TETFund Urges Vaccine Development for Lassa Fever

TETFund has called on Nigerian scientists to prioritize the development of a vaccine for Lassa fever, which poses a major public health challenge in Nigeria and West Africa. During a presentation in Abuja, TETFund's Executive Secretary, Sonny Echono, emphasized the need for research that directly benefits citizens and highlighted the importance of moving beyond mere research to practical interventions.

The Federal University of Health Sciences, Otukpo, received a N250 million mega research grant from TETFund four years ago to investigate Lassa fever. Prof.

Franci Uba, the Vice Chancellor, noted that Lassa fever continues to threaten health security, with Nigeria recording 5,000 to 10,000 deaths annually. The research team, led by Prof.

Joseph Okopi, found that Benue State had the highest prevalence of Lassa fever antibodies among the five states surveyed. The study identified several environmental risk factors for infection, including poor housing conditions and rodent infestations.

Prof. Audu Onyemocho reported that out of 1,266 participants, 43 tested positive for Lassa fever, with older age and seizures identified as predictors of mortality.