Between January and December 2024, Ebonyi State reported 48 confirmed cases of Lassa fever, resulting in 23 fatalities. Governor Francis Nwifuru shared these details during a formal event on Thursday, where Doctors Without Borders (MSF) handed over their Lassa fever support program to the Ebonyi State Ministry of Health.
Governor Nwifuru expressed deep sadness over the lives lost but highlighted that 25 individuals who were infected received treatment and have since recovered. The governor commended MSF for its vital role in addressing Lassa fever, describing their efforts as essential to the health of Ebonyi residents.
“MSF’s contributions have been significant to the health and well-being of our people,” the governor remarked, emphasizing the ongoing challenges posed by the disease in the state and across Nigeria.
Governor Nwifuru identified several factors driving the spread of Lassa fever, such as poor health-seeking habits, inadequate sanitation, low community awareness, and insufficient public engagement. These issues, he noted, continue to exacerbate the impact of the disease.
To tackle the health crisis, the government has prioritized improving healthcare delivery across the state. Key initiatives under Governor Nwifuru’s administration include hiring additional healthcare workers, purchasing advanced medical equipment, and reviving 171 primary healthcare centers.
