Health

Special Report – UMTH: Professor Ahmed Ahidjo; A historic shift in hospital management

Published

3 years ago

December 8, 2022

News Net Global

Prof. Ahmed Ahidjo To Be Confer With Productivity Award 2022

Special Report – UMTH: Professor Ahmed Ahidjo; A historic shift in hospital management

By: James Bwala

The University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital in Maiduguri, Borno state with 1200 bed capacity is perhaps the largest hospital in Nigeria today. Probably the prime in West Africa. The growth given to man’s imagination would not have come easy without a ‘head’ with such humility to melt a stone. As a man thinks, so is he. Knowledge alone does not make a man but knowledge with humility makes great men. That the Professor of Interventional Radiology has been celebrated for administrative purposes in the last four years since he assumed the administrative leadership of the UMTH shows that leadership is not only about leading the people but also about carrying the cross. It is also about submission and listening to good counsel. It was in this case that this mender of our broken walls as far as hospital management is concerned was born from this corner of the world where no such achievements could have seen the phase of years that he has put forward these revolutionary ideas.

From the hospital administrative blocks to students blocks and practically on the patients blocks Professor Ahmed Ahidjo has demonstrated unique and an equal footprint of humility and strength. Reports about him, from the top management and consultants to the least man at the gate reveals a man dedicated to his works with much love to make the difference. A very good listener, who fine-tunes ideas and builds such dreams into reality. An example of such moments were the huge successes recorded in rising large estate of departments from the expansion of the emergency area of the hospital building to building a magnificent Trauma Centre, Child Institute, Physical Rehabilitation centre, Cancer centre, Neurological centre, the burn centre and the largest

computerized store with Hospital Information System under the Health-in -a-Box project in the hospital to mention a few.

The Ahidjo’s ‘dogma’ they said is about building a management that works. His management team has key into his dream of having the best hospital not only across Nigeria but more largely to ensure that our people no longer go across the sea to seek medical attention. The structures he raised come fully with all the equipment needed for better diagnosis and treatment of both in and out patients. The recruitment of doctors otherwise called Residents Doctors and other workers was tactically a push to have the best on ground. He was also moved to training and retraining of staff in the way they should treat patients and patients relations whenever in the hospital seeking for medication and he goes round day and night to ensure what was agreed upon are taken to the latter. Security officials in the hospital from their testimonies said sometimes he comes around by 2:00 AM to check on patients and doctors on duty. It was on such motivation that the CMD ensured to build the best restrooms and relaxation areas for doctors and staff on night shift so as to reduce the distance between doctors and patients at all times.

One wonders how the CMD got all the experience to venture into making such a footprint. But speaking on his worth makes the difference. “Administratively, I was Head of Radiology Department at the University of Maiduguri and University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital for almost ten years. I became the pioneer Head of Radiography Department to start training of Radiographers in the 19th Northern states. I also became the Deputy Provost College of Medical Sciences for a period of two years. Thereafter, I became the Provost, College of Medical Sciences University of Maiduguri. I was also the secretary National PostGraduate Medical College of Nigeria in charge of Radiology training in the country for a period of four years in Lagos. From there I became the Chief Medical Director –UMTH. Within the period I also worked at the World Head Organization’s Headquarters in Geneva in Charge of all the Radiology devices globally with 198 member countries. I was also a Research Scholar at the Uniformed Services University of Health Sciences in Maryland. Since becoming the CMD for over three years now I have been working in the office.” He said.

Electricity, which has been the major crisis in Borno state owing to the ongoing conflict that transverse in the last 13 years has been an issue in the hospital but according to Professor Ahmed Ahidjo there is no work as far as the hospital is concerned with electricity. As such he moved with strategic emotions towards the issue of power supply. He knocks at individuals and corporate organizations to come to the aid of the hospital by contributing to ease the pains of rolling the meager revenue on clashing demands. To run the hospital generators requires over sixty-seven million naira on a monthly basis. The revenue of the hospital stands around forty million naira on monthly accounts. The hospital stationed in Borno state with a high poverty rate and all the conflict going and lack of electricity operates as a non governmental organization. The forty million naira revenue is like a drop in an ocean of needs from both demands on consumables and non-consumables items.

According to Professor Ahidjo, ” Energy remains one of the most challenging things in managing health institutions in Nigeria. This is because of the inadequate quantity that we required and also because of the inadequate quality of energy as required. As long as we are moving in the direction we are now, without changing the system the way it should, it is very unlikely that we will give the optimum healthcare to the society using this energy that we have. Generally, there is a need for the government to look at how to optimally or how best to supply energy in this country, especially the hospitals and health institutions in general. Providing that electricity I think will do well to the whole of the country and not only the healthcare system. Once energy is supplied to the country, the healthcare institutions, it means the services will be there. From the experience I had in the past few years, energy is one of the most difficult things that we are supposed to have in the whole of the management of the hospital system in Nigeria. If the government provides energy to the hospitals, that will ease a lot of things. Many countries do that and this is one of the most needed infrastructures in Nigerian hospitals. If they cannot provide, at least let it be subsidized because it is going to be very difficult looking at the way we charge our patients now.

To pay for the best electricity supply is what we needed to have the best in the hospitals. But where is the money? For example, the gross IGR of my hospital in April this year was Forty-two million (N42, 000,000.00) and Diesel alone gulps Sixty –Seven million and Five hundred thousand (N67, 500,000.00). This is not practicable. The best way is to look at how to assist these hospitals with energy supply. If the National grid cannot give priority to hospitals, let independent power plants especially now that diesel is very expensive, gas generators be provided to healthcare institutions – the Federal ones and let them buy the gas. That will help a lot because buying gas plants may be too expensive for the federal healthcare institutions for now. If the government can procure these big generators and give it to these federal health institutions and let them use gas to supply the energy that they need, this will really alleviate the system otherwise virtually most of the hospitals in this country have cut the energy supply hours because of the hike in diesel price. There is a need for us to look into energy solutions in our healthcare delivery system. Let the government key into this in an attempt to give the hospital the needed energy so that they can give the needed healthcare in line with the National strategic healthcare plan for Nigeria.”

With such pressures of needs, sitting in the 1,800 seats capacity Zulum auditorium of the hospital, the CMD and his think tanks brainstorm to come up with the idea of sustainable development for all departments. The deliberation had people who helped to refresh the minds of the working management to stem the needs and the pressure through a directive idea that would help each department to come alive on its revenue generation to make meaning in its work and sustainability of actions. From that meeting, it was observed that workers are now on their toes and one of the recent achievements is the “Health-in-a-box” project, which is a new technological idea to check activities in the hospital store through computerisation of items coming in and those going out and to where or to which department such items are going and so on. This idea could help in accountability and the result is already yielding.

The Covid-19 pandemic has pushed the CMD into seeking more help owing to the situation in poverty stricken states, especially in the northeast Nigeria. He did not stop at anything but the best. His fighting spirit gave result as the hospital got the best equipment, the best space and treatment areas for the Covid-19 patient. It was state of the art equipment with each bed carrying all the equipment needed for treatment and recovery of patients. The burn Centre is a special area for the treatment of burns. It was another achievement made through the vigorous strategy the CMD employed to deal with issues of burns following the state of the region and the ongoing trauma of victims of the conflict in northeast Nigeria.

The Child Institute is the biggest centre specifically for the treatment of children. The trauma Centre takes the attention of the first time visitor to the hospital and the Physical Rehabilitation centre has given hope to many who wished to walk again. The Cancer centre with four bunkers to stop radiation and to give the desired treatment for cancer patients is just another story on its own. The two machines cost the hospital over two billion naira. All these according to the CMD comes about through spirited individuals who are contributing to the welfare of the people of Borno state and the hospital. This however, did not come without a deliberate move by the CMD to pursue and lobby individuals and organisations to come and help the health system toward the betterment of the state, the region and Nigeria as a whole.

***Special Report – UMTH: Professor Ahmed Ahidjo; A historic shift in hospital management***

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The Neurological centre under construction is another giant stride of Professor Ahmed Ahidjo and achievements in the last four years of his administration of the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital. Like the Cancer centre, it was said to be a project being handled by certain individuals who are silent achievers that saw the need to key into the Ahidjo’s dream of a good health system. In the centre, there are various sections and units and the admirable thing is that all the equipment for the centre is already on ground waiting for the completion of the project, which stands at 90 percent completion. Going round and explaining about the centre, children of the less privileged and hired security on the project site ran into Ahidjo and were clinging. There is no doubt they have seen him often and made friendships. This also indicated that the CMD is not only resourceful to older generations but also the upcoming ones. No wonder the idea also of the Child Institute in the hospital.

In the last four years of dramatic and strategic revolution, the Chief Medical Director, University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital, Professor Ahmed Ahidjo has changed the way the medical and surgical wards of the hospital used to be. The changes give both patients and relations an air of enhancement. Some of the wards he turns them into cubicles, the floor leading to wards were now tiles and for the women in labour a new lift as the new labour ward is coming underway while improvement was made in the old labour ward making new mother happier as they go to bring new life with tears of joy and motherhood that counts.

The stories of Ahidjo’s revolution in hospital administration have just begun with additional four years of hospital management experience. For the first time, a CMD was given another appointment prior to the expiration date of his first appointment as CMD at the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital. This alone says well of a man that desires duty and accomplishment of responsibility with a magnitude of a humility that breaks stony heart and brings desire for more accomplishments in the drive to change narratives. The training that makes all these possible are in his words:

” I studied Leadership in health from Washington University. That is the qualification I had in management. That was before I became the CMD and this is one of the most respected managerial courses across the globe in healthcare. However, skills sometimes you learn over a period of time. From the beginning I have been in the leadership position. Since my student days, I was a student’s union leader and at residency I was ARD President. I was also Chairman of the Consultants, so I have been in the union side, in administration and then I started as Head of Department and I moved up to the peak professionally to become the Provost of the College without jumping post. I went step by step and I have taken all the posts I am supposed to take to rise to the top. So, in addition to the qualification, I was actually along the line of practical skill acquisitions in management positions. So that is why sometimes when you are managing a system, you get conversant with those systems. It became easy to manage them. If you are talking as a Head of Department, I was a Head of Department for ten years and I know what it means to be one. If you are talking as an ordinary doctor in the hospital, I know what it feels to be one. I know what it takes to be one and I know the duties of one. If you are a nurse, I have interacted with one. If you are a Radiographer, I have interacted with them. So, you get all these skills over decades.”

Special Report – UMTH: Professor Ahmed Ahidjo; A historic shift in hospital management

Health

UMTH wins the 2025 Public Tertiary Healthcare Facility of the Year Award.

Published

16 hours ago

June 28, 2025

News Net Global

UMTH wins the 2025 Public Tertiary Healthcare Facility of the Year Award.

UMTH wins the 2025 Public Tertiary Healthcare Facility of the Year Award.

By: Dr. James Bwala

The University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital (UMTH) has once again demonstrated exceptional commitment to healthcare excellence by winning the 2025 Public Tertiary Healthcare Facility of the Year Award for the second time. This accolade underscores UMTH’s sustained efforts in providing high-quality medical services, advancing clinical research, and fostering an environment conducive to both patient care and academic development. Such recognition not only highlights the institution’s leadership within Nigeria’s healthcare sector but also reflects its pivotal role in addressing complex health challenges in the region.

This is a big congratulations to the CMD, Professor Ahmed Ahidjo, and his management team for another historic achievement. Winning this award consecutively signifies UMTH’s ability to maintain superior standards amidst evolving healthcare demands. The hospital’s integration of innovative treatment protocols and community-oriented outreach programs exemplifies best practices that contribute significantly to public health outcomes. As a teaching hospital, UMTH also plays a critical role in training future healthcare professionals, thereby ensuring a continuous supply of skilled practitioners dedicated to improving national health indices.

UMTH’s consecutive recognition as the top public tertiary healthcare facility reaffirms its status as a beacon of medical excellence and educational prowess in Nigeria. Maintaining such standards is essential for driving progress within the country’s healthcare infrastructure and enhancing patient care quality on a broader scale. UMTH’s strategic partnerships with global health organizations have facilitated the exchange of knowledge and resources, further enhancing its capacity to deliver cutting-edge healthcare solutions. This collaborative approach not only strengthens UMTH’s operational capabilities but also positions it as a model for other institutions aiming to elevate healthcare standards across the continent.

The hospital’s commitment to research and development has led to groundbreaking advancements in medical science, reinforcing its reputation as a leader in healthcare innovation and education. In addition, UMTH’s emphasis on patient-centered care has fostered an environment where individuals feel valued and heard. This patient-centered approach, combined with their ongoing commitment to excellence, underscores UMTH’s role as a pivotal institution in shaping the future of healthcare delivery in Africa.

The hospital’s investment in state-of-the-art technology and infrastructure has also played a vital role in its ability to provide high-quality care and respond effectively to the evolving needs of the community. This dedication to leveraging advanced medical technologies and maintaining a patient-first philosophy has undoubtedly contributed to UMTH’s recognition at the national level, securing its place as a beacon of excellence in the healthcare sector.

READ ALSO: https://newsng.ng/the-plight-of-farida/

Professor Ahmed Ahidjo, the CMD, has printed his foot on the sand of history as UMTH’s success story. This success story serves as a testament to the power of strategic vision and dedicated leadership in transforming healthcare services for better societal impact. This achievement not only highlights the hospital’s ongoing pursuit of healthcare excellence but also serves as an inspiring model for other institutions aiming to elevate their standards of care and operational efficiency.

The award not only acknowledges the exceptional service delivery and innovative practices at UMTH but also underscores the hospital’s role in setting a benchmark for healthcare quality and patient satisfaction across Nigeria. This recognition is a testament to the hospital’s commitment to continuous improvement and its ability to adapt to the evolving challenges in the healthcare sector. This accolade not only highlights their exceptional service delivery but also reinforces their position as a leader in medical innovation and education within the region.

This commendation reflects UMTH’s unwavering dedication to nurturing future healthcare leaders through robust educational programs and cutting-edge research initiatives. UMTH’s dedication to fostering an environment of continuous learning and adaptation has enabled it to remain at the forefront of healthcare innovation. The recognition further solidifies UMTH’s reputation as a pillar of healthcare excellence. The hospital’s strategic focus on integrating advanced technology with patient-centered care has been pivotal in achieving these remarkable milestones.

UMTH’s proactive approach in collaborating with international health organizations has also played a significant role in enhancing its service delivery and research capabilities. This collaborative effort not only enhances their clinical practices but also ensures that the hospital remains at the cutting edge of medical advancements and global health standards. This recognition is not only a testament to UMTH’s achievements but also a motivation to continue pushing the boundaries of what is possible in public healthcare.

* James Bwala, PhD, writes from Abuja.

UMTH wins the 2025 Public Tertiary Healthcare Facility of the Year Award.

Health

UMTH conducts successful kidney transplant 15 years after

Published

5 days ago

June 24, 2025

Ochuwa Ibrahim

UMTH conducts successful kidney transplant 15 years after

….CMD calls for philanthropic support to enable the hospital save more lives from CKD

By: Sam Kayode

Chief Medical Director (CMD) of the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital (UMTH) Professor Ahmed Ahidjo has called on well-meaning individuals to sponsor kidney transplant against chronic kidney diseases (CKD)in the institution.

Professor Ahidjo made the appeal recently in a news conference in Maiduguri while announcing the successful transplant of kidneys to two patients in the hospital.

Speaking during the occasion at the UMTH Conference Hall, CMD, Professor Ahidjo, described the procedure as a landmark success attributable to the hospital’s preparedness, the support of management and the goodwill of an anonymous philanthropist who paid for the consumables.

He said that since kidney failure has become a serious challenge in the north east of Nigeria especially Borno, it is high time well meaning individuals who share in our common humanity support more transplants by bringing in their resources to bear so that more victims of CKD can continue to enjoy prolonged life from available transplants.

Ahidjo hinted that five million naira was paid by an anonymous donor for each of the patients who got a new kidney in the recent operation and that to him is his expectations towards this challenge because a transplant ordinarily costs about N13.5m to execute successfully in contemporary Nigeria.

The CMD noted that kidney challenges will no longer be a death sentence if there is a pool of consumables to support each operation which would be done virtually free by the UMTH medical team as a way of lessening the prevalence burden in the state.

Responding to questions by reporters the CMD added that the hospital is ready to conduct free operations for the next 20 patients who desire new kidneys adding that the only challenge for such operations is ‘consumables” but once that is on ground the rest would be history.

” As an institution, we are ready for the next 20 patients because we are footing the bill of all the technical details but the consumables are quite expensive. This is why I am appealing for sponsorship of more patients at least to the level of being stabilized because the bulk of the charges we make are for the consumables and these are subject to a revolving fund to ensure that others on the waiting list get the same quality service.

” Donors should come out and support this cause as quickly as possible because so many patients have end stage kidney problems but they do not have the resources to get the care they need. And this is why we need the support of fellow Nigerians out there to keep them alive.” Said the CMD.

The UMTH he maintained has successfully reinforced its reputation by conducting the cheapest kidney transplants after 15 years indicative of the fact that it is now the leading renal treatment center in Nigeria today.

Roll call of successful transplant

Several specialists involved in the operation led by neurologist Dr. Hassan Gogo and the surgical team carried out the transplants and they include, Professors Umate, the lead Nephrologist, Sani Alhassan a Surgeon, lbrahim Gaidam, Fela Usman, and Dr Hassan Digo all of them Urologists.

Team of Anesthetics include: Ahmed Alhaji, Doctors’ kullma Zakana, Hadiza Bako, Bukar Ahmad, Aisami mustapha, Buhani Ghidie and Atiku.

Nephrology Nurses include, Yagana kingi, Maryam Alhassan, Babagana Gubio, Yagana Mohammed and Abubakar.

Perioperative nurses present in the operation were, Babagana Korede, Kamsulum Umate, Christiana Michael, Kolo Bulama, Bola Ayeni, Amina Tamus and Zainab Mohammed.

Technicians include: Abubakar Umar, Shettima Maryam and Abdullahi lawan while two porters Aisha Idi and Fah ibrahiin were among the team that
conducted the Surgery

Professor Mohammed Gadam, Dr. Ahmed Head of the Anaesthesia Unit Dr. Zanna, and Professor Sani Alhaji Hassan. Prof Haruna Ngaddah Consultant Anatomic Pathology and Forensic Medicine was the Lab team lead.

“This is not the first time UMTH has performed a kidney transplant. Our first was in August 2010. So you can see that with improved capacity and technology, we’ve resumed the procedures in full and ready to do many more,” said Prof. Ahidjo.

UMTH kidney centre

Ahidjo an interventional radiologist hinted that the UMTH hosts the largest kidney centre in Nigeria, with an 85 bed capacity and four operating theatres equipped with advanced surgical equipment like endoscopic cameras, and modern lighting systems.

Narrating further the latest developments in the kidney centre, Prof Ahidjo, stated that the hospital now has over 20 functional dialysis machines and an “independent renal laboratory centre” making it easy for patients to have what they need as at when due and reducing the burden of red tape of the main hospital laboratory.

He commended the Federal Government for subsidizing kidney dialysis, adding that UMTH now offers dialysis for just twelve thousand Naira per session roughly eight United States dollars making it one of the cheapest rate in the country.

“In Nigeria and other parts of the world, dialysis cost as much as $1,000 per session but the support we receive makes this possible as we meet the needs of the people of the sub region.

“The cost of the service doesn’t even cover maintenance of the machines, but we are determined to keep our services accessible to the public,” he said.

The CMD commended Vice President Kashim Shettima for initiating the subsidized kidney dialysis program in Borno and reaffirmed that UMTH will continue to serve humanity in this manner.

Borno state sponsored Kidney research

The CMD lauded Governor Babagana Zulum of Borno state for providing a special grant of ₦50 million to the hospital for onward investigation of causes of Kidney failures in Borno State.

The research has been going on simultaneously but even though the results have not been officially released, the research on kidney failure in Borno State indicates a significant burden of CKD with hypertension and glomerulonephritis being major contributing factors.

Checks on a source who commented about the ongoing study of the prevalence of CKD in Maiduguri hinted
that the researchers found out that a substantial percentage of patients on dialysis so far had CKD of unknown cause.

Prof. Ahidjo while responding to a question on CKD however hinted that diabetes and hypertension were equally major contributors to kidney malfunctions in the region.

He maintained that samples already taken are being analyzed to determine specific regional causes, while urging the public to adopt healthier lifestyles, stay hydrated, and engage in regular physical activity to reduce risks.

Prevalence of high CKD has been noticed specifically in central and southern Borno but the research is yet to establish if it has anything to do with the water consumed or the general lifestyle of the residents of this region of the state.

UMTH conducts successful kidney transplant 15 years after

Health

‘We are no longer afraid’: MSF hands over Lassa fever care in Ebonyi State

Published

1 week ago

June 19, 2025

Ochuwa Ibrahim

‘We are no longer afraid’: MSF hands over Lassa fever care in Ebonyi State

By: Michael Mike

Abuja, 18th June- After seven years of critical support from Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF), local health authorities in Ebonyi State are now well equipped to take on Lassa fever with improved infrastructure, training, and resilience—saving lives and restoring confidence in the healthcare system.

In early 2018, Ebonyi State in southeastern Nigeria faced a serious public health concern. Lassa fever – a potentially deadly viral haemorrhagic neglected tropical disease – recorded a particularly high seasonal outbreak, with a much larger number of cases, overwhelming hospitals and claiming numerous lives, notably among healthcare workers, particularly exposed to infection risks.

“We lost doctors, nurses, and cleaners,” recalled Dr. Nnennaya Anthony Ajayi, then head of clinical services at the virology unit of the Alex Ekwueme Federal University Teaching Hospital Abakaliki (AE-FUTHA), the state’s main referral centre. “There was panic. In the hospital, 16 healthcare workers passed away. People were afraid to go near the emergency room.”

Though the federal and state governments had already made strides—building an isolation ward and setting up a virology lab—AE-FUTHA was not prepared for the outbreak’s scale. Personal protective equipment (PPE) was scarce. Infection control procedures were unclear. Samples had to be sent to distant labs for confirmation. Suspected patients were sometimes kept in open spaces, and the risks for staff were devastating.

It’s in that context that MSF, also known as Doctors Without Borders, arrived in Abakaliki to support the response. What began as an emergency intervention soon evolved into a seven-year partnership with the Ebonyi State Ministry of Health, laying the groundwork for sustainable, locally led Lassa fever care.

Protect Health Workers, Improve Care for Patients
From the outset, MSF’s top priority was clear: stop the loss of healthcare workers.

“We had to put an end to this series of avoidable deaths,” said Alain-Godefroid Ndikundavyi, MSF’s most recent project coordinator in Ebonyi. “Our main objective was to reverse that trend and to reinforce the hospital’s capacity to better receive and treat patients with the disease.”

MSF’s intervention was wide-ranging. The organisation built triage and observation areas, distributed PPE, implemented robust infection prevention and control (IPC) systems, and trained local staff to manage Lassa cases safely and effectively.

“They helped us structure patient flow, IPC and biosafety measures, and provided what we needed to work safely,” said Dr. Ajayi. “They brought structure, training, and most importantly, hope.”

In total, over 230 training sessions for healthcare workers were delivered, and laboratory capacity was strengthened, enabling faster diagnosis. Eventually, a new model of care was put in place to deal with the disease, protect staff, and better support patients.

Between 2018 and 2024, MSF supported the treatment of 1,701 suspected and 427 confirmed Lassa fever cases. MSF also paid the full cost of patient care—including dialysis, medications, and meals—which significantly reduced fatalities.

Crucially, deaths among healthcare workers fell dramatically, with many years passing without a single death being recorded.

Reaching Beyond the Hospital
But MSF understood that stopping Lassa fever required action far beyond hospital walls. The disease thrives in communities where public health awareness is low and early detection is lacking.

“To bridge that gap, we mobilised health promotion teams that conducted over 4,500 education sessions and nearly 1,300 community visits across Ebonyi State,” said Ndikundavyi. “These efforts demystified the disease, corrected misconceptions, and encouraged early care-seeking behaviour.”

MSF also supported two primary healthcare centres in rural areas—Izzi Unuhu and Onuebonyi—providing training, lab equipment, medical supplies, and even building water towers to ensure safe sanitation. The goal was to catch Lassa fever early and ease the burden on AE-FUTHA.

“We realised that to truly fight Lassa, the response had to start at the community level,” said Ndikundavyi.

A New Chapter
In 2025, MSF formally handed over operations to the Ebonyi State Ministry of Health and AE-FUTHA. This transition was carefully planned and included donations of medical equipment, ambulances, and waste management tools. Enough supplies were provided to last through the next Lassa fever peak season.

“We officially handed over management responsibilities at the end of 2024 but kept an observational team on until March of this year, in case the Ministry needed additional resources,” Ndikundavyi said.

MSF also supported the creation of internal committees within AE-FUTHA to maintain standards in infection control, patient care, and outbreak response—ensuring that progress would continue after their departure. More broadly, MSF experts partnered with the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC), state and federal authorities to improve detection, prevention, and medical care guidelines.

Today, AE-FUTHA is a different place. Gone are the days of improvised gear and terrified staff. Healthcare workers now operate with confidence, knowledge, and access to proper equipment. Patients are treated with dignity, and survivors return home with hope. Not as outcasts, but as symbols of resilience.

The fight against Lassa fever is not over. In 2024 alone, 24 confirmed cases were recorded in AE-FUTHA, with one death among the hospital staff—still tragic, but a far cry from what happened in 2018, when 16 healthcare workers alone were lost.

“We are no longer afraid,” Dr. Ajayi said. “MSF helped us believe that we could fight Lassa fever—and win.”

‘We are no longer afraid’: MSF hands over Lassa fever care in Ebonyi State