Governor Francis Nwifuru of Ebonyi State has confirmed that the state has recorded 23 deaths and 48 confirmed cases of Lassa fever between January and December 2024.
During a handover ceremony of Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) support activities to the state’s Ministry of Health, Governor Nwifuru expressed his grief over the fatalities while commending MSF for its role in saving the lives of the 25 individuals who were treated and discharged. He praised the humanitarian efforts of MSF, which has been partnering with the state since 2018 to support Lassa fever response efforts, including surveillance, diagnosis, case management, prevention, and control.
“The giant humanitarian strides recorded by MSF in the health and well-being of our people in Ebonyi State are enormous. As a government, we are highly indebted to you. Today, we gather to applaud the splendid efforts of our international health ally,” Nwifuru said.
Lassa fever, a viral hemorrhagic disease transmitted by multi-mammate rats, has become endemic in Nigeria, particularly in regions like Ebonyi with its tropical environment and forested areas, which provide habitats for the animal reservoirs of the virus. The disease often leads to outbreaks, typically peaking from December to April.
Governor Nwifuru highlighted the challenges of poor health-seeking behavior, inadequate environmental sanitation, lack of awareness, and limited community engagement, all of which contribute to the spread of the virus. He emphasized the state government’s commitment to enhancing healthcare, particularly in addressing life-threatening diseases such as Lassa fever and cholera.
To bolster healthcare delivery, the governor noted his administration’s efforts, including the employment of qualified medical personnel, procurement of modern medical equipment, and the revitalization of 171 primary healthcare centers. Furthermore, new ambulances, motorcycles for healthcare officers, and SUVs for doctors in general hospitals have been provided to improve service delivery.
“I promise to offer you every feasible support you need to accomplish your goals in Ebonyi State,” Governor Nwifuru concluded.
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