Lassa Fever: FG, States Are Urged To Recruit More Health Inspectors
Professor Tanimola Akande, the former President of the Association of Public Health Physicians of Nigeria, has begun urging the federal and state governments to increase the current number of environmental health inspectors in order to reduce the spread of Lassa fever. The professor said that the increasing incidence of Lassa fever in most states was worrisome and required concerted efforts.
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Professor Akande pointed out that inadequate amount of health officials were not good for the country’s size. As he explained that population and numbers of houses have increased significantly, he said that the health workforce was not commensurate.
“Quite a number of ailments are due to the poor environment. We need to have functional health inspectors that will go around houses as done in the 60s. Appropriate sanctions should also be given to those who aren’t keeping their environment clean.”
Professor Akande said that the health inspectors should be extending their scope of focus beyond the abattoirs and marketplaces for a more healthier environment.
He further advised that citizens keep a safe environment, store food and dispose of remnants properly to prevent the breeding of rats.
“The way we dump refuse arbitrarily would encourage the breeding of rats, let’s encourage people to dispose of refuse appropriately.”
