Health

Lassa fever: Oyo Govt. Says Contacts Improving

By Web News 232

By Fasilat Lawal

Oyo State Commissioner for Health, Dr Oluwaserimi Ajetunmobi, has assured residents that four contacts identified from a confirmed Lassa fever case are responding to treatment.

The patients, who were isolated after exposure to the index case, are currently receiving care at the Olodo Infectious Disease Hospital in Ibadan.

Dr Ajetunmobi gave the assurance while speaking to Radio Nigeria in Ibadan, explaining that five persons, including the deceased, tested positive for Lassa fever.

She noted that the deceased, a 44-year-old woman, had traveled to Oyo State from Edo State before her death.

Dr Ajetunmobi added that the Ministry of Health would ensure that all isolated patients test negative before they are discharged.

The commissioner further disclosed that the state government has activated a multi-sectoral response team comprising stakeholders from various ministries and tertiary health institutions under the “One Health” initiative.

According to her, the team is focused on sensitising residents, particularly at the grassroots, on preventive measures such as maintaining proper environmental hygiene, storing food in rodent-proof containers, proper waste disposal, and avoiding the drying of food items on the ground or roadside.

Dr Ajetunmobi also urged residents to adopt regular handwashing habits before food preparation, stressing that Lassa fever can be contracted through contact with infected rodents or exposure to their saliva, urine, or droppings.

It will be recalled that the 44-year-old female patient died at the University College Hospital on the 11th of this month, while laboratory confirmation of Lassa fever was received two days later.

Edited by Maxwell Oyekunle

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Health

Oyo Intensifies Malaria Fight with Community Outreach

By Web News 252

By Olawale Asake

In a concerted effort to curb the scourge of malaria, the Oyo State Ministry of Health has organised a community outreach and awareness programme focused on prevention and control of the disease.

The event, held at the Olorunda-Aba Primary Health Centre in Lagelu Local Government Area, formed part of activities marking this year’s World Malaria Day.

The programme brought together government officials, development partners, public health experts, community leaders, as well as expectant and nursing mothers to evaluate progress made and identify gaps in the fight against malaria.

Speaking at the event, Oyo State Commissioner for Health, Dr Oluwaserimi Ajetunmobi, reiterated the government’s commitment to tackling malaria, describing it as a serious health concern that must not be taken lightly.

She explained that the state government has continued to make testing and treatment freely accessible to residents as part of efforts to reduce the disease burden.

Dr Ajetunmobi stressed the need for stronger support and collective action, urging residents to maintain a clean environment and seek prompt medical attention at the onset of symptoms.

In his remarks, Community Leader, Alhaji Abdulfatai Oloyede, commended the government for intensifying awareness campaigns on malaria prevention.

Alhaji Oloyede, however, appealed for the provision of adequate malaria drugs across public health facilities in the state.

Some beneficiaries of the free insecticide-treated nets distributed at the event expressed appreciation, noting that the programme had also enlightened them on effective preventive measures.

Also speaking, Oyo State Malaria Programme Manager, Mrs Foluke Adeyemo, advised residents to avoid self-medication and instead visit health centres for proper testing and diagnosis whenever they experience fever.

Mrs Adeyemo lauded the government and the Ministry of Health for implementing measures aimed at drastically reducing malaria cases, including the recruitment of personnel and renovation of health facilities.

Representatives of the World Health Organization, Malaria Consortium, Civil Society Organisations, as well as community and traditional leaders, were present at the event.

This year’s theme for World Malaria Day is: “Driven to End Malaria: Now We Can, Now We Must.”

Edited by Maxwell Oyekunle

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Health

Oyo Confirms Lassa fever Case, Activates Emergency Response

By Web News 233

By Maxwell Oyekunle

The Oyo State Government has confirmed a case of Lassa fever at the University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan.

The case involved a 44-year-old woman who was treated at the hospital but died on April 11, 2026, while laboratory confirmation of Lassa fever was received on April 13.

In a statement, the Commissioner for Health, Dr Oluwaserimi Ajetunmobi, said the state government immediately activated its emergency response mechanisms through the Ministry of Health following confirmation of the case.

Dr Ajetunmobi said the Incident Management System for Lassa fever had been activated to coordinate response activities, adding that authorities were identifying and monitoring all contacts of the deceased and ensuring a safe and dignified burial.

She urged residents to seek immediate medical attention if they experience symptoms such as persistent fever, weakness, sore throat, vomiting, diarrhoea, unexplained bleeding, chest pain or difficulty in breathing, noting that early treatment improves survival.

Dr Ajetunmobi advised residents to maintain good environmental hygiene, store food in rodent-proof containers, properly dispose of waste and seal holes in homes to prevent rodent entry.

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Health

Menstrual Health: RHI Targets 370,000 Girls Nationwide

By Web News 310

By Oluseyi Olarinde

The Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI), led by the wife of the president, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has launched “Flow with Confidence”, a menstrual health programme targeted at schoolgirls in Oyo State.

The event, held in Ibadan, brought together girls from various schools across the city.

The Oyo State Commissioner for Health, Dr Oluwaserimi Ajetunmobi, described menstruation as natural and “a vital part of growing up for the girl child.”

She encouraged the students to embrace the acronym FLOWER—Freshen up, Learn about the cycle, Observe good pad use, Waste disposal, Eat healthily, and Reach out to parents if they experience challenges.

Dr Ajetunmobi urged the girls to “be confident and blossom like a flower during menstruation,” stressing that no one should be bullied or mocked because of their monthly cycle.

The Oyo State Commissioner for Education, Mr Oluwasegun Olayiwola, noted that girls “flow with confidence” when basic amenities such as water and accessible toilets are available in schools.

He said such provisions help students stay focused on their studies without avoidable distractions.

Representing the wife of the governor, Chief Tamunominini Makinde, the Head of Service, Mrs Olubunmi Oni, said no girl should miss school due to menstruation.

She announced that each beneficiary would receive 12 packs of sanitary pads to last a year.

Chief Makinde appealed for empathy from the public, especially when girls face cramps during their monthly flow.

She added: “It has often been said that ‘when you educate a girl, you educate a nation.’ This is not just a proverb; it is a proven developmental fact. Educated girls grow into empowered women who drive economic growth, strengthen families, uplift communities and contribute meaningfully to national development. Therefore, any investment in the well-being, education and confidence of the girl-child is an investment in Nigeria’s development and future stability.”

Chief Makinde also highlighted the need for support when girls experience menstrual discomfort: “Some girls experience menstrual cramps… which can sometimes make learning very difficult. Simple measures such as staying hydrated, using warm compressors, gentle stretching, proper rest, and, when necessary, taking mild pain relief prescribed by a health professional, can help them cope effectively. Teachers and parents must therefore continue to support them with understanding, patience and reassurance.”

In her remarks, the wife of the president, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, said the Flow with Confidence initiative aims to reach 370,000 girls nationwide, especially in rural communities.

Senator Tinubu explained that the programme has already been introduced in several states, with each receiving 10,000 packs of sanitary pads for vulnerable girls.

She added: “The Renewed Hope Initiative spent a total of N2,550,297,150 to procure these customised disposable sanitary pads from a local manufacturing company in Lagos State. I therefore urge corporate organisations, parastatals, agencies and well-meaning Nigerians to key into the Flow with Confidence programme, so that we can empower and reach as many girls as possible.”

Beneficiaries expressed gratitude to Senator Tinubu and the Oyo State governor’s wife, promising to use the pads responsibly.

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Health

National Immunization Plus Days Flagged Off in Ibadan

By Web News 672

By Lilian Ibomor

It is important for parents and guardians to cooperate with immunization officers as they embark on four day house to house vaccination against polio.

Commissioner for Health in Oyo state Dr Oluwaserimi Ajetunmobi stated this at the flag-off ceremony for the National Immunization Plus Days (NIPDs) campaign held at Ibadan South East Local Government  Primary Health Care Centre, Oranyan.

The Commissioner who was represented by the Permanent Secretary, the Ministry of Health, Mr Olusoji Adeyanju said without the cooperation of parents and caregivers, the aim which is to rid the state off polio, would not be achieved. 

In a remark, the Executive secretary Primary Health Care board, Dr Muyideen Olatunji said the introduction of vaccination in Nigeria has reduced the misconception of  “Abiku” in the society.

On her part, the Medical Officer, Oranyan Health Centre, Dr Dupe Akinyemi, urged mothers in attendance to utilize every immunization opportunity optimally, without discouraging others.

State Coordinator for World Health Organization WHO, Phillip Zonto said children from zero to five years were qualified for the vaccination, as the content of the vaccine have been approved for use.

Also speaking, the Maternal and Child Health Facilitator for United Nations International Children Emergency Fund, UNICEF, in Oyo state, Tari Akpandara said the immunization officers will also seen in the markets, schools and shops for thorough outreach.

The event also had in attendance religious leaders, Ibadan South East Local Government chairman, representative of the Christian Association of Nigeria among others.

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Politics

OYHA Confirms Commissioners Designate

By Web News 657

By Mosope Kehinde

Oyo State House of Assembly has screened and confirmed two commissioners designate submitted by the state governor, Engineer Seyi Makinde.

They are, 29 year old Miss Adegoke Adefemi and a Medical Practitioner, Dr Oluwaserimi Ajetunmobi.

During deliberations, the lawmakers took turn to solicit the commitments of the nominees to the development of the state, in tandem with the agenda of governor Seyi Makinde.

Speaker of the House, Mr Adebo Ogundoyin expressed hope that Miss Adegoke Adefemi would be drafted to the youths and sports ministry while Dr Oluwaserimi Ajetunmobi would be in charge of the health ministry.

Mr Ogundoyin said the house was ready to support the commissioner’s nominee to deliver on their mandates to the people of Oyo state.

In an interview shortly after the confirmation, Dr Ajetunmobi emphasized the need to consolidate on the achievements of the Seyi Makinde Administration on health, considering the importance of standard healthcare system to the socio-economic development of Oyo state.

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