The Federal Government is working with the World Health Organisation (WHO) and the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI) to develop Lassa fever vaccine.
This was disclosed by the Minister of Health Osagie Ehanire at a three-day National Case Management Training on Lassa fever.
Represented by the Minister of State, Mr Joseph Nkama, the minister said, “It is more than 50 years since Lassa fever was first diagnosed in Nigeria. Over the years, some states had been endemic while others record annual outbreaks.
“The ministry is engaging with WHO and the CEPI for the development of new therapeutics and a vaccine for Lassa fever.
“Over the last five years, the country witnessed a sharp rise in the number of confirmed cases of Lassa fever including healthcare worker infections, reinforcing the need to build capacities to adequately manage cases when they arise.”
Dr Sylvanus Okogbenin. Chief Medical Director, Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital, said in 2022 in week 26, the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) has reported 829 confirmed cases with 160 19.3 per cent deaths
“A particularly worrisome aspect is healthcare worker infection and death.
“This year, 53 healthcare workers have been infected with several deaths. This workshop will also address the prevention of healthcare worker infection and death,” he said.
Prof. Stephan Gunther of Bernard Notch Institute of Tropical Medicine, Deputy Chairman of the Board of the Bernard Notch Institute, said the training would help the country.
Dr Walteri Mulombo, WHO Country Representative to Nigeria, said Lassa fever had been a problem for about 15 years, killing a lot of the sufferers .