by Christiana Gokyo, Jos
Following the recent outbreak of Lasser fever in the country involving some states with recorded deaths from the outbreak, the Plateau State Government says it has received some suspected cases, but results turned out to be negative.
The Commissioner for Health in Plateau State, Dr. Cletus Bako Shurku, disclosed this to newsmen shortly after the handing over of Mini Laboratories for COVID-19 Sample Collection Center to the State Government by World Health Organization (WHO) recently.
Dr. Shurku stated that, “We have not recorded any cases on Lasser fever yet in the state,” but urged the citizens to observe the universal precaution so that they could not be taken unawares, saying, “Since we have not had the cases here, we should be guided and should be on the watch out and to ensure that we do the needful.
“The ministry is putting all machineries on ground to ensure that we create awareness so that the people will know how to prevent the outbreak of the disease,” he assured.
He added that, most of their activities will be seen and be heard, noting that, “Because we need to educate the people on how to live a healthy life and to prevent themselves from the disease.
“We will roll out programs that will educate our people and, as you all know, the governor has passion for health sector, and we also have already have a program on ground towards equipping health organization in Plateau.
“Because, we want everywhere in the state – whether in a remote area – you will be able to have access to quality health care system. The Ministry will ensure that the vision and mission is accomplished,” he said.
World Health Organization (WHO) has handed-over two mini-laboratories as COVID-19 Sample Collection Center to the Plateau State Government.
While receiving the facilities on behalf of the Plateau State Government, Dr. Cletus Shurkuk appreciated WHO for the gesture, noting that, “Though, the COVID-19 is minimal but is not yet over, and the laboratories would be of great help to the state. The government will not take the gesture for granted,” and assured of continued partnership with the WHO for the benefits and good of the citizens.
The two mini laboratories are situated at Primary Health Care (PHC) Tudun Wada, in Jos North, and Primary Health Care (PHC) Bukuru Express Way in Jos South local government areas of the State, respectively.
While handing-over the two Mimi Laboratories of COVID-19, the Country Representative in Nigeria, Dr. Walter Kazadi Molumbo, said the event was crucial to them as they continue to bolster resources and infrastructure to combat the spread of the virus and protect the health and well-being of citizens.
He was represented by Dr. Andrew Abiodun, who noted that the laboratories stand as a demonstration of their collective commitment to confronting the COVID-19 pandemic head-on.
According to him, “From its inception, the facility has been dedicated to the swift and accurate diagnosis of COVID-19 cases, enabling us to identify and isolate infected individuals effectively.”
He acknowledged that, through the tireless efforts of their dedicated team of scientists, technicians, and healthcare professionals, they have worked tirelessly to ensure that the community has access to the testing and resources needed to navigate these uncertain times.
Dr. Molumbo noted that, as they hand over the reins of the laboratory to the State Government, they are doing so with full confidence in their ability to continue the critical work that has started in the state, and trust that they will uphold the same standards of excellence and dedication that have guided them throughout the exercise.
He stressed that, with the support and leadership of the government, they are confident that the laboratories will remain a cornerstone in the ongoing efforts to combat COVID-19 and safeguard the health of the communities.
The Country Representative appreciated all those, who had contributed to the success of the laboratories, especially the front-line workers, who have tirelessly processed tests day-and-night, to the government officials, who have provided unwavering support in every step of the way, noting that “It is through the collective efforts that the world will emerge stronger from this crisis.”
The two traditional rulers of the communities thanked the WHO for their support towards ensuring that their communities were chosen to benefit, saying, “This will bring help to the communities by driving away premature deaths.”