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From Scholastica Hir, Makurdi
As part of efforts to contain the increasing spread of Lassa Fever, Benue State Government has unveiled newly introduced contact-free Veronica buckets aimed at strengthening infection prevention measures in the state
The Commissioner for Health and Human Services in the State, Dr. Paul Ogwuche, who unveiled the buckets during an official visit to the Benue State University Teaching Hospital (BSUTH), reaffirmed the government’s commitment to containing the disease.
Ogwuche disclosed that significant progress has been recorded in the state’s response efforts, noting that the number of confirmed cases has reduced from 20 to 13, with only one recent fatality reported.
He further revealed that improved sanitation and infection prevention protocols within health facilities have resulted in the elimination of recent transmissions among healthcare workers, a development he described as a positive indication that the response strategies were yielding results.
He attributed the progress made so far to the prompt intervention and strong support of the State Governor, Rev Fr Hyacinth Alia, whose directive for swift containment of the outbreak had mobilised stakeholders and strengthened response efforts across the state.
The Commissioner explained that the Ministry was intensifying public awareness campaigns through the distribution of informational flyers and sensitisation visits to churches, markets and local government areas in order to educate residents on preventive measures and early reporting of symptoms.
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He said the contact-free Veronica buckets were part of efforts to strengthen hygiene practices in public institutions and designed to reduce the risk of disease transmission through hand-washing without direct contact.
He said the buckets were being distributed to hospitals, schools and other public places across the state as part of the broader containment strategy.
He also acknowledged the technical guidance and material support provided by key partners, including the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC), World Health Organisation (WHO) and Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF), alongside the state Ministry of Health, which had collectively contributed expertise and essential consumables to support the response.
Ogwuche further noted that plans were underway to strengthen the capacity of healthcare facilities across the state, including improvements to hospital infrastructure, such as oxygen piping systems and the provision of patient monitoring equipment to enhance quality care delivery.
He commended the healthcare workers at the BSUTH for their courage and dedication, despite the risks associated with managing infectious diseases and assured them of the state government’s continued commitment to providing a safe and supportive working environment.
He emphasised the critical role of public cooperation in controlling the outbreak, urging residents to maintain proper sanitation, avoid self-medication, store food safely and keep their surroundings clean to prevent contact with rodents, which are known carriers of the disease.
