Nigeria’s Dying Healers: The Lassa fever crisis killing those who save us

Nigeria is grappling with a worsening Lassa fever outbreak, a preventable disease that continues to claim lives, particularly among its healthcare workers. As of last month, 167 people have died from the virus, with a concerning case fatality rate of 25.2% among over 663 confirmed cases. Alarmingly, 38 of these confirmed cases are healthcare workers, highlighting a critical vulnerability in the nation's medical infrastructure.

The trajectory of the disease is not improving; it is worsening. In 2024, the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) recorded 1,309 confirmed cases and 214 deaths. The following year, the disease spread across 21 states, resulting in 201 confirmed deaths with an 18.4% case fatality rate. The current figures indicate a significant increase in the fatality rate, underscoring the escalating crisis.

Lassa fever has been endemic in Nigeria since 1969, with predictable seasonal patterns and identified high-risk areas. Despite this long-standing knowledge, communities continue to experience outbreaks year after year, with persistent gaps in protection measures leading to preventable deaths. The fact that healthcare workers, who are essential for treating the sick, are falling ill and dying at such an alarming rate is particularly inexcusable.

Experts point to a critical lack of sustained political will and insufficient national investment as the primary drivers of this ongoing crisis. When those tasked with healing become victims, the entire healthcare chain fractures. The situation demands urgent attention and a robust commitment to implementing effective prevention and control strategies to protect both the general population and the vital healthcare workforce.