Lagos trains health workers to manage deadly viral infections

The Lagos State Government in collaboration with Dr. Ameyo Stella Adadevoh (DRASA) Health Trust recently trained health workers in public secondary facilities on the management of deadly Viral Haemorrhagic Fevers (VHFs) with a view to increasing their capacity to identify and promptly manage patients during an outbreak of infectious diseases.

Speaking at the training, the State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Jide Idris, noted that Lagos, with rapid urbanization and a population of over 22 million people, stands at high risk of an outbreak of infectious diseases.

“These diseases are mostly deadly Viral Haemorrhagic Fevers which include, Ebola, Lassa fever, Yellow fever, and Dengue. These deadly viruses cause sporadic outbreaks all over the country and the goal of the training is to build capacity in identifying and containing them in a mega city like ours” he said.

Idris who was represented by the Director Disease Control in the Ministry of Health, Dr. Eniola Erinosho stated that Medical Directors of General Hospitals have been mandated to designate a ward as Isolation Unit to quarantine suspected cases, stressing that this was done to increase the level of preparedness in the management VHF.

“The Ministry of Health in collaboration with DRASA Health Trust through this training seeks to increase the State’s level of outbreak preparedness, build the capacity of health workers to identify, diagnose and manage cases without jeopardizing their safety and that of residents”, Idris stressed.

The Commissioner added that State Government as part of efforts to enhance emergency preparedness has put in place an Inter-Ministerial Committee on Emergency Preparedness and Response, Disease Surveillance, Notification and Response structures in all the 20 local government areas of the State, and the Infectious Disease Control Hospital - Mainland Hospital Yaba.

He also stated that other emergency facilities available in the State include Lagos State Ambulance Services (LASAMBUS), Lagos State Emergency Medical Services (LASEMS), State Environmental Health Monitoring Units (SEHMU), Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA) and Lagos State Waste Management Authority.

Idris noted that enactment of Lagos State Public Health Law and the Lagos State Coronary Law supports emergency preparedness and response, adding that there is an Emergency Call Centre in the State which responds to emergency calls on dedicated lines: 767 and 211.

While commending DRASA Health Trust for collaborating with the Ministry of Health to train health workers on the management of emerging infectious diseases, the Commissioner assured the organization of the State government’s commitment and support in establishing a Simulation Training Centre on Emergency Preparedness and Response for Emerging Infectious Disease at the Lagos Mainland Hospital, Yaba.

Earlier, the Managing Director of DRASA Health Trust, Ms. Niniola Soleye explained that the training covers multiple topics including identification and triage of suspected VHF patients, application of standard precautions, and usage of personal protective equipment (PPE) before and after dealing with a suspected case.

“This is not a typical lecture or presentation type of training. We are using simulation and scenarios to make it hands-on and to ensure that the doctors and nurses we are training actually go through the process. So that when they are faced with a real live infectious patient as Dr. Adadevoh was with the first Ebola patient in 2014, they will know what to do. That is our goal” she said.

DRASA Health Trust was established in memory of Dr. Ameyo Stella Adadevoh, the doctor who correctly diagnosed and contained the first case of Ebola in Nigeria. No fewer than 50 Health workers from various general hospitals and primary health care centres in the State were in attendance.

Patronize Govt healthcare facilities, Mrs. Ambode charges expectant mothers

AgegePulse Magazine

 Wife of the Governor of Lagos State, Mrs. Bolanle Ambode, has renewed her call on expectant mothers to patronize primary health centres and skilled birth attendants in the State, to reduce the incidence of maternal and infant mortality.

She gave the advice today at a town hall meeting on the reduction of maternal and child mortality organized by Lagos State Ministry of Health at Epe Local Government.

Mrs. Ambode blamed prevailing maternal mortality rate on the failure of expectant mothers to access obstetric services provided by the government.

 “Almost every minute, somewhere in a corner of the world, a woman dies as a result of complications during pregnancy and childbirth. For every woman that dies, about 20 others survive but suffer from serious diseases, disability or physical damage, caused by complications. Majority of these maternal deaths are avoidable if expectant mothers access quality reproductive health care, including skilled attendance at birth,” she said.

“Non-use of essential obstetric services is a crucial factor that contributes to high maternal mortality. Some women refuse to access care when highly necessary either because of cultural practices or because decision-making is the responsibility of other family members”, she added.

Mrs. Ambode stressed that while the role of Traditional Birth Attendants (TBAs) is acknowledged, it is important they know their limitations and ensure prompt referrals to Primary Health Care Centres.

She appealed to women of child-bearing age and pregnant women to avail themselves of the free services during the Child Health Week, taking place throughout this week, by visiting the nearest Primary Health facility closest to them.

The Governor’s wife, who urged women to pay attention to their nutrition during pregnancy, enlisted the support of families, religious and community groups to win the battle against the menace of infant and maternal mortality.

Speaking earlier, the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Jide Idris, noted that it was important for TBAs to register with the State Government, adding that reports indicated that expectant mothers still patronize those TBAs that are not trained to handle unforeseen complications during pregnancy or childbirth.

The Commissioner said that the State Government had done so much in the area of primary health-care, as the Governor was very passionate about the health of the citizenry.

He enjoined everyone to come together at the end of the town hall meeting and resolve to do the right thing and save the lives of mothers during pregnancy and babies after childbirth, stressing that everyone has a role to play in this regard.

Delivering their goodwill messages, a member of the Federal House of Representatives, representing Epe Federal Constituency, Hon. Tasir Raji and Chairman, House Committee on Health in the State House of Assembly, Hon. Segun Olulade, both noted that there was a strong link between the health and survival of a mother and that of her new-born.

Raji said it was imperative for the State Government to explore the possibility of registering the TBAs with a view to integrating them into the healthcare delivery system, as this according to him, would help build capacity to ease the burden in the health sector.

Olulade stressed that concerted efforts must be made to ensure that no woman in Lagos State loses her life during pregnancy or childbirth.

In attendance were top government functionaries, traditional rulers, the health family, Traditional Birth Attendants, and other stakeholders.