DistantNews
COVID: Benue activates emergency response
🇳🇬 Nigeria /Health & Science

COVID: Benue activates emergency response

From Vanguard · (8m ago) English Mixed tone

Translated from English, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

TLDR

  • Benue State, Nigeria, has intensified surveillance and response measures against COVID-19 due to a case in neighboring Cross River State.
  • The state has reactivated its Public Health Emergency Response Centers and has teams on standby.
  • Regarding Lassa Fever, Benue has recorded no new cases in four weeks and is working on revitalizing over 110 Primary Healthcare Centres.

The Benue State Government in Nigeria is taking proactive measures to prevent a potential COVID-19 outbreak, as reported by Vanguard.

We are not taking chances. The state is fully prepared to respond to any emergency.

— Dr. Paul OgwucheStating the state's readiness to handle potential health emergencies.

Commissioner for Health and Human Services, Dr. Paul Ogwuche, announced that the state is on high alert following a reported COVID-19 case involving a Chinese national in Cross River State. Given Benue's proximity to Cross River, the government is not taking any chances. Public Health Emergency Response Centers have been reactivated and are fully operational, with response teams ready to contain any threat.

In more positive health news, Ogwuche provided an encouraging update on Lassa Fever. Benue State has not recorded any new cases in the past four weeks, a significant achievement described as a milestone. Currently, there are no patients admitted, and all screenings have been negative for the last four weeks. This progress is attributed to coordinated efforts between the state government, the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), and the World Health Organization (WHO), involving training, provision of protective equipment, public sensitization, and improved case management.

We are making steady progress. At the moment, there is no patient on admission, and for the past four weeks, all screenings conducted have returned negative.

— Dr. Paul OgwucheProviding an update on the Lassa Fever situation in Benue State.

Despite the success against Lassa Fever, vigilance remains crucial, especially considering the 42-day incubation period. The state is also undergoing significant reforms in its Primary Healthcare sector, with plans to upgrade over 110 Primary Healthcare Centres (PHCs) across the state. These upgrades include improved infrastructure, solar power, fencing, and the provision of essential medical supplies and personnel, aiming to ensure quality healthcare access for all communities.

The gaps are quite significant, but we are addressing them step by step. The aim is to ensure that every community has access to quality healthcare services.

— Dr. Paul OgwucheAcknowledging challenges in healthcare reform while affirming commitment.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Vanguard in English. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

More Stories

From Our Blog