Lassa Fever Will Become History In Nigeria

Professor Innocent Ujah expressed optimism that Lassa fever will soon be eradicated in Nigeria, highlighting the university’s commitment to groundbreaking research
The Federal University of Health Sciences has conducted significant research on Lassa fever, aiming to complete the study by December 2025

Professor Innocent Ujah, Vice Chancellor of the Federal University of Health Sciences, Otukpo (FUHSO) in Benue State, has expressed optimism that Lassa fever will soon be eradicated in Nigeria.

Speaking during a meeting to present the progress report of the university’s recent Lassa fever research, Ujah reiterated the institution’s commitment to its mandate of teaching, learning, and research. He praised the research team for their groundbreaking work and emphasized that FUHSO had established itself as a leader in the fight against the deadly disease.

Ujah highlighted that the university had conducted significant research on Lassa fever in Nigeria’s North Central region within a short period of its establishment. He commended the team, led by Prof. Steve Abba, and the collaborating organizations like TETFUND, the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), and Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital in Edo State.

“I believe that by the time this study is concluded, Lassa fever will be a thing of the past, not only in Nigeria but also in other countries where it is prevalent,” Ujah said.

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Prof. John Idoko, chairman of the event, praised FUHSO’s research innovation and pledged his support for the team. Prof. Abba, the research leader, thanked the university and donor agencies for their collaboration and support. He noted that the research was crucial due to the region’s widespread impact of Lassa fever.

The event, titled “Progress Report Dissemination: A Study of the Incidence, Seroprevalence, Risk Factors, and Transmission of Lassa Fever Virus Infection in North-Central Nigeria,” featured eminent scholars from the university, including Professors Oladapo Shittu, Audu Onyemocho, and Dr. Ovie Edegbene.

The research, which began in 2023, focuses on the connection between rodents and the transmission of Lassa fever. It is scheduled to be completed by December 2025.