Working to achieve a #LassaFreeLagos at Oyingbo Market, a Hub of Food Retail

Aremu Oluwatosin and Ojikutu Olakitan

Alert Officers for Lagos Mainland and Mushin LGAs

The Lagos Mainland Local Government is a hub of activity, containing religious houses, institutions of various levels and places of business. One of the most dynamic places of business in this area is the Oyingbo Market, located off the Oyingbo road.

As one approaches, one is heralded by the slowing of vehicular and pedestrian traffic. It is a busy market. The market was filled up as usual, with the interactions of buyers and sellers, and ongoing daily commercial activities.

Alert Officer, Lagos Mainland, demonstrating the symptoms of Lassa Fever to a vehicle rider

An entire section of the market is lined with foodstuff vendor stalls, selling items such as garri, bags of rice, wheat flour, sugar and semolina. We had a one on one interaction with vendors at their various stalls, and passersby on the streets as well. They were patient and willing to provide audience.

We spoke on the prevention, treatment and reporting of Lassa fever. Some persons in the market, particularly the vendors, were not aware of the ongoing outbreak. A number of them had heard about it on the radio. The details on the causes and symptoms of Lassa fever were of particular interest, and they were therefore very attentive and responded well.

Alert Officer, Lagos Mainland with a beauty goods retailer at Oyingbo Market, Lagos

Those that were already aware of the ongoing outbreak of Lassa fever in different parts of the country, were also informed of the preventive measures and reporting systems in cases where symptoms are observed. We encouraged them to report early, through available online and offline platforms on AlertClinic, and to visit the nearest health centres too.

Some vendors requested for flyers and posters as a daily reminder of symptoms and also as a means of reaching out to other members of their households and people in the community. The overall response was positive and encouraging. They were very pleased to take pictures to show their participation.

She was one of the most engaging vendors we met today, she retails in the fruits section of the Oyingbo market. :)

Don’t forget to reach out, connect and call, the details for reporting symptoms in Lagos Mainland Local Government are below.

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#LassaFreeLagos smiles all around

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