Benue State Commissioner for Health and Human Services, Dr Paul Ogwuche, has stated that the ministry has reactivated its Emergency Response Centres to strengthen readiness against any possible outbreak of COVID-19.
Ogwuche made this known on Tuesday in Makurdi while responding to questions from journalists.
His statement comes after reports emerged that a Chinese citizen tested positive for COVID-19 in Cross River State last week, sparking fears in neighbouring Benue State.
According to the commissioner, “The emergency response centres are functional; all the pillars of operations are very active, so there is no need for anyone to panic because of what happened in Cross River State.
“It’s true we share a boundary with Cross River, but I am assuring the public that, as part of our preparedness, all Public Health Emergency Response Centres have been reactivated and are functional.”
Speaking on the situation of Lassa fever in the state, Ogwuche revealed that no fresh case had been reported within the last four weeks.
He explained that the most recent briefing from the state epidemiologist confirmed that there were currently no recorded cases during the period under review.
“We are making progress. I spoke with the State Epidemiologist today, and he confirmed that there is no patient on admission at the moment.
“For the past four weeks, we have been screening and have not recorded any positive cases. However, the incubation period is 42 days, and if we reach that period without any positive cases, we can declare the state free of Lassa fever.
“So far, we are doing well. There are no new cases. The success recorded is due to early response and the support of various partners.
“The state government also supported us with funds. We conducted extensive training, procured personal protective equipment, carried out sensitisation through jingles and public messages, and case tracking in communities.
“We also reached out to the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and the World Health Organisation, and they provided support. Some partners are already withdrawing because the situation has improved significantly,” Ogwuche said.
The commissioner further noted that renovation works are ongoing in Primary Health Care Centres across Benue State as part of efforts to improve healthcare delivery.
He also disclosed that the state government had employed additional health workers into the PHC system, though he admitted that manpower shortages still remain in some areas.
