A #LassaFreeLagos Day at the Abulenla PHC
Aremu Oluwatosin
Ojikutu Olakitan
Alert Officers for Lagos Mainland and Mushin LGAs
The Abule nla Primary Healthcare Centre (PHC) is located within the Lagos Mainland Local Government, at Progressive Estate, Desalu street, Ebute-Metta West, Lagos.
A few days ago we shared our field experiences with the mothers at the Ondo-West PHC. Both Primary Healthcare Centres fall within the jurisdiction of the Lagos Mainland Local Government Area, the location of our pilot launch of AlertClinic.
The Abulenla PHC is peculiar by virtue of its location within a housing estate, and its proximity to Costain, a popular logistics and business hub. The weekly well baby check is one of the most popular services, where mothers of children under the age of five years present to the PHC with their children. The Alert Officers of Lagos Mainland and Mushin LGA, paid the Abule nla PHC nursing mothers a visit today.
This visit was facilitated by the support of the Lagos Mainland health officials, the Medical Officer of Health, Dr. Ubani, and the Matron, Mrs Hassan. We were granted a willing audience.
The health officials were busy attending to the mothers and their babies but gave us some time to address the audience. We spoke on Lassa fever preventive measures and also symptoms associated with the disease. The mothers were very attentive and responsive, and they also commended the effort of the government in spreading the information on Lassa fever. They expressed that they were willing to maintain good handwashing practices, cleanliness and other preventive measures discussed with them.
We also informed them of the importance of early reporting if they notice any symptoms of Lassa fever.
These were some of the questions asked by our audience:
- Is Lassa fever curable?
- Can nose bleeding result in Lassa fever?
The #LassaFreeLagos campaign continues today. Look out for symptoms of Lassa Fever, and remember that early reporting saves lives.
