Mirian Gom 
ABUJA, Nigeria – The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has identified delays in seeking medical care, healthcare worker infections and gaps in health facility readiness as major challenges that could undermine Nigeria’s preparedness for the 2026/2027 Lassa fever season.
The NCDC Director-General, Jide Idris, disclosed this in an advisory issued on Wednesday ahead of the peak Lassa fever season, which typically occurs between November and April.
Although Lassa fever occurs throughout the year, Idris said the period before the peak season provides an opportunity for government, healthcare facilities and communities to strengthen preparedness before cases increase.
According to Idris, an After Action Review of Nigeria’s 2026 Lassa fever response identified several gaps requiring urgent attention.
These include delays in seeking appropriate care, self-treatment and patients visiting multiple healthcare facilities before Lassa fever is suspected.
Idris said limited state ownership of preparedness activities, over-reliance on national resources and delays in releasing funds had further affected response capacity.
“For example, having a dialysis machine does not mean dialysis is available if the trained personnel, consumables, water treatment, maintenance and other requirements needed to operate it are not in place,” he said.
The plan will prioritise earlier detection and reporting of suspected cases, improved environmental sanitation, safer food storage and handling, and measures to reduce exposure to rodents.
Idris said efforts would be strengthened to improve the transportation and testing of samples and ensure that laboratory results are returned promptly.
Treatment centres will also receive support to ensure they have essential medicines, laboratory supplies and protective equipment needed to manage patients.
“Think Lassa. Protect. Report. Refer,” Idris urged healthcare workers, stressing that every healthcare worker infection should be investigated and lessons used to prevent further transmission.
About the Author
Oluwatobi Adu 
Korede Abdullah 
