- By Halimah Olamide
The Benue State Commissioner for Health and Human Services, Dr. Yanmar Ortese has disclosed that the state has recorded a total of 820 suspected cases of Lassa Fever out of which 63 tested positive, while 16 persons lost their lives and two currently on admission in the hospital.
Dr. Ortese who disclosed this during a press briefing in Makurdi to mark the 2024 World Health Day celebration, appealed to the Federal Government to establish a Disease Control Centre in the state to fast-track treatment of infected persons.
According to him, “this year’s theme, “My Health, My Right” reminded us of our collective responsibility to ensure the well- being of every citizen because health is a right, not a previllage; and our administration is dedicated to upholding this truth for every Benue resident.”
He explained that over 5,550 vulnerable household across 276 council wards of the state, including the Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) have been enrolled in the State Health Insurance Scheme under the Basic Health Care Provision Fund.
Ortese said the enrollment was to ensure that the right to health is not hindered by the citizens’ economic status.
He lamented that the state has experienced multiple disease outbreaks including lassa fever, measles, buruli ulcer among others.