UNICEF takes Lassa fever campaign to Anambra

By Vincent Ujumadu Awka—
FOLLOWING the recent outbreak of Lassa fever that claimed three lives in Anambra State, including a medical doctor, the United Nations Children’s Fund, UNICEF, has mounted an enlightenment campaign in five local government areas in the state believed to be directly or indirectly affected by the disease, to educate the people on how to avoid contracting it. The five local government areas are Orumba North, where the deceased medical doctor hailed from;
Nnewi North where the doctor died at the Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital located in the town; Ayamelum and Anambra West, where two women who died from the effect of the disease at Asaba, Delta State, hailed from, as well as Anaocha, which has boundaries with Orumba North and Nnewi North. The UNICEF –assisted Communications Officer (SOMTEC) in Anambra State, Mrs. Chineze Ileka, who is leading high –powered officials on the enlightenment programme expected to end next week, said the world body was worried about the loss of lives through Lassa fever in the state, even when there was no outbreak of the disease in the state. Those participating in the enlightenment programme were stakeholders from all the communities in the five local government areas, who were expected to further educate their people at the grass root level on ways of avoiding the spread of the disease.
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