August 30, 2014 – Lagos State Government has threatened to invoke relevant section of the Public Health Law to prosecute residents who indulge in habits capable of spreading the deadly Ebola Virus Disease(EVD) within the state.
Commissioner for Environment Mr. Tunji Bello made the threat during the August edition of the monthly environmental sanitation exercise in Isolo. He said the exercise is dedicated to advocacy campaign on preventive measures to curb spread of EVD adding that proactive measures must be taken to save the country from the disease.
Bello said advocacy at grassroots level is very key to halt further spread of the disease.
“We need advocacy. This is important and it is the first to curtail the virus; prevention is better than cure. Residents need to know how they can avoid contacting the virus.It is not until Ebola outbreak occurs in the state that the government will commence fire brigade approach. That was why we have commenced sensitization across the state to give residents clear picture of the virus.
“One of the things we have told our residents was that they should clean their environment often. And stop open defecation and urination. These are one of the easiest ways to spread the Ebola Virus Disease. Residents of Lagos must stop these unhealthy acts now. “
The commissioner added that as a responsible and responsive Government they would continue to be in the fore front of the campaign for a healthier and sustainable environment.
He urged Lagosians to support the government in its effort to contain the spread of the disease, saying that efforts should be further concentrated on the cleaning of drains, Canals and fumigation of the environment, in order to completely eliminate the disease in the state.
Flyers containing information about Ebola, mode of infection and how to avoid contracting the ailment were distributed to residents during the exercise.
