The Kwara State Government has intensified efforts to improve the early detection and reporting of Ebola and diphtheria cases across the state.
The initiative follows a one-day training organised by the state Ministry of Health to equip healthcare workers and other stakeholders with the knowledge needed to identify suspected infections and respond promptly.
The state Ministry of Health’s Press Secretary, Saad Hamdalat, disclosed this in a statement issued on Monday.
The Director of Public Health, Dr Oluwatosin Fakayode, represented by the State Epidemiologist, Dr Khadeejah Kamaldeen, said effective disease monitoring and timely reporting were essential to preventing outbreaks.
He explained that the training focused on helping participants recognise the symptoms of both diseases, follow established surveillance procedures and strengthen infection prevention and control measures.
Participants were also trained on the proper collection, packaging and transportation of medical specimens, as well as identifying weaknesses in existing surveillance systems and finding ways to address them.
Speaking on diphtheria, a consultant public physician with the World Health Organisation, Dr Maryam Jimoh, explained that the infection could spread through respiratory droplets or contact with infected wounds, contaminated clothing and other objects.
Meanwhile, the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention’s Senior Liaison Officer, Dr Gloria Ogunkunle, highlighted symptoms that could raise suspicion of Ebola virus disease.
These include sudden fever accompanied by other symptoms such as headache, muscle or joint pain, loss of appetite, abdominal pain, vomiting, diarrhoea and difficulty breathing.
The state government said the training was part of efforts to strengthen public health preparedness, improve disease reporting and protect residents against potential outbreaks.
