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Bauchi records 22 deaths from Lassa fever —Agency

Agency Report
Agency Report
Bauchi records 22 deaths from Lassa fever —Agency
Lassa fever

The Bauchi State Primary Health Care Development Agency, BASPHCDA, recorded 22 deaths from Lassa fever cases across the state in 2023, chairman of the agency, Rilwanu Mohammed, said.

He made this known at a one-day advocacy engagement meeting with traditional and religious leaders on prevention of infectious diseases on Thursday in Bauchi.

The meeting was organised by a non-governmental organisation, Women Development Association for Self Sustenance, WODASS, supported by WaterAid Nigeria.

The chairman, represented by Haruna Wakil, Deputy Director, Disease Control and Immunisation of the

agency, said the state also recorded 678 suspected Lassa fever cases, 95 confirmed cases and 22 deaths.

He added that “the worst hit local government areas were Alkaleri, Bauchi, Tafawa Balewa, Ganjuwa, Dass, Kirfi, Toro and parts of Kanam in Plateau.

He, therefore, stressed the need for proactive measures in the fight against infectious diseases, adding that traditional rulers and community leaders had significant roles to play in achieving the set objectives.

He further stressed the need to always pause and reflect on the present situation of things in communities to achieve the set objectives of a healthy society.

He assured the agency’s readiness to collaborate with relevant organisations and NGOs to promote primary healthcare services in communities.

Haruna Suleiman, Head of Inspection, Bauchi State Environmental Protection Agency, BASEPA, said that the meeting was aimed at achieving a healthy society.

Suleiman said that the importance of Water, Sanitation and Hygiene, WASH, could not be overemphasised “because it is the basis of living due to the fact that life itself revolves around cleanliness.”

He, however, lamented that people had since abandoned the COVID-19 protocol of social distancing, washing of hands and wearing of face mask, a development that increased the spread of infectious diseases.

On his part, Magaji Barde of WODASS, said that the meeting was aimed at sensitising traditional rulers and community leaders on efforts toward mobilising people to ensure healthy environment.

Source: NAN

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