The stakeholders meeting was officially opened by Mr. Steven Momoh Aziz, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, on behalf of the Commissioner. The state government places a high priority on the health and welfare of its citizens and is committed to providing the necessary support to combat the Lassa fever disease in the state. In a detailed presentation on Lassa fever outbreaks, Dr. Ojotule Augustine, the Kogi State Epidemiologist, provided statistical data on the outbreaks within the state. Dr. Bola Emmanuel Jonah emphasized the critical role of the social mobilization team in preventive medicine. The Idah Local Government Area has been identified as a significant concern, with ten suspected cases and five confirmed positive cases, all originating from this area. Efforts are being intensified on environmental sanitation to prevent the spread of the disease, addressing the lack of awareness in health education, and increasing health sensitization regarding Lassa fever. Idah Local Government Area is considered the epicenter of the outbreak in Kogi State, with particular attention being given to the refuse dump in the Egga market of the Idah community. The meeting also stressed the importance of infection prevention control and the reaction of Lassa fever treatment centers in the state capital and the Federal Teaching Hospital in Lokoja. Sensitisation on preventive measures and effective management of cases remain a priority to ensure the containment and prevention of further spread of the disease.
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