FUHSO Lassa fever findings will strengthen national response – Echono

The Executive Secretary of the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund), Sonny Echono, has commended researchers at the Federal University of Health Sciences, Otukpo (FUHSO), for producing groundbreaking findings on Lassa fever, describing the study as evidence of the value of investing in locally driven scientific research.

Speaking at the presentation of the TETFund-funded research project in Abuja, Echono said the findings would be forwarded to relevant health authorities to support policy decisions and strengthen Nigeria’s response to Lassa fever outbreaks.

He praised the research team for its thorough work and resilience, noting that the project had generated vital evidence capable of improving disease surveillance, diagnosis and control across the country.

The study, led by Prof. Joseph Okopi, identified Benue State as an emerging hotspot for sustained community transmission of Lassa fever and recommended intensified surveillance, expanded research and stronger public health interventions. Researchers also found that Rattus rattus, in addition to the commonly implicated Mastomys species, can harbour the Lassa virus, suggesting the need to broaden disease prevention strategies.

Echono said the success of the project demonstrates the importance of supporting Nigerian scientists to develop home-grown solutions to public health challenges with global relevance.