The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has strengthened its collaboration with the Ondo State Government to intensify efforts toward the prevention and public awareness campaign against Lassa fever across the state.

The development was highlighted during a courtesy visit by UNICEF representatives, Mrs. Aderonke Akinola-Akinwole, Social and Behaviour Change Specialist, and Mrs. Monike Orhorhemreni, SBCC Officer, to the Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Hon. Idowu Ajanaku, in Akure.

Speaking during the visit, Akinola-Akinwole appreciated the commissioner for receiving the delegation and expressed concern over the continued prevalence of Lassa fever in Nigeria, describing it as a major public health challenge.

She said UNICEF’s ongoing interventions focus on strengthening awareness of the causes, prevention and control of the disease, noting that environmental factors contributing to its spread require urgent government attention. She also called for increased support through the ministry to expand sensitisation efforts across communities in Ondo State.

In his response, Ajanaku commended UNICEF for its sustained partnership with the state government, describing the organisation as a reliable ally in health communication and development initiatives.

He assured the delegation of the state government’s continued commitment to supporting public health campaigns, particularly those aimed at preventing disease outbreaks such as Lassa fever.

The commissioner added that the government would deepen collaboration through the ministry to ensure wider public sensitisation, stressing that maintaining a healthy population remains a key priority of the administration.

He also noted that the state government has consistently responded promptly to reported cases of Lassa fever, commending the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Banji Ajaka, for maintaining effective health protocols across facilities in the state.

Both parties reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening partnership in health communication and community engagement, with a shared goal of reducing the spread of Lassa fever and improving overall public health outcomes in Ondo State.