Katsina and Kano State Governments say they have put in place, proactive measures to contain outbreak of hot season-related diseases this year.
Responding to enquirers on their state of preparedness to handle outbreak of diseases during the hot season, the authorities in those states said both preventive and curative approaches would be adopted.
They said that already, there were standing committees on outbreak of diseases, just as most health facilities had been stocked with drugs and vaccines.
The Director, Public Health, Katsina state Ministry of Health, Dr Ma’awiya Aliyu, said enough drugs had been purchased and stocked in health facilities across the state.
He said the ministry had Disease Surveillance, Monitoring and Evaluation officers tasked with the responsibility of reporting outbreak of diseases to the appropriate authorities.
Aliyu stated that apart from the surveillance officers, there is an Emergency Response Committee, headed by the State Commissioner of Health.
“We meet on quarterly basis and plan on what to do to prevent occurrence of diseases during such periods.
“We also have an emergency meeting when there is outbreak of a disease, to take measures that will contain the spread of such diseases,” he said
According to him, the ministry has Health Educators at state and local government levels, who enlightened members of the public on preventive measures against diseases.
He advised that people, especially children, should get vaccinated against hot season diseases, and also report any health problem to the nearest health facility, for prompt action to be taken.
Also, Kano State Government said it was placing emphasis on preventive measures, rather than curative, as part of its proactive measures.
Dr. Ashir Rajab, Director Public Health and Disease Control, Kano State Ministry of Health, told NAN that drugs had also been procured to address outbreak of diseases.
He listed the common diseases during the hot season to include measles, malaria, cholera, and meningitis, among others.
According to him, the Emergency Preparedness and Response Committees (EPR) of the ministry ensures surveillance to identify outbreak of diseases.
“In Kano, we are lucky to have Drugs and Medical Consumables Supply Agency, which, at any given time, we go and collect drugs or consumables needed, and pay when the funds are available.
“This has made our work easier, particularly in the handling of emergency cases of outbreaks of diseases ,” he explained.
He called on people of the State to embrace routine immunization to keep their children fit and immune to child-killer diseases.
“I urge you to also take your wards to the nearest health center whenever you notice any sign of illness for proper diagnosis and medication,” he advised.
