UNICEF, Ondo strengthen partnership on Lassa fever control
By Julius Alabi,Akure
The United Nations Children’s Fund and the Ondo State Government have reaffirmed their commitment to intensifying joint efforts aimed at curbing the spread of Lassa fever through sustained prevention strategies and public awareness campaigns.
This renewed collaboration came to the fore during a courtesy visit by UNICEF officials, Mrs. Aderonke Akinola-Akinwole, Social and Behaviour Change Specialist, and Mrs. Monike Orhorhemreni, SBCC Officer, to the Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Hon. Idowu Ajanaku, in Akure.
Speaking during the visit, Akinola-Akinwole commended the commissioner for granting the delegation audience, noting that Lassa fever remains a significant public health threat in Nigeria.
She explained that UNICEF’s interventions are focused on driving awareness around the causes, prevention and control of the disease, particularly at the grassroots level.
She further stressed the need for urgent government action to address environmental conditions that aid the spread of the disease, while calling for stronger institutional support through the ministry to ensure effective community outreach across the state.
In his response, Ajanaku lauded UNICEF’s sustained partnership with Ondo State, describing the organisation as a dependable ally in advancing health communication and development programmes.
He reaffirmed the government’s readiness to support initiatives that promote public health and prevent disease outbreaks.
The commissioner also pledged to strengthen collaboration with UNICEF to expand sensitisation campaigns, noting that safeguarding the health of residents remains a priority of the current administration.
He added that the state has maintained a proactive stance in responding to Lassa fever cases, while commending the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Banji Ajaka, for upholding standard treatment protocols in health facilities.
Both parties reiterated their resolve to deepen cooperation in health communication and community engagement, with a shared goal of reducing Lassa fever incidence and improving public health outcomes across Ondo State.
