Nigeria’s Lassa Fever Fight Hampered by Logistical and Reporting Weaknesses

The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) says key weaknesses in transportation and data systems are slowing the country’s efforts to detect and respond to Lassa fever outbreaks promptly.

NCDC Director‑General Dr. Jide Idris explained that the high cost of moving patient samples from remote communities to testing labs, especially in hard‑to‑reach areas, is delaying diagnosis and slowing action. Limited fuel availability and poor transport infrastructure make sample delivery expensive and erratic, affecting how fast suspected cases can be confirmed and treated.

While some regional laboratories have improved turnaround times, the pace of testing and reporting still varies widely between states. Under the agency’s 7‑1‑7 target — detecting suspected cases within seven days, reporting them within one day and starting a response in seven days — several states are struggling to meet these benchmarks.

Dr. Idris also raised concerns about inconsistencies in reporting. In some instances, cases confirmed at major teaching hospitals were not promptly communicated to state health authorities, creating gaps in surveillance. Parallel data systems between federal and state institutions sometimes produce conflicting figures, complicating efforts to track trends accurately.

Limited internet connectivity and lack of funds for data collection in smaller facilities further undermine real‑time reporting, he said. The NCDC continues to share awareness materials in local languages, but sustained funding for community education and engagement in some states remains a challenge.

Dr. Idris emphasised that while the NCDC coordinates nationally, the effectiveness of outbreak responses ultimately depends on strong state‑level leadership and validated data flowing through proper reporting channels.