Olowe during an interview with The PUNCH in Osogbo on Tuesday, said the increasing spread of the disease should be of concern to the government and called for an aggressive awareness campaign, especially in rural areas for people to be familiar with the symptoms of diphtheria
The university don, who also called for a thorough investigation of suspected cases of diphtheria, said hands must be on deck to prevent the disease from assuming an epidemic dimension.
Commending Osun State Government for taking proactive measures when a suspected death of diphtheria was recorded in Osogbo, Olowe further said, “The attention should be on the rural areas. Government should embark on more advocacy.
“Many residents who are illiterates don’t know about this disease yet. Government should focus more on awareness, especially in the rural areas. So far, Osun has recorded two cases, one death while the other recovered. There are states with higher cases.
“There are many diseases with similar symptoms as diphtheria. We should also do more research to be sure of the variant of the disease we have in each state. The government at all levels should pay attention to these areas.
“During the awareness campaign, people should be encouraged to take vaccines. Government is doing a lot but other critical stakeholders in the health sector should also come in and support government to ensure that the situation does not become epidemic.”
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