Nigeria is set to lead the fight against Lassa fever as it hosts a regional summit on vaccine development on Wednesday, January 15.
The summit will bring together experts and officials from across West Africa to accelerate efforts in combating the deadly disease.
Speaking on Channels Television’s breakfast show ‘Sunrise Daily’ on Monday, Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Pate, emphasised Nigeria’s leadership role in the consortium of countries dedicated to Lassa fever research.
“We’re hosting a regional conversation on the Lassa fever vaccine development. Nigeria is leading in the West African sub-region, a consortium of countries doing studies and with a view to introducing a Lassa fever vaccine over time to solve this (Lassa fever) issue,” Pate said.
Lassa fever remains endemic in Nigeria, posing a significant public health risk. By the end of 2024, the country recorded 9,685 suspected cases, 1,187 confirmed infections, and 191 deaths spanning 28 states and 138 local government areas. In response, the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) activated the Lassa Fever Emergency Operations Centre to manage the outbreak during the peak season.
The disease, caused by the Lassa virus, is primarily transmitted through contact with infected rodents, particularly the multimammate rat. Other rodents can also act as carriers, contributing to the spread of the virus.
Highlighting the government’s broader strategy to improve health outcomes, Prof. Pate underscored the importance of a collaborative approach involving various government levels and sectors.
“We are building coherence, collaboration, and cooperation between different levels of government to improve population health outcomes in Nigeria,” he stated.
Prof. Pate also stressed the interconnection between health and other sectors such as education, environment, and social welfare. “Education plays a crucial role in maternal mortality and immunisation. Our partnerships with the Ministries of Environment and Women Affairs, among others, are vital for addressing issues like cholera and improving overall health services,” he added.
The minister pointed out that insecurity in certain areas hampers vaccination efforts, suggesting that collaboration with defense and military services could help overcome these challenges.
He reiterated the need for a cross-sectoral approach to enhance population health outcomes, aligning with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
On social welfare, Prof. Pate highlighted the critical role of health as a component of social protection, noting that access to healthcare can prevent families from falling deeper into poverty.
He advocated for the expansion of the National Health Insurance Authority to include a catastrophic health insurance fund to protect Nigerians from major health expenses.
“The entire government is geared towards improving the welfare of Nigerians. Health, as part of social protection, helps prevent families from being tipped into poverty due to ill health,” he explained.
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