Health

FG, IHVN, Ondo Govt Open New Lassa Fever Diagnosis Centre

Published

1 month ago

Feb 8, 2025.

FG, IHVN, Ondo Govt Open New Lassa Fever Diagnosis Centre
New Lab in Ondo to Enhance Early Detection, Reduce Lassa Fever Fatalities
IHVN, FG Support Ondo with New Lab to Combat Lassa Fever

As part of efforts to prevent a Lassa fever outbreak, the Federal Government and the Institute of Human Virology Nigeria (IHVN) have partnered with the Ondo State Government to establish a new diagnostic centre.

Speaking at the Infectious Disease Hospital in Akure, IHVN’s Epidemiology and Surveillance Manager, Saiki Musa, officially handed over diagnostic equipment to the state government on Thursday.

Lassa Fever Outbreak

He explained that the initiative aims to control and curb the spread of Lassa fever.

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EKO HOT BLOG gathered that the equipment, funded by the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), includes a BIOBASE Class III Biosafety Cabinet (Glove Box) for safe handling of infectious samples, as well as Hematology and Chemistry Auto Analyzers.

Musa noted that during a 2023 visit to Ondo, IHVN identified the need for an additional health laboratory to support the Federal Medical Centre (FMC) in Owo. He emphasized that the newly established facility will enhance the state’s capacity to diagnose and manage Lassa fever cases.

Ondo State’s Permanent Secretary for Health, Dr. Adeniran Ikuomola, highlighted the significance of the new laboratory, stating that it will improve early detection and reduce fatalities. He revealed that the state has recorded over 400 suspected cases of Lassa fever, with more than 100 confirmed infections.

“We have inspected the equipment donated by the Federal Ministry of Health, facilitated by IHVN, and expect significant improvements in case detection and management,” Ikuomola said. “The state government is working tirelessly to ensure the lab’s functionality and strengthen collaborations to reduce Lassa fever fatalities.”