The Chief Executive Officer, Nigeria Centre for Disease Control, Dr Chikwe Ihekweazu has announced that the NCDC is set to host the First Lassa fever international conference in the country, NAN reports. He made the announcement while talking to newsmen on Tuesday in Abuja.
Dr. Ihekweazu said the Conference, which is scheduled to hold between January 16 and 17 in Abuja will mark 50years since the virus was first discovered in a town in Nigeria.
According to him, the conference will bring together researchers and practitioners from across the world who will appraise efforts towards controlling the virus globally, as well as create global awareness on the disease.
The NCDC Chief further disclosed that the Awareness and Disease Surveillance Systems recorded improvement in Lassa fever detection, which created an improved level of commitment by the global health community in prevention, disease detection, control, and case management efforts. He said, "In 2018, the World Health Organisation launched its Research and Development blueprint, highlighting the potential of Lassa fever and a selected list of diseases to lead to public health emergencies.
"This plan highlights the absence of efficacious drugs and vaccines, and further highlights the urgent need for accelerated research and development.
Dr Ihekweazu said the conference would enlighten participants on efforts towards new strategies to prevent further rodent-to-human transmission of the virus. He added that an there would be an improved insight into curbing transmission of the virus both in hospital and social context.
According to him, the center in partnership with stakeholders will develop a reform agenda for global Lassa fever control.
