‎Oyo Government Brings MDAs Under One Umbrella to Prevent Ebola Outbreak, Distributes Sensitization Materials

‎Oyo Government Brings MDAs Under One Umbrella to Prevent Ebola Outbreak, Distributes Sensitization Materials
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‎The Oyo State Government has brought relevant ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs), including the Ministries of Health, Agriculture, Information and Environment, under a coordinated platform to strengthen preparedness and prevent Ebola outbreak in the state.
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‎The initiative, coordinated by the Ministry of Health under the leadership of the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Oluwaserimi Adewumi Ajetunmobi, is aimed at improving inter-agency collaboration, public awareness, disease surveillance and rapid response to suspected cases of Ebola and other infectious diseases.
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‎As part of the measures, the state government has strengthened the Infectious Disease Centre at Olodo and placed rapid response teams on standby to ensure a prompt and coordinated response in the event of a suspected case.
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‎The government has also distributed Information, Education and Communication (IEC) materials to sensitise residents on Ebola, its symptoms, modes of transmission and preventive measures.
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‎The commissioner said the state had intensified public enlightenment efforts while directing healthcare workers to observe infection prevention and control measures, including the use of personal protective equipment such as face masks, face shields and gloves when attending to patients.
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‎She explained that the risk of Ebola transmission is generally lower before an infected person develops symptoms, stressing, however, that residents must remain vigilant and follow public health advisories.
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‎The commissioner urged residents not to panic or spread unverified information about the disease but to promptly report suspected symptoms to the appropriate health authorities.
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‎She noted that the initial symptoms of Ebola could resemble those of malaria and typhoid fever, making it important for people to take unusual symptoms seriously and seek medical attention.
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‎According to her, the distribution of sensitization materials and engagement with relevant stakeholders are part of efforts to ensure that residents are adequately informed about the disease and the appropriate steps to take when symptoms are observed.
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‎The government has also directed hospitals across the state to strengthen their preparedness for managing infectious diseases, with emphasis on the availability and proper use of protective equipment, screening procedures and infection prevention protocols.
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‎The involvement of the Ministries of Health, Agriculture, Information and Environment is expected to support a coordinated approach to disease surveillance, public communication and other preventive measures within their respective areas of responsibility.
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‎The Oyo State Government urged residents to remain calm, avoid spreading rumours and cooperate with health authorities as it continues to strengthen surveillance, public sensitization and emergency response measures against the potential threat of Ebola.
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