By Samuel Luka
Professor Yusuf Bara Jibrin, the Chief Medical Director of the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Teaching Hospital (ATBUTH) Bauchi has stated that partnering with the Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) also known as Doctors Without Borders has significantly enhanced the capacity of the hospital toward fighting Lassa fever in the state.
The CMD who made this known while speaking to reporters in his office on Tuesday, commended the MSF for the partnership and highlighted the crucial role of MSF in supporting the hospital's efforts to manage the disease.
According to him, MSF's contributions include community mobilization, provision of molecular laboratory services, and establishment of a Lassa fever treatment center.
"These efforts have led to increased case detection, improved patient outcomes, and reduced mortality rates", he said.
Professor Jibrin said the hospital serves as a referral center for northeastern Nigeria, receiving patients from nine states, adding that MSF's support has been instrumental in bridging gaps in staffing, logistics, and resources.
The CMD, who emphasized that MSF has been doing very well in providing logistics support, stated that the collaboration has also facilitated research initiatives, including clinical trials for new treatments.
The CMD stressed that ATBUTH is set to become the sole center in northern Nigeria conducting such research with MSF's support.
He said Lassa fever, transmitted through rodents and human contact, remains a significant public health concern in Nigeria, emphasizing the need for continued education and awareness.
The CMD further called for government and community involvement to prevent the spread of the disease.
On his part, Dr. Ibrahim Mahmood Maigari, Coordinator of the Lassa Fever Treatment Centre of the hospital, noted that Bauchi has become a crucial hub in the fight against Lassa fever, with its treatment centre serving as the sole case management pillar in the state.
He praised the collaboration with Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) for their support in managing the outbreak, stating that the centre has several specialists, including infection prevention and control experts, WASH officers, mental health support staff, and health promoters who educate patients and caregivers about the disease.
He disclosed that the medical team includes doctors, nurses, and affiliates providing direct care to patients.
Doctor Maigari said the centre has expanded its capacity over time, with 53 beds for confirmed cases and 27 beds for suspected cases, noting that the current outbreak is more severe than previous ones, with cases reported outside the typical dry season period.
"We are seeing cases all the time, it's just that there are periods when the number goes up," he said.
He stated that the treatment center has recorded over 40 confirmed cases as of January 2026, with some healthcare workers infected while treating patients a few years back.
Dr. Maigari emphasized the importance of research to understand Lassa fever better and tackle the outbreak effectively, explaining that the centre also provides comprehensive care, including mental support, to patients.
"We ensure patients feel less isolated by engaging them in learning skills and modifying the isolation centre to make it safer and more comfortable," Dr. Maigari said.
According to him, patients typically stay for 10 days, during which they receive treatment and learn skills to improve their lives.
He said in treatment of Lassa fever, pregnant women are considered special patients due to their reduced immunity.
"Lassa fever in pregnancy is a big problem, and we treat them with special care and monitor them closely," Dr. Maigari said.
He said the centre's efforts have led to Bauchi state reporting the highest burden of Lassa fever in Nigeria, possibly due to improved case search and response strategies.
.jpeg)
0 Comments