Ahead of the September 22 resumption date for schools nationwide, Delta State has intensified its public awareness training to more local governments with a call to residents in the state to desist from raising false alarm on the Ebola Virus Disease.
The Delta State Chief Epidemiologist, Dr Charles Ofili gave the charge in Asaba at training on Ebola awareness and prevention for teaching and non-teaching personnel in public and private schools in Oshimili North Local Government Area.
Dr Ofili said false alarm on the Ebola Virus Disease was capable of sending panic signals to the people, explaining that such act could lead to the death of individuals in need of medical attention when
abandoned as a result of stigmatization. According to him, most cases of vomiting and stooling were not
necessarily as a result of Ebola Virus infection, appealing that instead of stigmatizing suspected cases, residents should report promptly to the nearest health facility for medical help.
Similarly, at the Anglican Girls Grammar School, Ozoro where same training was held for teachers in Isoko North and South Local Government Areas, the State Chief Disease Surveillance and
Notification Officer, Mrs Gloria Igunbor, called on teachers to inculcate the culture of personal hygiene in their pupils and students.
Mrs Igunbor said experienced had shown that children learn and imbibe fast; hence no effort should be spared to make them embrace practices that would help prevent the spread of the Ebola Virus Disease in the State.
She implored the teachers to be vigilant at all times and watch out for children who exhibit signs of ill health or have unusual high temperature for possible medical attention after due consultation with their parents or guardians.
Some participants at the training expressed gratitude to the State Government for enlightening them on the Ebola Virus Disease, affirming that it had made them to be practically and intellectually equipped to
pass on knowledge gained to the pupils and students, as well as manage their environment to prevent the occurrence of the Ebola Virus Disease.
The training also took place in Government College, Ughelli for teachers in private schools in Ughelli North Local Government Area, where the Assistant Director of Public Health in the State Ministry of
Health, Dr Ufuoma Adu served as the resource person.
