From Scholastica Hir, Makurdi

Benue State Government said it has recorded 63 confirmed cases of Lassa Fever in 2024 alone.

The State Commissioner for Health and Human Services, Dr Yanmar Ortese, disclosed this on Monday, while declaring open the Lassa Fever Case Management workshop held in Makurdi.

Ortese also said that the state has also recorded 11 fatalities, representing an overall Case Fatality Rate (CFR) of 17 percent since the beginning of the year.

According to him, eight healthcare workers were affected in the course of duty this year.

The workshop was organized by Benue State Ministry of Health and Human Services, in collaboration with the Nigerian Center for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO).

He explained that even though Benue State has been at the forefront of battling outbreaks of Lassa Fever, it has seen progress in 2024, compared to previous years, adding that the numbers are a reminder that there was still work to be done

Ortese, who was represented by the Director, Medical Services, Dr Joshua Agbadu, said “Over the past few years, Benue State has been at the forefront of battling recurrent outbreaks of Lassa Fever. According to our most recent data, in 2024 alone, we have recorded 63 confirmed cases, with 11 fatalities and an overall case fatality rate (CFR) of 17%.

“Alarmingly, 8 healthcare workers have been affected this year, underscoring the risks faced by our frontline heroes who are dedicated to saving lives.

“While we have seen progress compared to previous years, these numbers remind us that there is still much work to be done.”

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Speaking, the WHO, State Coordinator, Benue State Field Office, Dr. Mohammed Abdulkarim, emphasized that Lassa Fever remains a notable public health challenge in Benue state, adding that through such initiatives like the workshop, the organisation is poised to work with relevant stakeholders to strengthen the collective response that would reduce the burden of Lassa Fever in the state.

Abdulkarim said the workshop presents an opportunity to share best practices, and among other things build a robust network of professionals equipped to tackle Lassa fever effectively.

He said, “Lassa fever remains a significant public health challenge in Benue state, and it is through initiatives like this workshop that we can strengthen our collective response. Your commitment to enhancing your skills and knowledge in managing this disease is commendable and crucial for the health and well-being of our communities.

“This workshop represents a vital opportunity for us to share best practices, learn from each other, and build a robust network of healthcare professionals equipped to tackle Lassa fever effectively.

“The knowledge and skills you gain here will not only benefit your professional growth but also contribute significantly to our ongoing efforts to control and eventually eliminate Lassa fever.

“I would like to express my sincere gratitude to the Benue State Ministry of Health for their collaboration, to NCDC for their coordination role in infectious disease prevention and control and to all the facilitators and participants for their dedication. Together, we can make a difference and move closer to a Lassa fever-free future”, Dr Abdulkarim stated

Earlier, presenting a paper titled, ‘Prevention and Response to Sexual Exploitation, Abuse and Harassment’, the Surveillance Officer, WHO, Benue state, Chigbo Ogechi, observed that Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (SEA) of community members are some cases perpetrated by humanitarian and government workers.

She also noted that while SEA occurs in all response sites where humanitarian workers are present, she stated that although sexual abuses are not reported, it does not mean that they do not occur.

Chigbo, who said that WHO and other humanitarian actors were encouraging survivors (victims) of abuse, to speak out on issues of abuses, urged actors on the field to endeavour to report cases of abuses, with a pledge that such cases would be investigated and tackles appropriately.

Some of the consequences of sexual exploitation and abuse, she said include violation of human rights, stigmatization/rejection as well as health and psychosocial effects.