The acting CEO of NIPHID, Dalhatu Aminu, says the proposed establishment bill will strengthen, rather than duplicate, Nigeria’s public health security system.
Lassa fever has claimed 214 lives in Nigeria, with the case fatality rate climbing to 25.0 per cent, the NCDC has said.
He said the fund would strengthen the NCDC’s operational readiness and support critical national public health emergency response activities.
NCDC said young adults aged 21–30 years remained the most affected group.
He called on citizens to adopt preventive measures such as regular handwashing.
Stakeholders at the event emphasised that effective infection prevention requires more than awareness.
He warned that lapses in basic infection control practices could increase vulnerability.
The cases were reported across seven states namely Edo, Bauchi, Ondo, Taraba, Ebonyi, Benue, and Kaduna.
Mr Idris described as the growing Lassa fever infections among healthcare workers as worrisome.
Mr Idris said that long-term co-investment would help strengthen Nigeria’s health security and protect the country’s economic stability.
