By Nafiu Busari

Despite claiming many lives and the threats posed by Diphtheria in the Country, Oyo State has not recorded any case of the disease in recent years. 

This was attributed to immense resources and protective measures put in place by the Oyo state government and her development partners. 

The Commissioner for Health, Dr Bode Ladipo, stated this in Ibadan at a news conference to declare open the Lassa fever and diphtheria week.

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Dr Ladipo explained that Oyo state has had its own share of the challenges posed by Diphtheria and Lassa fever in the Country. 

According to the Commissioner, Oyo state will continue to maintain its diphtheria-free status by ensuring that all eligible children receive routine immunization against it and other killer childhood diseases. 

He urged the residents of the state to take every measure to keep rats away from their homes and ensure proper storage of food. 

Dr Ladipo called on public officials to continue to maintain high standards in public healthcare delivery and the development of sound health policies to promote health. 

In a remark, Oyo State Coordinator, USAID Breakthrough Action Nigeria, Mrs Oluwatoyin Afachung who observed low sensitization on Lassa fever and Diphtheria, promised to embark on an aggressive media campaign against the diseases.

She also revealed that town hall meetings will be organized in the affected local governments in the state and train teachers on how to curtail the spread of the diseases. 

The Oyo state facilitator UNICEF, Mr Tari Akpandara promised improved partnership with the state government to ensure good public health.