Benue Strengthens Collaboration to Combat Lassa Fever Outbreak
Benue State Intensifies Response to Lassa Fever Outbreak
The Benue State Ministry of Health and Human Services has stepped up its collaboration with development partners to address the ongoing Lassa Fever outbreak. A stakeholders’ meeting held at the ministry began with a prayer for guidance during the discussions aimed at enhancing the state’s health response.
Dr. Paul Ejeh Ogwuche, the Honourable Commissioner for Health and Human Services, welcomed attendees and acknowledged the contributions of various health partners and professionals dedicated to tackling this public health issue.
The meeting was convened in light of the increasing number of Lassa Fever cases following the outbreak’s official declaration on February 3, 2026. Key partners, including the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC), World Health Organization (WHO), UNICEF, and Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF), participated to support the state’s emergency response efforts.
As part of the coordinated strategy, the team visited designated isolation centers and molecular laboratories throughout the state to evaluate operational capacities, review ongoing interventions, and identify critical gaps requiring immediate attention.
During the meeting, the WHO presented Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) to the ministry, aimed at bolstering safeguards for frontline healthcare workers managing the outbreak. This donation is intended to enhance infection prevention and control measures, ensuring greater protection for health personnel.
Representatives from the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention reported previous assessments that highlighted operational deficiencies in surveillance, case management, and infection control systems. They made recommendations for strategic interventions to bolster the state’s response capabilities.
The WHO delegation stressed the importance of implementing immediate measures to reduce infections among healthcare workers and strengthen protective systems within health facilities.
UNICEF outlined plans to amplify risk communication and community engagement initiatives to raise public awareness, encourage early reporting of symptoms, and promote preventive practices among residents.
Médecins Sans Frontières reiterated its commitment to supporting the state by identifying both short-term and medium-term challenges that could impede effective outbreak management while providing necessary technical assistance.
Dr. Ogwuche thanked the partners for their continued support and reiterated the state government’s commitment to enhancing collaboration to address identified gaps and protect public health.
He noted that ongoing interventions, including the provision of PPE, align with the health sector development agenda and the broader vision of Governor Hyacinth Alia, which emphasizes improved healthcare delivery for the state’s residents.
The Governor remains supportive of the collaborative efforts and has requested regular updates on the progress of containment measures.
The meeting concluded with a renewed commitment from all stakeholders to improve coordination, enhance technical support, and implement effective strategies to bring the Lassa Fever outbreak under control in Benue State.
