COVID-19: Edo Taskforce Strengthens Response, Inspects Testing Labs, Isolation Wards, Others

The Edo State Government, as part of efforts to strengthen its response to the second wave of coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, embarked on inspection of medical facilities in the state.

The State COVID-19 Incident Manager, Dr. Andrew Obi, who led other members of the Edo State COVID-19 Taskforce on the tour, also visited the Lassa fever Laboratory and the isolation ward in Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital (ISTH) to ascertain areas that need improvement to boost the state’s response through improved testing and case management.

Obi was accompanied by members of the Edo State Public Health Emergency Operation Centre (PHEOC); officials of the World Health Organization (WHO); Nigeria Center for Disease Control (NCDC), and the African Centre for Disease Control (ACDC).

The team also visited the office of the Chief Medical Director ISTH, where they were received by the Deputy Chairman, Medical Advisory Committee, Dr. Peter Akhideno.

The Incident Manager, noted: “We are here as a team to appreciate your good works and urge your team to continue to collaborate and partner with Edo State Government (EDSG) in the fight against COVID-19 and Lassa Fever in the State.

“We embarked on this visit to solicit your continuous support in the fight against COVID-19 in the State. Edo State has stood out amongst states in the country as Governor Godwin Obaseki has shown strong leadership in terms of coordinating the response, as he oversees the daily briefing on COVID 19.”

Representative of Africa Center for Disease Control in Edo State (ACDC), Dr. Pius Ononigwe, recognised the significant role played by ISTH in the area of strengthening laboratory activities across the state, noting that the collaboration has been very meaningful and made the state’s response more effective.

On his part, Akhideno thanked the state government for collaborating and supporting the hospital in combating COVID-19, hailing the governor and his deputy, Rt. Hon. Comr. Philip Shaibu.

He noted that the hospital is always ready to collaborate with the state government to bring quality healthcare to Edo residents.