From Scholastica Hir, Makurdi
The Federal University of Health Sciences, Otukpo (FUHSO), has embarked on a comprehensive research on the causes of Lassa fever across the North-Central region of the country.
The Vice Chancellor of the University, Prof. Innocent Ujah, disclosed this while speaking to newsmen on phone in Makurdi at the weekend.
According to Professor Ujah, the study which he described as a ground breaking research, is led by a Principal Investigator, Prof. Stephen Abah.
The VC who noted that the research will unlock the secrets of Lassa Fever in the country, disclosed that the team has already visited the six North Central states including FCT, Abuja.
He said the research is being sponsored with the support of Tetfund’s mega grant and spearheaded by the University’s Center for Infectious Disease Research and Management.
Recently, the Nigeria Centre For Disease Control, (NCDC), said that 5,295 suspected cases, 806 confirmed cases and150 deaths due to Lassa Fever have been recorded as at March 31, 2024.
Ujah noted that Lassa Fever, a viral hemorrhagic disease, is endemic in Nigeria and has long plagued communities in virtually all states of the Federation, posing a significant challenge to public health.
He said FUHSO’s initiative would unravel the mysteries surrounding the incidence, seroprevalence, risk factors, and transmission dynamics.
The Vice Chancellor expressed profound appreciation to Tetfund for their unwavering support and belief in the mission of FUHSO, saying the research opportunity and funding provided by Tetfund has been instrumental in advancing FUHSO’s vital research efforts.