Minister of Health, Prof Christian Onyebuchi Chukwu, yesterday expressed the federal government’s readiness to partner with the Edo state government in the area of sensitising the public on the need to tackle the scourge of cancer and the deadly Lassa fever.
Speaking during a courtesy visit to governor Adams Oshiomhole in Benin City, the minister said besides the state government’s efforts in fighting cancer, the state was the first in the country to pass a bill which was signed into law to monitor maternal mortality.
He said: “One would also like to see what Edo State has done with that law. I want us to work together on the issue of the national health plan.”
The minister who lamented that many people die of Lassa fever in the country said, “Lassa fever is common in Nigeria, and as long as we continue to treat every fever like malaria, people will continue to die of Lassa fever.”
He urged the people to maintain a healthy lifestyle and keep their environments clean to fight the scourge of the fever.
Responding, Governor Adams Oshiomhole expressed gratitude to the federal government for up grading facilities at the University of Benin Teaching Hospital, noting that, “we are proud of what the hospital is doing”.
He lamented deaths attributed to Lassa fever, saying, “we have a responsibility to encourage our people to do whatever can be done to prevent the spread of Lassa fever”.
Comrade Oshiomhole noted that government is dealing with rural healthcare challenges by opening up the rural areas. According to him, “The starting point to deliver on healthcare is that the rural community must be accessible, that is why we are opening up the areas in terms of roads.
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