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The Ebonyi State government has reported 23 deaths out of 48 confirmed cases of Lassa Fever in 2024, with 394 suspected cases recorded between January and December.
Governor Francis Nwifuru disclosed these figures on Thursday in Abakaliki during the official handover of Lassa Fever support activities from Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF), also known as Doctors Without Borders, to the state government.
Expressing deep sorrow over the fatalities, the governor lauded MSF’s critical role in managing the outbreak and saving lives.
“The spread of this virus is believed to be exacerbated by sociocultural practices, poor health-seeking behavior, inadequate environmental sanitation, lack of awareness, and limited community engagement,” Nwifuru noted.
He commended MSF for their invaluable contributions, stating, “MSF officially became a health partner to Ebonyi State through the Ministry of Health in 2018 and has remained a committed ally since then.”
According to Nwifuru, Nigeria reported over 4,726 Lassa Fever cases nationwide this year, with Ebonyi accounting for a significant portion. Of the 48 confirmed cases in the state, 23 resulted in death, while 25 individuals recovered and were discharged.
“As governor, I am highly satisfied with the proactive, tireless, and remarkable efforts you have made in our health sector since 2018,” he said, addressing MSF. “I am confident that, with your continued support, we will soon overcome and completely eliminate the threat of Lassa Fever.”
The governor urged MSF to sustain its partnership with the state, pledging to provide necessary support to achieve the shared goal of eradicating the disease in Ebonyi.
