Susan Abayomi
The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has raised concerns over gaps in Nigeria’s preparedness for the 2026/2027 Lassa fever season, urging state governments to strengthen their response systems and release funds ahead of the expected peak period.
The Director-General of the NCDC, Dr Jide Idris, disclosed this on Wednesday while outlining the agency’s preparedness plans for the new Lassa fever season.
According to Idris, an After Action Review of the country’s 2026 response identified several challenges, including delays in seeking appropriate medical care, self-treatment, infections among healthcare workers and weaknesses in the functionality of some health facilities.
The review also highlighted poor sanitation, unsafe food storage and continued exposure to rodents as environmental and household factors that could contribute to transmission.
Idris expressed particular concern over limited state ownership of Lassa fever preparedness activities and delays in releasing resources needed to respond effectively.
He explained that having equipment available does not necessarily mean that a health facility is operationally ready, noting that other requirements such as trained personnel, consumables, maintenance and supporting infrastructure must also be in place.
The NCDC chief said the agency had therefore developed an Accelerated Readiness Plan to strengthen preparedness before the disease enters its peak transmission period, which typically runs from November to April.
The plan focuses on earlier detection and reporting of suspected cases, faster testing and sample transportation, improved infection prevention and control, adequate supplies of essential medicines and protective equipment, and ensuring treatment centres are ready to manage patients.
The agency is also expected to intensify environmental sanitation, waste management, safe food storage and measures to reduce exposure to rodents.
Idris urged states to ensure that surveillance systems remain functional and that necessary resources are made available before cases begin to rise, stressing that preparedness should not wait until health facilities are under pressure.
Five states — Ondo, Bauchi, Taraba, Edo and Benue — have been identified as the highest-burden states, accounting for about 86 per cent of reported Lassa fever cases in 2026.
The NCDC said the response would be implemented through a One Health approach involving the health, environment, agriculture, livestock and local government sectors, as well as communities and development partners.
Idris called on healthcare workers to maintain a high index of suspicion for Lassa fever, protect themselves against infection, report suspected cases promptly and ensure appropriate referral.
He also urged Nigerians to take preventive measures, seek medical attention early when symptoms occur and avoid practices that increase exposure to rodents.
“Think Lassa. Protect. Report. Refer,” the NCDC director-general said, stressing that the opportunity to strengthen preparedness must be used before transmission increases.
