THE Minister of Health, Dr Osagie Ehanire, has raised alarm over continuous infection of health workers with infectious diseases while performing their duty.
In his keynote address at the
Speaking on the theme of the conference: 'The role of Biosafety and Biosecurity in National and Regional development,' the Minister, who was represented by the Chief Consultant Epidemiologist of the Federation, Dr Godwin Ntedom, regrettably cited the case of late Dr
Dr Ehanire said: 'Despite available new technologies and the enhancement of capacity building programs on biosafety and biosecurity, we still deal with the same problems decade after decade, indeed with additional emerging ones. Disturbing Hospital-acquired infections are also on the rise.
'Perhaps one of the biggest challenges we have faced in recent years is the risk of infection of health workers, who treat patients with infectious diseases. An example that readily springs to mind is that of Dr
'Some doctors, nurses and other health workers who managed patients with Lassa fever, monkeypox, meningitis and others have also become infected in the course of their duty.'
The Minister stated that Biosafety and Biosecurity plans should be taken as rigorous long-term projects which will lead to a better health system; adding that the
The Vice President,
She said: 'The global concern for emerging and re-emerging human, animal and crop diseases calls for action in gap analyses, policy formulation and interventions geared towards creating a safe and secure environment for national and regional growth.'
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