NOA urges use of hand sanitisers, gloves to curb spread of Ebola

Mr Mike Omeri, the Director-General, National Orientation Agency (NOA), has advised Nigerians to use hand sanitisers and wear gloves to curb the spread of Ebola virus.

Omeri gave the advice in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Wednesday in Abuja

He said that the agency would sensitise Nigerians on the need to use the hand sanitiser as a necessary measure to prevent the spread of the deadly virus.

He said: “We want to also emphasise on personal hygiene, use of hand sanitisers and other remedial measures that will stop the spread which is the most effective way of stopping Ebola.’’

Omeri further advised Nigerians to make wearing of glove a habit, adding that the measure should not be taken with levity.

“We are not trying to be make the citizen agitated, where a  citizen will rush to obtain or buy gloves we just want to sensitise the citizen to be personally aware of  what could facilitate the process of contracting the disease,” he said.

According to him, the minister of health is working with the state and local governments as well as the NOA to ensure that effective public awareness is created in the rural areas.

“This will ensure that citizens at that level imbibe the culture of hand-washing with soap and environmental cleanliness, and avoid contact with carriers including bats and monkeys,” he said.

He said that the agency was a member of technical committee set up by President Goodluck Jonathan to fight the dreaded disease.

As part of the team we will intensify on grassroots sensitisation.

We have been working with the primary health care agencies toward sensitising the populace on maternal care, health care and some other diseases that have been there with us, including polio.

“We will concentrate on the rural community with special focus and interest on Ebola virus,’’ said Omeri.

The director-general also advised shop owners and operators of recreational centres and individuals to imbibe the habit of keeping their environment clean at all times to prevent diseases.