Lassa Fever: Bauchi Records 22 Deaths

The Bauchi State Primary Health Care Development Agency (BASPHCDA) recorded 22 deaths from Lassa fever cases across the state in 2023.

This was made known by the Chairman of the agency, Rilwanu Mohammed, at a one-day advocacy engagement meeting with traditional and religious leaders on the prevention of infectious diseases on Thursday in Bauchi.

The meeting was organised by an NGO, Women Development Association for Self-Sustenance (WODASS), supported by WaterAid Nigeria.

The chairman, represented by Haruna Wakil, Deputy Director, Disease Control and Immunisation of the agency, said the state also recorded 678 suspected Lassa fever cases, 95 confirmed cases and 22 deaths.

“The worst hit local government areas are Alkaleri, Bauchi, Tafawa Balewa, Ganjuwa, Dass, Kirfi, toro and parts of Kanam in Plateau.

He, therefore, stressed the need for proactive measures in the fight against infectious diseases, adding that traditional rulers and community leaders have significant roles to play in achieving the set objectives.

He further harped on the need to always pause and reflect on the present situation of things in communities to achieve the set objectives of a healthy society. 

He assured the agency’s readiness to collaborate with relevant organisations and NGOs to promote primary healthcare services in communities.

Haruna Suleiman, Head of Inspection, Bauchi State Environmental Protection Agency (BASEPA), said the aim of the meeting is to achieve a healthy society.

Suleiman said that the importance of Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) cannot be overemphasised “because it is the basis of living due to the fact that life itself revolves around cleanliness.”