…Set to collaborate ISTH in the fight against Lassa fever
By Simeon OSAJIE
The Edo State Government on Monday donated Lassa fever response kits to Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital (ISTH), to support ongoing efforts to manage the disease and reduce the financial burden on the hospital.
The Honourable Commissioner for Health, Dr. Cyril Adams Oshiomhole, presenting the items on behalf of Governor Monday Okpebholo, said that the donation was made in recognition of the hospital’s strong role in Lassa fever management and its global reputation in handling the disease.
According to him, “As we all know that we are approaching the peak phase of our decision to be prepared at this critical point, it demands preparedness, patience, coordination, collaboration, and of course, every commitment.
“This government, under the economic and professional leadership of Governor Monday Okpebholo want to collaborate with you and to support institutions like ISTH that is a champion for Lassa fever management. You have made your mark internationally and globally, and we are proud of you as a U.S. institution.
“In the United States, I would mention the medical supplies for your prevention, treatment, case management. We have 50 packs of Lassa fever kits, and it comes like this. It’s just to reduce the financial burden on the patients when they come. We have over 50 patients. We have over 1.5 hundred patients. We have as in the short count, about 200 pcs.
“We have hand sanitizers, we have 4,000 injection, and we have about 188 for the capsules, 2 medicines, about 50, hair nets, body bags, shoe cover, about 400. We have a TT and a glove, about 5. We also have other items. We have lactate, 100 sodium lactate, about 50.
“So, I thank you for the sacrifice for the state and we look forward for more collaboration and this is a time for us to alert people that environmental sanitation is very important because we know that the project is RATS; clean environment, clean life for RATS. And only when sanitation is done on a clean basis that we will be able to crush this long-lasting disease.”
The items were received by the Chief Medical Director, Dr. Reuben Eifediyi, represented by Dr. Joseph Okoeguale, who appreciated the swift response of the state government after the hospital raised concerns over the growing burden of Lassa fever cases. He disclosed that about 60 confirmed patients are currently on admission, with other suspected cases awaiting test results, and noted that treatment for one patient can cost close to one million naira. He added that the donation by Governor Monday Okpebholo will greatly support the hospital’s response efforts.
Items donated include 50 Lassa fever test kits, 100 coveralls, 200 pieces of isolation gowns, hand sanitizers, medications, and other essential supplies.
Present at the event was the Honourable Commissioner for Health, Dr. Cyril Adams Oshiomhole, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Dr. Paul Eighemhenrio, directors as well as staff of the hospital.