By Henry Ibya, Makurdi
Worried by numerous death cases of Lassa fever particularly in Benue State and other parts of the country, the Federal University of Health Sciences Otukpo, FUHSO, has disclosed that it has embarked on a groundbreaking research to unlock the secrets of Lassa fever.
This was following confirmation of over 5,295 suspected cases, 806 confirmed cases and 150 deaths by the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control, NCDC recorded March this year.
Principal investigator of FUSHO, Professor Stephen Abah, who made the disclosure in a statement yesterday in Makurdi said the research is made possible with the support of Tetfund’s mega grant and FUHSO’s Center for Infectious Disease Research and Management.
According to him, FUSHO is spearheading the comprehensive study on Lassa fever across the North-Central region in order to bring a lasting solution.
He lamented that Lassa fever, a viral hemorrhagic disease, has posed a significant challenge to public health, describing the disease as endemic in Nigeria, plaguing communities in virtually all states of the federation.
He added that the initiative equally seeks to unravel the mysteries surrounding the incidence, seroprevalence, risk factors, and transmission dynamics.
Professor Abah in the statement said FUHSO’s vice chancellor, Professor Innocent Ujah, has expressed appreciation to Tetfund for their unwavering support and belief in the mission of the institution.
He noted with satisfaction that the research opportunity and funding provided by Tetfund would be instrumental in advancing FUHSO’s vital research efforts.