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Tag: Cyril Oshiomhole

  • Edo records 56 cases, eight deaths from LASSA fever

    Edo records 56 cases, eight deaths from LASSA fever

    Edo Commissioner for Health, Dr. Cyril Oshiomhole, said the State has recorded 56 Lassa fever cases and eight deaths.

    Speaking in Benin, he said the outbreak posed significant public health concern in view of its potential for rapid transmission and severe outcomes, if not effectively managed.

    Oshiomhole said: “The 2025 epidemic year began on December 30, 2024. Since then, Edo State has recorded 336 suspected cases, of which 56 have been confirmed positive, with eight deaths.”

    He also stated that the figures were recorded between December 30, 2024 and January 24, 2025.

    He said 14 patients were receiving experts’ care at Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital’s (ISTH’s) Lassa fever treatment centre.

    Oshiomhole noted that Edo recorded 3,270 suspected cases in 2024, of which 292 were confirmed positive, with 41 deaths, while the 2024 figures marked an improvement from the 2023 outbreak, where 3,764 suspected cases and 372 confirmed cases resulted in 65 deaths.

    He said: “To contain the outbreak, Edo State Public Health Emergencies Response Management Team has activated its emergency response mechanisms. We are collaborating with healthcare facilities, community leaders, and relevant stakeholders to implement measures against the disease.

    “We are placing emphasis on enhanced surveillance, more treatment centres, public awareness campaigns, infection prevention and control, and collaboration with partners.

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    “Edo residents should be vigilant and report anyone around them that exhibits symptoms such as fever, weakness, headache, vomiting, or bleeding to the nearest health facility immediately. Early detention and treatment significantly improve outcomes.”

    He urged members of the response team to redouble their efforts to drastically reduce the case fatality rate, while assuring of government’s commitment to providing the necessary support.

    He revealed that the molecular laboratory at the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH) had been optimised for Lassa fever testing, thereby bringing to two, including that of ISTH, thereby strengthening Edo state’s testing capacity and response capabilities.

    Oshiomhole, while activating Edo response team, appointed Dr. Ekaete Tobi of ISTH as the state’s Lassa fever incident manager.

  • Adams Oshiomhole’s son, Cyril, inaugurated by Okpebholo as Edo’s health commissioner

    Adams Oshiomhole’s son, Cyril, inaugurated by Okpebholo as Edo’s health commissioner

    Cyril Oshiomhole, son of Senator Adams Oshiomhole, who represents the Edo North Senatorial District, was inaugurated on Tuesday, November 19, as the Edo commissioner for health by Governor Monday Okpebholo.

    During the inauguration, which took place at the Executive Council Chamber of Government House in Benin, Governor Okpebholo urged Cyril Oshiomhole to elevate the state’s health sector.

    The event was attended by several key government officials, including Edo’s Deputy Governor, Dennis Idahosa, Secretary to the State Government Alhaji Musa Ikhilor, Chief of Staff to the Governor Gani Audu, and Edo’s Head of Service Anthony Okungbowa.

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    In his address to the new commissioner, the governor emphasized the numerous challenges facing the health sector in Edo and encouraged him to get to work immediately, assuring him of the administration’s support to ensure his success.

    He said: “You need to know that there are challenges ahead and we need to face the challenges head-on and ensure a vibrant, efficient, and effective healthcare sector in the state.

    “We need to work hard, face the challenges, and move the Edo Ministry of Health forward. This is a challenge we must face and ensure that our people receive quality healthcare. With hard work, commitment, and dedication, we will deliver the dividends of democracy to the Edo people.”

    Edo health commissioner, in his response, hailed Okpebholo for the privilege to serve the people of the state.

    Oshiomhole promised to do his best, put in his experiences and knowledge towards ensuring that Edo residents enjoyed quality healthcare services, and work according to law.