate other Health care givers on the accepted best practices in the battle against the ebola disease.
The Commissioner who stated that the Federal Government has indicated intention to sponsor 21 Health personnel on similar training stressed that the state government was intensifying its efforts at sensitizing the people on steps to take towards protecting themselves and their environments from the disease.
Fasubaa lamented the hitherto dearth of proper information on the dreaded disease which he noted had led to avoidable phobia and needless stigmatization of innocent sick people who ordinarily should be attended, stressing that the essence of the meeting was to allay all unnecessary fears and stem the attendant stigmatization caused by
phobia.
The Health Commissioner cautioned health workers in the state against lowering the universal standard of personal protection under any circumstance saying that they have responsibility not only to themselves but to their families and the society at large to ensure their personal safety.
He said that government has not only embarked on advocacy visits to traditional rulers, religious leaders as well as opinion/community leaders and other stakeholders but has also set up several committees including the state steering committee, technical committee, contact tracing committee, infection control committee and the committee on
adherence to the universal precautions towards ensuring maximum impact in the battle against the disease.
Professor Fasubaa however emphasized that people in the state must continue to adhere strictly by the universal precaution which he said included maintaining a clean and hygienic environment, a good personal hygiene, proper hand washing and sanitization.
Stressing the need to avoid eating bats and bush meat in order to forestall animal to human infection of the communicable disease, the commissioner noted that it was also wise to steer clear of large gatherings until the ebola tide is over.
Last modified: September 15, 2014
