Ebonyi State has recorded 23 fatalities from Lassa Fever this year, prompting the state government to announce strategic measures to improve healthcare delivery and prevent future outbreaks.
Governor Francis Nwifuru disclosed on Thursday during an event organized by the state Ministry of Health in Abakaliki that the state recorded 394 suspected cases of Lassa Fever between January and December 2024.
Out of these, 48 cases were confirmed, with 23 deaths and 25 patients treated and discharged.
To bolster healthcare access, the state government plans to establish specialist hospitals in each of the state’s three senatorial zones.
These hospitals aim to enhance rural healthcare delivery and strengthen the state’s capacity to manage life-threatening diseases like Lassa Fever and cholera.
“Our administration is committed to ensuring that every Ebonyi citizen enjoys basic, affordable, quality, and accessible healthcare through our numerous interventions,” Nwifuru said.
He added that the 2025 budget includes substantial provisions for the health sector, alongside the employment of qualified personnel and the procurement of hospital equipment and consumables.
The governor noted that the spread of Lassa Fever in the state is exacerbated by socio-cultural practices, poor health-seeking behavior, and inadequate environmental sanitation.
He emphasized the administration’s efforts to strengthen public health infrastructure, improve disease surveillance systems, and engage communities in awareness campaigns to effectively prevent and control outbreaks.
“The spread of this virus is believed to be facilitated by socio-cultural practices, poor health-seeking behaviors, poor environmental sanitation, and lack of awareness,” he said.
In addition to addressing Lassa Fever, the state government is prioritizing other public health challenges.
Nwifuru highlighted the importance of integrating these measures into the broader healthcare delivery framework, which includes hiring qualified medical personnel, enhancing facilities, and increasing public awareness of health risks.
As Ebonyi State combats the Lassa Fever outbreak, health experts and government officials urge residents to adopt better sanitation practices and promptly seek medical care if symptoms arise.
The new specialist hospitals and the state’s healthcare investments aim to provide long-term solutions to recurring health crises, making quality healthcare more accessible to citizens.
With these measures, Ebonyi State hopes to set an example for proactive health governance and effective outbreak response in Nigeria.