Lassa fever, a viral hemorrhagic illness endemic to Nigeria, remains a significant public health threat. Named after Lassa village in Borno State, where it was first identified in 1969, the disease has tested the nation’s health infrastructure for decades. Amid growing outbreaks, one man has emerged as a beacon of hope: Dr. Ibrahim Ahmed Al-Imam, a distinguished public health expert and leader in disease response management.

In early 2019, Nigeria faced one of its worst Lassa fever outbreaks, beginning with a healthcare worker in Federal Teaching Hospital Abakaliki, Ebonyi State. Over time, the virus spread to 20 states, infecting 432 individuals and claiming 67 lives by epidemiological week 6 of this year. With a case fatality rate of 21.3% during this period, the crisis demanded immediate and coordinated action.

Epidemiologist Dr. Ibrahim, from the University of Maryland Baltimore program in Nigeria in collaboration with the Institute of Human Virology Nigeria (IHVN), spearheaded a robust response to the outbreak. His leadership extended to conducting an After Action Review in Ondo State, a high-burden area, to analyze the emergency response and identify strategies for future preparedness. He explained in an interview that effective outbreak management hinges on learning from past experiences. “Our success in combating Lassa fever depends on how well we prepare before the next outbreak. Prevention, early detection, and rapid response are the pillars of epidemic control,” he emphasized.

The review, involving 65 participants from diverse health sectors, produced actionable insights. Dr. Ibrahim’s team developed a list of activities, prioritizing those that addressed critical areas such as coordination, surveillance, case management, and risk communication. These included generating a cost preparedness plan for Lassa fever and conducting regular stakeholder coordination meetings at state and local levels. His team’s efforts emphasized the importance of designating surveillance focal persons in all health facilities and communities and providing Integrated Disease Surveillance and Response (IDSR) training to strengthen detection and monitoring efforts.

Additionally, Dr. Ibrahim’s efforts focused on equipping treatment centers with critical care management commodities and training healthcare workers in supportive/critical care for Lassa fever patients to ensure optimal case management. Risk communication strategies were also prioritized, including engaging social mobilization officers across local government areas and producing targeted information, education, and communication materials to enhance public awareness. Laboratory support was bolstered by training laboratory scientists on data management and sample handling, ensuring efficiency and accuracy in diagnosis.

Dr. Ibrahim stressed that community engagement is critical in curtailing the spread of Lassa fever. “We must invest in grassroots awareness campaigns. Educating people about rodent control, proper food storage, and the symptoms of Lassa fever can significantly reduce transmission,” he said. He also called for the expansion of surveillance networks, urging that health facilities be equipped to quickly identify and isolate cases. “Timely reporting and response can mean the difference between containing an outbreak and allowing it to spread unchecked,” he added.

Despite these strides, Dr. Ibrahim remains acutely aware of the challenges ahead. The surge in cases recorded in 2019 underscores the need for sustained investment in public health infrastructure. He advocates for increased funding, enhanced surveillance, and stronger community engagement. In his words, “Lassa fever is a societal challenge that, by working together, government agencies, healthcare workers, and the public can reduce the burden of this disease.”

Public health experts have lauded Dr. Ibrahim’s contributions. Dr. Funke Adewale, an epidemiologist, remarked that his ability to mobilize resources and lead cross-functional teams has set a standard for outbreak management in Nigeria. She noted that the outcomes of the Ondo State review are a blueprint for combating Lassa fever nationwide.

As Nigeria continues to grapple with infectious diseases, Dr. Ibrahim Ahmed Al-Imam’s leadership and dedication stand as a cornerstone of the country’s public health resilience. His work serves as a reminder that with the right strategies and commitment, even the most daunting challenges can be overcome.