Governor Francis Nwifuru | File Image
Ebonyi govt to float three specialist hospitals
By Nweze Anaga,
Abakaliki
No fewer than 23 died of Lassa fever in Ebonyi while the state recorded 394 cases between January and December 2034.
Governor Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru, who disclosed this in Abakaliki, the state capital, during the handover ceremony of Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) known as Doctors Without Borders, Lassa fever support activities to the state Ministry of Health.
He described Lassa fever as a viral haemorrhagic fever caused by the Lassa virus (LASV), transmitted by multimammate rats.
He attributed the spread of the virus to socio-cultural practices, poor health-seeking behaviour, poor environmental sanitation conditions, lack of awareness, and community engagement.
It was however gathered that in the year 2024 alone, Nigeria recorded over 4,726 cases, with a very significant fatality rate.
“In Ebonyi State, we have recorded 394 suspected cases since January, with 48 confirmed cases, out of which 23 persons died of the disease, while 25 persons were discharged home.
“Though we grieve over those who died, we give kudos to Doctors Without Borders for saving the lives of those who survived the disease,” the governor said.
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Meanwhile, Ebonyi State government is to establish one Specialist Hospital in each of the three Senatorial Zones to boost healthcare delivery.
Governor Francis Nwifuru disclosed this at the official signoff and handover ceremony organised by the Medecines Sans Frontier, MSF, otherwise called Doctors Without Borders held in Abakaliki.
The decision, according to Governor Nwifuru, is in furtherance of his commitments to provide healthcare services to the people of Ebonyi State.
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