EBOLA: Okada Riders at More Risk, Says MDCAN

 

Suggests 10 Ways To Contain Spread.

Paul Obi
Following precautionary measures and directives by the federal government on how to prevent Ebola virus, the Medical and Dental Association of Nigeria, (MDCAN), 

has raised the alarm that okada riders could be at more risk in the spread of the Ebola virus, through body contacts for those who commute in commercial motorcycles and tricycles.

MDCAN in a press statement issued in Abuja faulted governments communication strategy on prevention approaches  that lay emphasis  only on  handshake and contact with body fluid of those already tested positive for the virus, which has so far claimed over 900 people in the West African sub-region.

The statement signed by the President Dr Steven Oluwole and Assistant Secretary General , Dr A Adesokan, made available to journalists in Abuja further recommended ten ways for consideration by government to contain the spread of the virus.

MDCAN cautions that “approach of  prevention, which centred on avoidance of handshakes, ignores that the modes of transportation in Nigeria, which include crowded buses and motor bikes encourage intimate body contacts  that exceed handshakes."

The association further highlighted areas it regarded as knowledge and action deficit in dealing with the  disease, saying, “Rigorous contact tracing were not instituted after the index case was identified in Lagos."

Details to follow