Ondo State Government has solicited more support and collaboration with UNICEF and other Development Partners in the fight against diseases that are inimical to the health of the people, especially the effort by the State government to eradicate Lassa fever in some parts of the State.

The State Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Mr Yemi Olowolabi stated this in his office in Akure, the State capital during a courtesy call on him by UNICEF officials, led by the Communication for Development (C4D) manager at UNICEF Head office in Abuja, Dr Rufus Esuchi.

The Commissioner, who commended UNICEF for its unique approach towards improving hygiene, immunization and breast feeding in the state, noted that promoting the Essential Family Practices through UNICEF’s Facts For Life programme would continue to receive the attention and support of the State government.

According to him, Lassa fever, which is mostly caused by lack of proper hygiene would have been prevented if proper hygiene and sanitation had been maintained, assuring that the State government would continue to improve the healthcare of the people.

While restating the State government’s continued partnership with UNICEF in promoting the healthcare of the people, Olowolabi urged UNICEF to expedite the process of airing its Yoruba version of Facts For Life programme with a view to further enlightening the people on most of the family practices that will improve their wellbeing.

He said “The C4D approach should be recommended for this fight against Lassa fever because from statistics, it shows that this lassa fever problem is a hygiene problem. Let us intensify effort to ensure that the Yoruba version of the facts for life programme is produced. I believe the message of facts for life, which promotes the essential family practices will further educate our people”.

He added “I can assure you of our commitment, for us as a ministry, we are ready to continue with this partnership “.

In his speech, Dr Rufus Esuchi, who was accompanied by the Chief of Akure Field Office, Mr Tejinder Sandhu and the C4D Specialist, Akure Field Office, Mrs Caroline Akosile, appreciated the support of the Ondo State government for UNICEF programmes, particularly the effort by the Information Commissioner to promote facts for life programme through the state government’s owned media outfits.

The Chief of Akure Field office of UNICEF, Mr Tejinder Sandhu, in his speech noted that the UNICEF has been collaborating with the State government through the Ministry of Health to promote healthcare, saying “We are working closely with your Ministry of Health to bring healthcare to the people at the local level, particularly in the eradication of lassa fever”.

SOURCE: http://ondostate.gov.ng/Home/NewsItem/ODSG-seeks-UNICEF%E2%80%99s-support-against-harmful-diseases