‘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

How MSF supported the fight against the meningitis outbreak in northwest Nigeria

By: Abdulkareem Yakubu

For several weeks, MSF teams in Northwest Nigeria battled a meningitis outbreak, providing vital care for hundreds of patients and supporting a mass vaccination campaign. It was a mobilization that significantly contributed to saving lives and reducing the number of cases.

In the first days of February 2025, many men, women, and children in northwestern Nigeria suddenly became very ill. Some experienced convulsions or became unconscious. For those affected, the cause of the mystery disease was not immediately clear.

“I woke up one morning with pain in the neck, stiffness in one leg, and back pain,” said 26-year-old Aisha Faruq, while recovering in the MSF-supported General Hospital of Gwandu, a local government area (LGA) in Kebbi, the most northwestern state of Nigeria. “I vaguely remember what happened next, like going to school. That’s where I lost consciousness. When I woke up, I was here.”

As hospitals filled with patients, MSF health educators connected with the hardest hit communities to raise awareness and direct residents to MSF-supported medical facilities.

“Initially, community members often thought they had contracted malaria, as they were suffering from fever and headache,” said David Musa, an MSF community health educator in Gwandu. “But some distinct symptoms such as neck stiffness or brain swelling in infants alerted health professionals that we were dealing with something else.”

Soon after, the cause was officially confirmed: meningitis was behind the surge in admissions to health facilities in Kebbi and Sokoto states.

Rapid care is vital

Meningitis is considered a major global health threat. According to a study based on 2021 data and published in The Lancet, more than 2 million cases of meningitis are estimated to occur globally each year, with over 200,000 resulting in death.

The disease, which records recurrent outbreaks in the vast African belt area stretching from Senegal to Ethiopia – known as the “meningitis belt” – is highly lethal if left untreated. Studies show that 50 to 80 percent of patients may die without prompt medical care.

Meningitis can be caused by viral or bacterial infections and spreads from person to person by respiratory droplets, throat secretions, or by faecal contamination. Bacterial meningitis – commonly found in Nigeria – is the most serious type of meningitis and can cause inflammation of the tissues surrounding the brain and spinal cord.

To help authorities respond to this very dangerous outbreak, MSF teams in Kebbi and Sokoto states quickly provided support by deploying staff and medical supplies to hard-hit areas, expanding bed capacity in several health facilities, training medical staff from the state ministries of health, and launching awareness-raising campaigns.

“In Kebbi, where most cases were reported, we admitted over 500 patients in the first 12 days of our intervention in the LGAs of Gwandu, Jega, and Aliero,” said Dr. Sham’un Abubakar, MSF’s emergency coordinator in Kebbi. “Even with the additional beds we installed, we had to place mattresses on the floor to accommodate the overflow of patients.”

Over a nine-week period, 2,095 patients were admitted for meningitis in the facilities supported by MSF in Kebbi.

In neighbouring Sokoto state, MSF teams supported case management (including remote assistance), training, and the supply of medical supplies in five primary health care centres and two general hospitals in Tambuwal LGA.

By early May, MSF teams in Sokoto had treated a total of 880 meningitis patients in MSF-supported facilities.

Meningitis can affect people of all ages, but the highest proportion of reported cases is among children aged 1 to 15 years. Children under the age of five, due to their weaker immune systems, are especially at high risk of dying.

“Unfortunately, survivors are also at risk of developing long-term neurological and cognitive problems,” said Dr. Abubakar. “Patients may suffer hearing loss, vision problems, and seizures, as well as increased pressure on the skull and brain. Many survivors also remain at risk of experiencing a stroke.”

Ten-month-old Sha’ayau was admitted to the Jega General Hospital in late April with multiple symptoms, including brain swelling. He was discharged many days later but referred to a specialist to evaluate potential neurological complications.

“His older brother was hospitalized [for meningitis] weeks ago,” said his mother, Saratu Hamza. “But now he has lost his hearing.”

A mass vaccination campaign

While providing rapid treatment is key to preventing fatalities and long-term consequences, fighting meningitis also requires vaccinating as many people as possible to break the transmission chain.

“Conducting a mass vaccination is essential, as it provides immunity against the disease for up to five to eight years, hence significantly reducing the risk of infection – even in the event of another outbreak,” said Dr. Abubakar.

In Kebbi state, MSF teams partnered with UNICEF and WHO to support the state Ministry of Health in setting up an immunization campaign. In just one week, close to half a million people were vaccinated, with two thirds of them under the age of 15.

While official figures are still being compiled, the Nigerian Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) recorded more than 4,000 meningitis cases nationwide between early February and early May. Seventy percent of those cases were treated in MSF-supported facilities in Kebbi and Sokoto states.

Today, thanks in large part to MSF’s swift and effective response, the number of cases in both states has declined, and our teams could gradually wind down emergency responses and transition back to routine treatment and regular medical activities, continuing to support Ministry of Health staff.

How MSF supported the fight against the meningitis outbreak in northwest Nigeria

UMTH ICT Centre: Another addition to Professor Ahmed Ahidjo’s strong track record in hospital management.

By: Dr. James Bwala

The establishment of the UMTH ICT Centre marks a significant milestone in the trajectory of Professor Ahmed Ahidjo’s distinguished career in hospital management. This center exemplifies his commitment to integrating modern technology within healthcare systems to enhance operational efficiency and patient care. This professor of interventional radiology has added to his thinking cap a digital innovation. The UMTH ICT Centre serves as a pivotal resource for streamlining hospital processes, improving data management, and supporting clinical decision-making, thereby reinforcing Professor Ahidjo’s reputation for forward-thinking leadership.

Professor Ahidjo’s successful records in hospital administration are characterized by his ability to implement sustainable strategies that optimize resource allocation and promote technological advancement. The inauguration of the UMTH ICT Center further consolidates these achievements by providing healthcare professionals with robust tools for managing information systems effectively. This initiative aligns with contemporary trends emphasizing digitization in healthcare institutions, reflecting an understanding of the critical role that information communication technology plays in modern medical environments.

The UMTH ICT Centre stands as another testament to Professor Ahmed Ahidjo’s exemplary contributions to hospital management. His visionary approach not only advances institutional capabilities but also sets a benchmark for integrating ICT solutions within healthcare frameworks, ultimately enhancing service delivery and patient outcomes. His efforts not only exemplify a commitment to excellence but also inspire future leaders in the healthcare sector to embrace technological advancements as a means of driving positive change. His legacy in healthcare management continues to inspire innovation and excellence, ensuring that the UMTH remains at the forefront of medical technology integration. 

Through his dedication to fostering a culture of innovation, Professor Ahidjo has ensured that the UMTH continues to adapt to the evolving needs of healthcare delivery in the digital age. His leadership exemplifies the transformative impact of integrating cutting-edge technology into healthcare systems, ensuring that UMTH not only meets current demands but is also well-prepared for future challenges. His strategic foresight in leveraging ICT not only enhances operational efficiencies but also significantly contributes to the overall improvement of patient care quality and safety. His commitment to integrating ICT solutions is not just about keeping pace with technological advancements but about setting a new standard for excellence in healthcare management.

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Although this does not come easily, the establishment of the ICT Centre at the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital (UMTH) under the leadership of Prof. Ahmed Ahidjo has played a crucial role in enhancing both internal and external communication systems, managing hardware and software infrastructure, and supporting health management information systems. Prof. Ahidjo’s stewardship has been instrumental in expanding this department to include 17 dedicated staff members who ensure seamless operation and continuous improvement of ICT services.

This development is not merely administrative but transformative, as it facilitates efficient healthcare delivery through improved data management and connectivity. The integration of advanced ICT tools under Prof. Ahidjo’s guidance underscores his visionary approach to modernizing UMTH’s operations. Consequently, the establishment of this center will undoubtedly remain an indelible legacy that reflects his commitment to innovation and institutional growth.

For Professor Ahmed Ahidjo, the establishment of the ICT Center at UMTH represents the realization of a long-held vision to propel the institution into the future of medicine. This initiative aligns with global efforts to integrate advanced technology within healthcare systems, thereby enhancing service delivery and medical research capabilities. The ICT Center is designed to facilitate efficient data management, telemedicine, and digital diagnostics, which are critical components in meeting international health standards.

The implementation of cutting-edge information and communication technologies has further strengthened the CMD’s position as an all-rounder in both health and management. The ICT center indeed shows that Professor Ahmed Ahidjo aims to transform UMTH from a traditional health institution into a modern medical hub capable of addressing contemporary challenges. This transformation not only improves patient outcomes but also fosters collaborative opportunities with global health organizations. The development of the ICT center at UMTH underscores the commitment to innovation and excellence in healthcare education and service provision, which the professor of interventional radiology has brought to play. 

* James Bwala, PhD, writes from Abuja.

UMTH ICT Centre: Another addition to Professor Ahmed Ahidjo’s strong track record in hospital management.