Ondo Assembly urges decentralization of lassa fever treatment as cases rise across LGAs

By Precious Oluwole

The Ondo State House of Assembly has called on the state government to decentralize the Lassa Fever Reference Hospital in Akure to improve access to treatment across all 18 local government areas.

The call was part of a resolution passed at Thursday’s plenary, following a motion of urgent public importance raised on the growing spread of the deadly disease. Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Olamide Oladiji, who read the resolution, emphasized the urgent need to make Lassa fever treatment accessible beyond the state capital.

“The state government should not only upgrade the Reference Hospital at Igbatoro, Akure with modern medical equipment but also decentralize its services to ensure people in other parts of the state can receive timely treatment,” the Speaker stated.

The House stressed the importance of collective efforts in combating the spread of the virus, urging health workers to maintain strict hygiene protocols and adopt infection prevention measures. Lawmakers also charged the Ministry of Health to intensify public sensitization on Lassa fever prevention, describing it as more effective than cure.

Lawmakers further pledged to partner with the government in driving public awareness campaigns across their constituencies.

In his remarks, Dr. Chris Ogunlana (Irele Constituency, APC) commended the deliberation, describing it as life-saving. He highlighted environmental cleanliness and blocking rodent entry points as vital preventive steps.

Similarly, Hon. Oluwarotimi Abitogun (Akure South II) expressed concern over the increasing number of Lassa fever cases, attributing it partly to self-medication. He called for more proactive health education to curb the trend.

Meanwhile, the House acknowledged receipt of four new commissioner-nominees, bringing the total to 16. The Speaker directed the new nominees to appear before the Assembly on Friday, June 27, with all relevant credentials for screening, in line with Section 192 (1 & 3) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).

In a related development, the Speaker also announced the constitution of all standing committees of the House, aimed at enhancing legislative efficiency.

Additionally, a Bill for a Law to Establish the Ondo State Coastal Management Agency passed its first reading at the plenary.