Kemi Olatunde

In an effort to raise awareness about Lassa fever, the National Orientation Agency (NOA) has launched a nationwide preventive campaign to address its outbreak.

The campaign, as gathered, aims to equip communities with critical information to mitigate the risks of the fever during its outbreak season, typically the dry season.

The Director-General of NOA, Mr Lanre Isa Onilu, speaking at a press conference on Lassa fever sensitisation in Akure on Tuesday, stated that combating the disease requires a collective effort. He called on everyone to work together to prevent its spread and protect others.

According to him, Lassa fever has claimed numerous lives in Nigeria. He noted that the agency, in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Health, the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), and other stakeholders, is launching the campaign to educate Nigerians on the risks, prevention, and control measures to combat the disease.

Represented by the Ondo State Director of NOA, Mr James Adekunle, the Director-General identified unawareness in many rural communities regarding its transmission pathways, prevention strategies, and cultural misconceptions as major challenges to its control. He stated, “This lack of awareness is largely responsible for delays in reporting cases, which contribute to higher mortality during outbreaks.”

He explained that in 2023, Nigeria recorded over 1,000 confirmed cases and 200 deaths. In 2024, there have been 1,025 confirmed cases with 174 deaths, with 68% of all confirmed cases reported from Ondo, Edo, and Taraba states, according to the NCDC.

While highlighting that Lassa fever is preventable, he urged Nigerians to maintain good hygiene practices, store food in rodent-proof containers, avoid contact with infected persons, and report suspected cases to the nearest health facility.

He added, “Nigerians should take personal responsibility for preventing Lassa fever, support health initiatives, and report any suspicious cases.”

Describing Lassa fever as a viral hemorrhagic illness endemic to parts of West Africa, including Nigeria, he expressed gratitude to the NCDC and other stakeholders for their support and collaboration.