Fear and stigma surrounding Lassa fever remain significant obstacles for Nigeria and other countries where the disease is prevalent, Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) has indicated.
According to officials of MSF, misconceptions and a lack of understanding about the disease often lead to the social exclusion of affected individuals, making treatment challenging.
“Lassa fever is often misunderstood, with some communities believing it’s a curse or witchcraft,” said Musa, a survivor, in a press release made available to newsmen by MSF in Bauchi, highlighting the damaging impact of such misconceptions.
“This leads to people shunning those infected, making it even harder for them to access the care they need.” The statement said.
It stated that, to combat this, health organisations are working closely with community leaders, traditional healers, and pharmacists to spread awareness about the disease.
“We don’t fight people’s beliefs,” said Tumaini Kombe, an MSF health promoter. “We work through trusted community figures to promote proper measures against Lassa fever.”
Since January 2025, MSF teams have reached 186,363 people, referred 1,642 to treatment centres, and confirmed 418 cases. “Listening and understanding local knowledge are key to encouraging people to seek care,” Kombe added.
However, survivors of Lassa fever in Nigeria often experience long-term effects, including hearing loss and neurological complications, with some continuing to carry the virus after recovery. The virus can be transmitted sexually and from mother to baby through breastfeeding during this period.
To address these challenges, MSF provides follow-up care through survivor clinics, offering monitoring, mental health support, and guidance on safe practices. This includes counselling on safe sex, condom provision, and alternative infant feeding options.
“Every year, we are seeing bigger numbers. Whether that is linked to climate change, to better detection, or to something else, we don’t yet know.” Dr Raji further pointed out.
“As the dry season ends, Lassa fever cases are decreasing, but MSF remains committed to preparedness,” he added.
He said MSF is strengthening surveillance, infection control, and rodent control programmes in Bauchi State.
The press release explained that MSF is also working with the Nigerian Ministry of Health to build expertise in viral haemorrhagic fever response, with the facility set to become a training hub for Nigeria and other affected countries.
“Lassa fever is not going away,” says Dr Raji, highlighting the ongoing need for support and preparedness efforts.
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