Nigeria to Host Regional Lassa Fever Vaccine Development Meeting

Nigeria will host a regional meeting on Lassa fever vaccine development tomorrow, Wednesday, 15 January, according to the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare.

The Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Ali Muhammad Pate, made this announcement during an appearance on Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily. He highlighted Nigeria’s leading role in addressing the public health challenge posed by Lassa fever.

“On Lassa fever, I’ll say that on the 15th of January this week, 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 intending to introduce a Lassa fever vaccine over time to solve this (Lassa fever) issue,” Prof. Pate stated.

Lassa fever, an endemic disease in Nigeria, has remained a significant public health concern, with all states in the country at risk. The minister emphasised the importance of a collaborative approach, involving government at all levels, individuals, and communities to improve health outcomes.

Prof. Pate further explained that the government plans to adopt a system encouraging cooperation through performance dialogues, scorecards, and accountability measures, aimed at strengthening healthcare delivery.

As of the end of 2024, Nigeria recorded 9,685 suspected cases of Lassa fever, 1,187 confirmed cases, and 191 deaths across 28 states and 138 local government areas.

In December, the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) activated the Lassa Fever Emergency Operations Centre to manage the outbreak during the peak season.

Lassa fever is an acute viral hemorrhagic illness caused by the Lassa virus. The disease is primarily transmitted through contact with food or household items contaminated with the urine or faeces of infected multimammate rats, the natural reservoir for the virus.

Nigeria’s efforts in pioneering vaccine research and fostering regional cooperation signal a major step towards combating the deadly disease.