HealthTop Story

Rise in Lassa Fever Spurs WHO response in Nigeria

373
The World Health Organization (WHO), have stated that it is scaling up response to strengthen rapid containment of Lassa fever outbreaks in states across Nigeria.

The organization further added that it is mobilizing experts to intervene in investigations, contact-tracing, risk communication, as plans are underway to strengthen efforts to further assist Nigeria in controlling the outbreak.

This is following a recent report released by the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), on the current status of Lassa fever outbreak in Nigeria

According to NCDC report, a total of 213 cases have been confirmed from Edo, Ondo, Ebonyi, Bauchi, Plateau, Taraba, Gombe, Kaduna, Kwara, FCT, Benue, Rivers, Kogi and Enugu States, with 42 deaths.

Also, one new healthcare worker was recently affected in Enugu State, bringing it to a total of four healthcare workers since the onset of the outbreak.

Reacting, the WHO Officer in Charge (OIC) for Nigeria, Dr Peter Clement, stated that, “WHO reorganized its staff to provide assistance to each of the response pillars and directed field offices to assist in outbreak investigation, coordination and response activities at the state level.

According to him, “WHO is supporting coordination, enhanced surveillance, contact tracing, and risk communication. We are also mobilizing experts to support case management and detailed epidemiological analysis to monitor situation in the affected states.”

In Edo State, one of the worst hit states, the Commissioner for Health, Dr David Osifo stated: “WHO continues to strengthen capacity of health workers, conduct disease surveillance as well as other control measures which include coordination of contact tracing on behalf of SMOH and engagement with communities.”

Since the onset of the outbreak, WHO in collaboration with Ministries of Health in the affected States has assisted all components of the response.

Leave a comment

Related Articles

NNPCL Chief, Kyari, Unveils Strategic Priorities for Africa’s Sustainable Energy Development

Mele Kyari, the Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum...

Five months after cabinet reshuffle: Tinubu orders ministers to render account of stewardship

President Bola Tinubu has directed his ministers to provide an immediate account...

Just in: CBN Introduces New ATM Transaction Fees Effective March 1

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has announced a review of transaction...

UCH power outage: Minister brokers deal with IBEDC, to restore electricity in 48 hours

Following the Minister of Power, Dr. Adebayo Adelabu’s intervention, the Ibadan Electricity...

VP Shettima Reaffirms Tinubu’s Commitment to Bridging Financial Gaps, Achieving $1trn Economy

Vice President Kashim Shettima has reaffirmed President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to economic...

Just in: Supreme Court reserves judgments in 4 Rivers political dispute cases

The Supreme Court has reserved its judgments in four separate cases related...

Edo gov. poll tribunal: Gov. Okpebholo closes defence, calls lone witness

Edo Gov. Monday Okpebholo on Monday in Abuja opened and closed his...

NAFDAC cracks down on counterfeit medicines, seizes fake drugs in Anambra market

The National Agency for Food, Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has launched...

Just in: Alleged terrorism: Justice Nyako adjourns Nnamdi Kanu’s trial indefinitely

Justice Binta Nyako of the Federal High Court, Abuja, has adjourned the...

N495m debt: Months-long power cut brings UCH Ibadan to grinding halt

The premier world-class University Teaching Hospital (UCH), Ibadan, Oyo State, is on...

Another Niger State Tanker Explosion: Latest Tragedy Fuels Push for Enhanced Safety Protocols

A catastrophic gas explosion rocked Sabon Wuse in Tafa Local Government Area...

Nigeria introduces hassle-free, contactless passport renewal system for European-based citizens

After its successful implementation in Canada, the Minister of Interior, Mr. Olubunmi...

NAFDAC DG advocates death penalty for drug traffickers to curb menace of fake medicines

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has...

6-3-3-4 not scrapped, only proposing migration to 12-year compulsory education, Minister clarifies

Education Minister Dr. Tunji Alausa, has clarified media reports that the federal...

FG announces reforms, plans to replaces JSS, SSS with 12-year basic education model

After 42 years of its introduction into the education system, the Federal...

Pres. Tinubu announces shake up headships, councils of federal universities

President Bola Tinubu has announced changes in the leadership positions of some...

N4.52trn Budget increase: Tinubu Unveils Allocation Details

President Bola Tinubu has revealed the allocation details of the N4.52 trillion...

Breaking: Bandits abduct ex-NYSC DG, retired Brig.-Gen Tsiga, others in Katsina

Bandits have reportedly kidnapped the former Director General of the National Youth...

Tinubu Mourns Loss of 17 Young Lives in Zamfara Islamic School Fire Tragedy

President Bola Tinubu has extended his deepest condolences to the families and...

Tinubu Approves 65 Years Retirement Age for Doctors, Healthcare Workers

President Bola Tinubu has approved a new retirement age for doctors and...