Infectious Diseases: FG Gives Tips To Ending Them
Princess-Ekwi Ajide Abuja
The Federal Government of Nigeria has counted diphtheria, meningitis, lassa fever, cholera and COVID-19 as some Infectious diseases presently circulating in the country.
Speaking at the Ministerial press briefing on update on COVID-19 response and Development in the Health Sector, the Minister of Health, Dr Osagie Ehanire, described diphtheria as a vaccine preventable disease which can be curbed if the populace take the necessary vaccination.
He decried the spate of fake news also circulating in the social media which according to him, is capable of causing panic whereas those who created the chaos are unperturbed.
The health minister said the health matters are joint responsibility of the government at all levels, community and the individual adding that the federal government has fulfilled its part.
In his speech, the Director Planning, Research and Statistics, of the National Primary Healthcare Development Agency, NPHCDA, Dr. Garuba Bulama, revealed the country targetted vaccinating at least 70% of the eligible population of 18 years and above with COVID-19 vaccine but as at 20th January, 2023, it had fully vaccinated (56.2%) eligible persons with the vaccine; while (66.4%) eligible persons have taken at least one dose of the vaccine while a total of 10,390,911 persons have received Booster dose.
According to him, thirteen states have so far achieved the 70% and above full vaccination of their eligible population while sixteen other low-performing states have less than 40% coverage just as seven states have less than 20% full vaccination coverage.
The Director General of the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, NCDC, Dr. Ifedayo Adetifa, represented by his Director Special Duties, Dr. Priscilla Ibekwe, urged Nigerians to join the fight to control and prevent infectious diseases nationally.
She said in the last 28 days globally, there had aa decrease of 7% and an increased 20 % in confirmed cases and new deaths respectively.
Dr. Bitrus-Ogheoghorie Deborah, of the department of Hospital Services, said in collaboration with other agencies under the Case Management Strengthening Activities, there are plans to use the COVID-19 response mechanism funds for training of healthcare workers on diagnosis and management of infectious diseases, emergency preparedness scenarios and mitigation strategies as well as relevant modules are being developed to support frontline health workers.
