Ebonyi State Reports 23 Deaths from Lassa Fever, 48 Confirmed Cases in 2024
Ebonyi State has reported the loss of 23 lives to Lassa Fever, with 48 confirmed cases out of 394 suspected cases recorded between January and December 2024. This was announced by Governor Francis Nwifuru during an event organized by the state Ministry of Health in Abakaliki, the state capital. The governor highlighted the challenges posed by the disease and emphasized the state’s commitment to improving healthcare and preventing further outbreaks.
Governor Nwifuru attributed the spread of the disease to socio-cultural practices, poor health-seeking behaviors, inadequate environmental sanitation, and a lack of awareness. He revealed that 25 patients had been treated and discharged, while efforts to control and prevent the disease continue to be a priority for his administration.
To address healthcare challenges in the state, Nwifuru announced plans to establish a specialist hospital in each of the three senatorial zones, focusing on rural areas to improve access to medical services. He also underscored his government’s commitment to strengthening public health infrastructure, enhancing surveillance systems, and increasing community engagement to combat outbreaks like Lassa Fever, cholera, and other infectious diseases.
Additionally, the governor highlighted the importance of healthcare in the state’s development agenda, with significant provisions made in the 2025 budget to support the healthcare sector. This includes the employment of qualified personnel and the procurement of necessary medical equipment to ensure that Ebonyi citizens have access to quality, affordable healthcare services.
