Kwara State Government Enhances Ebola and Diphtheria Surveillance

The Kwara State Government has intensified its efforts to improve the detection and reporting of Ebola and diphtheria cases. This initiative was announced in a statement by Saad Hamdalat, the Press Secretary of the Kwara State Ministry of Health, following a one-day sensitisation training organized by the ministry.

The training aimed to equip health workers with the skills to recognize symptoms early and respond to suspected infections. Oluwatosin Fakayode, the Director of Public Health, represented by Khadeejah Kamaldeen, the State Epidemiologist, emphasized the importance of effective surveillance in preventing outbreaks.

Key objectives included understanding the epidemiology, transmission modes, and symptoms of both diseases. Maryam Jimoh, a Consultant Public Physician with the World Health Organisation, explained diphtheria transmission, while Dr Gloria Ogunkunle from the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention outlined Ebola symptoms that should raise suspicion.

The training aimed to enhance disease surveillance knowledge and improve reporting practices among health workers.