The Executive Secretary of the Tertiary Education Trust Fund, Sonny Echono, on Tuesday challenged Nigerian scientists to identify the fastest pathway towards developing the country’s first Lassa fever vaccine, describing the recurring disease as a major public health burden requiring urgent scientific solutions.
Echono gave the charge in Abuja during the presentation of the outcomes of a TETFund-sponsored Mega Research Project on Lassa Fever conducted by the Federal University of Health Sciences, Otukpo.
Speaking after receiving the findings, Echono said the research had reinforced the need for Nigeria to move beyond generating scientific evidence to developing practical interventions that directly improve the lives of citizens.
He urged the research team to prioritise vaccine development, stressing that immunisation remains the most effective strategy for controlling infectious diseases.
He said, “What is the shortest route towards developing a vaccine? How can we ensure that the burden on our people is reduced? Every year, thousands of Nigerians die from Lassa fever. How can we reduce this burden?
