By Kemi Olatunde

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In a bid to tackle the menace of Lassa fever and cut down testing delays, the Ondo State Government has upgraded its Public Health Laboratory to conduct Lassa fever tests within the state.

The initiative, executed in collaboration with the Institute of Human Virology Nigeria (IHVN), is expected to enhance disease detection and response.

Speaking during the handover ceremony at the Public Health Laboratory, Reference Hospital, Igbatoro Road, Akure, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Health, Dr Adeniran Ikuomola, disclosed that the state had recorded 400 suspected cases, with over 100 confirmed infections in the latest outbreak.

Ikuomola, after inspecting the newly acquired equipment, noted that the development would strengthen the state’s capacity to test for Lassa fever and other infectious diseases.

Expressing optimism, he said, “With this upgrade, we will be able to control Lassa fever more effectively, improve case management, and enhance early detection.

“We have seen the equipment, and this is a collaborative effort. They have also assisted in training personnel, while the government has provided additional resources to complement their efforts.

“So far, we have 400 suspected cases and 100 confirmed. I would have loved to provide an exact number of fatalities, but we have recorded some deaths. At present, only the Federal Medical Centre in Owo conducts Lassa fever testing, but this initiative aims to reduce fatalities significantly,” he added.

The World Health Organization (WHO) State Coordinator, Dr Dele David Sunday, described the initiative as a major step forward, saying, “It will help in reducing fatalities. The ultimate prevention strategy is timely detection and containment within communities. This is a breakthrough in Ondo State’s fight against Lassa fever.”

Similarly, a representative of the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), Dr Yetunde Abioye, assured that the upgraded laboratory would be fully operational for Lassa fever testing.

Meanwhile, the Epidemiologist and Surveillance Manager of IHVN, Mr Saiki Musa, explained that the support was aimed at improving the state’s response to Lassa fever. He added that the laboratory was established to complement efforts at the Federal Medical Centre, Owo.