By John Charles
The Benue State Commissioner for Health and Human Services, Dr Paul Ogwuche, said the ministry has activated its Emergency Response Centres as part of preparations to contain any outbreak of COVID-19.
The commissioner disclosed this in Makurdi on Tuesday while fielding questions from journalists.
His remarks followed reports that a Chinese national tested positive for COVID-19 last week in Cross River State, raising concerns in neighbouring Benue.
Ogwuche said, “The emergency response centres are functional; all the pillars of operations are very active, so there is no need for anyone to panic because of what happened in Cross River State.
“It’s true we share a boundary with Cross River, but I am assuring the public that, as part of our preparedness, all Public Health Emergency Response Centres have been reactivated and are functional.”
Providing an update on Lassa fever, the commissioner said no case had been recorded in the state in the last four weeks.
He added that the latest report from the state epidemiologist indicated zero cases within the period.
“We are making progress. I spoke with the State Epidemiologist today, and he confirmed that there is no patient on admission at the moment.
“For the past four weeks, we have been screening and have not recorded any positive cases. However, the incubation period is 42 days, and if we reach that period without any positive cases, we can declare the state free of Lassa fever.
“So far, we are doing well. There are no new cases. The success recorded is due to early response and the support of various partners.
“The state government also supported us with funds. We conducted extensive training, procured personal protective equipment, carried out sensitisation through jingles and public messages, and case tracking in communities.
“We also reached out to the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and the World Health Organisation, and they provided support. Some partners are already withdrawing because the situation has improved significantly,” Ogwuche said.
The commissioner also highlighted the ongoing renovation of Primary Health Care Centres across the state, noting that the government remains committed to strengthening the system.
He added that the administration had recruited health workers into the PHC system, although gaps still exist.
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