The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has urged state governments to release funds early for Lassa fever preparedness ahead of the period when cases are expected to increase.
Gatekeepers News reports that the Director-General of the NCDC, Jide Idris, made the call on Wednesday in Abuja during a press briefing on Nigeria’s preparedness for the 2026/2027 Lassa fever season.
Lassa fever is a viral disease transmitted to humans through contact with infected rodents or food, water and household items contaminated by their urine, faeces, saliva or blood. Cases typically rise between November and April.
Idris said an after-action review of the country’s 2026 response identified delays in the release of preparedness funds as one of the factors that affected the response.
He said the review also identified several other challenges, including delays in seeking medical attention, self-medication, infections among healthcare workers, poor sanitation, unsafe food storage and continued exposure to rodents.
The NCDC boss urged states to ensure that their surveillance systems remain functional and that healthcare facilities are adequately prepared to manage suspected and confirmed cases.
“States should also ensure that surveillance remains functional, laboratory referral pathways are clear, designated treatment facilities are ready, and essential medicines, laboratory supplies and infection prevention commodities can reach the facilities where they are needed,” Idris said.
He added, “Importantly, the necessary resources for preparedness should be made available before cases increase.
“Preparedness is most effective when we act before the pressure on our health system rises. Lassa fever prevention and control cannot be the responsibility of the health sector alone.”
Idris said the period before the anticipated increase in cases provides an opportunity for authorities to strengthen surveillance, diagnosis, referral and treatment systems.
He disclosed that the NCDC had developed an accelerated readiness plan to guide preparedness activities ahead of the high-risk period.
According to him, the plan will focus on early detection and reporting of suspected cases, faster testing, infection prevention and control, the availability of medicines and protective equipment, and the readiness of treatment centres.
He said additional resources would be directed towards areas where available data indicate that the disease burden and risk are highest.
Idris also urged states and local government areas with recurrent Lassa fever transmission to intensify environmental sanitation and improve waste management.
He called on authorities to ensure that health facilities have the capacity to recognise, report and appropriately refer suspected cases.
NCDC Warns Against Gaps in Healthcare Capacity
The NCDC director-general said the 2026 review also revealed a gap between healthcare capacity that exists on paper and what is actually functional in practice.
“Having a dialysis machine does not mean dialysis is available if the trained personnel, consumables, water treatment, maintenance and other requirements needed to operate it are not in place,” he said.
Idris urged Nigerians to take preventive measures by storing food properly, keeping rodents away from homes, maintaining clean surroundings and avoiding contact with rodents.
He also advised Nigerians who develop fever or feel unwell to seek medical attention promptly, particularly those experiencing persistent malaria-like symptoms.
