Fashola to Embrace Ebola Survivors Today as Last Suspect is Discharged from Lagos

Commissioner for Health, Dr. Jide Idris made the assertion in Ikeja while receiving some Ebola preventive materials donated by Neimeith Pharmaceutical PLC to the state government.

He made the statement even as the Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babatunde Fashola prepares to hold a meeting later today with some of those who survived EVD after undergoing treatment at the Isolation Centre in Yaba Mainland Hospital, Lagos.

We gathered that the Governor will also use the occasion to embrace the survivors the way it has been done in the US to prove to Nigerians that there is no need to fear or stigmatised survivors once they are declared negative.

The commissioner said that that though the last case under observation would be discharged later in the day, the threat of trans-border transmissions from Ebola ravaged neighbouring countries was still there.

“Lagos has been very lucky and proactive in the containment of the disease. So far,for over a week ,we have not recorded any new case. We have followed up on all the contacts.

“In fact the last contact should be delisted today, all things going on well. But as long as we still have the situation in Liberia, Sierria Leone and Guinea ,we are not out of the woods yet.

“Because there is still the possibility and every potential that the virus could be re-introduced here.Luckily, the Federal Government has been proactive too in manning our bothers.

“But we should not rest on our oars and that is why we are trying to sensitise the public on the virus .We are to continue with every major strategy we started with. And we hope we don`t record any new case “he said.

The commissioner said the government would continue to train health workers on responding to the virus and would continue to take steps to keep the environment safe.

Idris added,the government was providing potable water and sanitary facilities in schools ahead of resumption to eliminate the threats of the disease in schools.

He advised residents to maintain good environment and good personal hygiene,saying these would help reduce the risk of infections.
The commissioner commended Neimeith for the items, noting that they would boost the state`s preventive strategy against the virus.

Presenting the items, Managing Director of Neimeth, Mr Emmanuel Ekunno said the company donated the items to further give momentum to the war against the EVD in the state.

He described Ebola as serious health threat and expressed optimism that the items would significantly help to eliminate its threat.

Ekunno commended the state government for the successful containment of the virus,saying but for its proactiveness and its results-oriented approach , the problem would have resulted in a disaster.

“We commend the proactive,timely and unrelenting efforts of the Lagos State Government in putting in place adequate measures to contain the Ebola Virus Disease.

“The concentric circle strategy of the Lagos State Government at monitoring and quarantining the index case ,primary and secondary contacts has proved very effective in containing what would have been disastrous.

“We commiserate with the government and the people of the state over the death of Dr Ameyo Adedevoh and others who lost their lives to the virus and we e pray that their souls would rest in peace. “he said.

Items donated are 1000 NCP fungicidal packs and some sensitization materials were a response to the need for residents to take preventive steps to keep safe.