The Centre , unequivocally in a statement signed by its National Coordinator/CEO, Dr Chikwe
Ihekwaezu , affirmed that despite the significant costs, there has not been a single day of stock-out of Ribavirin in any of the treatment centres in Nigeria.

Wondering why such publication, he said,  “No single patient has been deprived of care in any of the treatment centres in Nigeria because of their ability to pay. In addition to this, the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control has ensured that every state in Nigeria has an emergency stock of Ribavirin and other response commodities available to manage cases”

In addition to Ribavirin, NCDC observed that treatment centres have been provided with other essential commodities required for the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of Lassa fever cases noting that they have had rapid response teams, supporting the state governments of Edo, Ondo and Ebonyi for six weeks supporting all aspects of the response.

“The state governments of the Edo, Ondo and Ebonyi States, with the highest burden of Lassa fever have also contributed significantly to the management of cases, ensuring that every single patient has received the best treatment possible. All three state governments have supported treatment centres with dialysis machines and other equipment necessary for the treatment of Lassa fever patients.”

The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) therefore assured Nigerians that everything possible is being done not only to respond to this outbreak, but to also build  capacity to prevent, detect and respond to future cases of Lassa fever in Nigeria.

NCDC also urged Nigerians to continue supporting the diligent work being done by Nigerian healthcare workers across the country in this response.