Achieving a #LassaFreeLagos at the Iyana Ipaja Market on Valentine’s Day
Oresanya Opeyemi and Okere Winner
Alert Officers for Oshodi-Isolo and Alimosho Local Government
Since the beginning of 2018, Lassa Fever outbreaks have been reported in 19 states of the federation, and the call for campaigns on prvention of Lassa Fever and early detection and reporting of symptoms is a timely one.
The Alert Officers in charge of Alimosho and Oshodi-Isolo local government areas paid a Valentine’s day visit to the famous Iyana Ipaja market in Alimosho Local Government to kick start the awareness campaign train which will extend to other areas. Our goal was to educate people on the prevention of Lassa Fever disease. We want a #LassaFreeLagos.
We particularly targeted food vendors, and those who sell foodstuffs in wholesale quantity. Their stalls and warehouses often easily harbor rodents, an important vector of the Lassa Fever virus. It is our goal that these campaign activities will break the chain of spread of Lassa Fever.
In addition, we spoke to the taxi drivers, market women, okada riders and other groups in the market space. The interaction was awesome and interactive and we were appreciative of the questions. Many of those we met were very interested in the prevention of Lassa Fever and the reasons why spotting symptoms early is important.
A lady who stopped by the market to purchase some goods, told us, “yeepa! May God save us…end time things!”.
We also handed out a flyer to a religious leader who said, “May God help Nigeria, the end is at hand.”
Lassa Fever, an infectious viral disease, is preventable. Personal and environmental hygiene, early spotting of symptoms and prompt reporting to health authorities make all the difference.
We spread the word that Lassa fever is treatable and preventable and most importantly, good hygiene prevents Lassa fever.
Some of the most frequently asked questions included:
• “Where were all these illnesses before now?”
• “What is Lassa fever?”
• “I thought there was no more Lassa fever?”
We were well received by the various groups in the market. Their questions were well answered and they were impressed. The general consensus was that they found the campaign insightful, educative, and timely.
The campaign was successful and informative as we all agreed that we must ‘kick Lassa out’ and to make sure we share information to neighbours, customers and loved ones.
The train continues and the #LassaFreeLagos campaign is moving.
If you or those you know live in Alimosho and Oshodi-Isolo, remember to log on to app.alertclinic.com to understand more key facts, and report symptoms to your local health authorities.
You can also connect with the reporting system by calling the phone number below. Remember to share across your networks as well.
