The Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) has challenged Nigerian researchers and scientists to intensify efforts toward developing the country’s first indigenous vaccine against Lassa fever, describing the disease as a persistent public health threat that requires urgent scientific solutions. As Nigeria continues efforts to strengthen its response to Lassa fever through research and vaccine development, the disease remains a major public health challenge. For more context, read: Lassa Fever Deaths Surge Amid Strained Facilities and Staff Shortages
The call was made by TETFund Executive Secretary, Sonny Echono, during the presentation of findings from the TETFund-funded Mega Research Project on Lassa Fever conducted by the Federal University of Health Sciences, Otukpo (FUHSO), in Abuja.
Echono said the research findings should mark the beginning of practical interventions capable of reducing the burden of the disease, rather than remaining solely within academic circles. He stressed that Nigeria must translate scientific discoveries into solutions that directly improve public health.
According to him, vaccination remains one of the most effective strategies for preventing infectious diseases, and he urged the research team to identify the quickest pathway to producing a safe and effective Lassa fever vaccine. He also assured researchers of TETFund’s willingness to support initiatives that could accelerate vaccine development and deliver tangible benefits to Nigerians.
Lassa fever remains endemic in Nigeria, with seasonal outbreaks resulting in significant illness and deaths each year. The disease continues to pose a major challenge to the country’s health system, underscoring the need for sustained investment in locally driven research and innovation.
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