Ebonyi State has recorded 23 fatalities from Lassa fever, the state government announced while outlining plans to enhance healthcare access and improve the well-being of its residents.
Governor Francis Nwifuru made this disclosure on Thursday during an event organized by the Ministry of Health in Abakaliki, the state capital. He revealed that between January and December 2024, the state documented 394 suspected cases of Lassa fever, with 48 confirmed cases. Of these, 23 people succumbed to the disease, while 25 others received treatment and were discharged.
The governor emphasized the administration’s commitment to addressing public health challenges, announcing plans to establish a specialist hospital in each of the state’s three senatorial zones to improve healthcare delivery in rural areas.
“Our administration prioritizes healthcare by strengthening public health infrastructure, surveillance systems, and community engagement to effectively prevent and manage outbreaks like Lassa fever, cholera, and other life-threatening diseases,” Nwifuru said.
He attributed the spread of Lassa fever to factors such as socio-cultural practices, poor health-seeking behavior, inadequate environmental sanitation, and low awareness.
To combat these issues, the governor highlighted various interventions, including hiring qualified healthcare personnel, procuring hospital equipment and consumables, and making substantial allocations for healthcare in the 2025 budget.
“These efforts underscore our dedication to ensuring that every Ebonyi citizen has access to basic, affordable, quality healthcare,” Nwifuru added.