Share your travel history, Red Cross urges Nigerians

Share your travel history, Red Cross urges Nigerians

History
By Joan Odafe
Lagos, Feb. 26, 2020 (NAN) The Lagos Branch of the Nigerian Red Cross Society (NRCS) has called on Nigerians to always share their travel history to make it easier for tracking infection with Lassa Fever or Covid-19.

The Health Adviser of the Society, Dr Olufemi Oloyede, gave the advice at a training tagged, ‘Prevention of Lassa Fever and Covid-19 Preparedness for Red Cross Volunteers and Staff.’

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the event was aimed at sensitising the Red Cross members on the need for public enlightenment campaigns targeted against the spread of the viruses.

While delivering his lecture, Oloyede said though Lassa Fever spreads in areas with low hygiene practices, it could also be contacted across boundaries through human interactions.

He, therefore, urged Nigerians to make it easier for health agencies responsible for the control of the disease to eliminate it from the nation.

Speaking on other recommendations, Oloyede urged Nigerians to adopt known universal precautionary measures, which he referred to as ‘WUHAN.’

WUHAN translates to practices including washing hands often, use of masks when necessary, having temperature checked for fever, avoiding crowds and staying at home when sick, never touching the face with unclean hands.

One of the participants, Mrs Esther Kelechi-Njoku, Commandant, NRCS, Church of Presentation Detachment, told NAN that the lectures had helped to clarify so much about Coronavirus.

“It has been a silent fear in the heart of so many of us but after today’s exposure, I know it can be prevented if we do the right things.

“We must maintain a good hygiene and avoid contact as much as we can; also avoid touching walls or unclean surfaces,” she said.

Another participant, Mrs Charity Nweze, Prisons and Sanitation Coordinator, Lagos Branch Office, said she would enlighten her neighbours on proper handwashing techniques.

“I also learned that ash can be used for cleaning hands where there’s no soap or water,” she said.

Also, Ms Geraldene Asoguh, Health Adviser, NRCS, Amuwo Odofin Division said she learned that viruses could modify their strains by changing their adaptive mechanism.

“This is an avenue for me, with the help of other volunteers to sensitise the community on the prevention of Coronavirus and Lassa Fever,” she said.

NAN also reports that the participants were given demonstrations on proper handwashing techniques. (NAN)
JOJO/WOJ
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Edited by Wale Ojetimi

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