Nigeria Makes Breakthrough in the Fight Against Lassa Fever with Three Identified Drugs
In a significant breakthrough, the National Biotechnology Development Agency (NABDA) in Nigeria has identified three candidate drugs for the treatment and eradication of Lassa fever. This announcement comes as a ray of hope for the country, which has been grappling with the devastating effects of the disease for several years.
Led by Prof. Oyekanmi Nash, the Genetics, Genomics and Bioinformatics Department at NABDA, in collaboration with other researchers, spearheaded the research efforts. Prof. Abdullahi Mustapha, Director-General of NABDA, expressed his optimism about the potential of these drugs to address the challenges faced in treating patients diagnosed with Lassa fever.
Speaking about the research, Prof. Nash explained that Lassa fever is a disease predominantly found in Nigeria and West Africa. He emphasized that for almost 50 years, there have been no designated drugs for its treatment in Nigeria. However, thanks to scientific advancements, previously approved drugs can now be repurposed to tackle this deadly disease.
Highlighting the significance of the breakthrough, Prof. Babatunde Salako, Director-General of the Nigeria Medical Research Institute, stated that special funding is required to combat Lassa fever effectively. He stressed the need for collaboration among scientific institutes in Nigeria to collectively push forward the boundaries of medical research and find solutions to health challenges like Lassa fever.
The encouraging news of these identified drugs necessitates the intensification of surveillance and response mechanisms. To achieve this, diagnostic centers should be made readily available in the most affected regions. However, funding remains a major obstacle to further research and development efforts.
Nevertheless, Prof. Mustapha expressed his optimism regarding President Muhammadu Buhari‘s allocation of 0.5% of the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) to research and innovation. He believes that this allocation, if fully implemented, will not only support scientific endeavors but also encourage Nigerian scientists abroad to return and contribute to the development of their nation.
The recent meeting held by eminent scientists, researchers, medical practitioners, and technology experts in Abuja aimed to discuss the process of putting the candidate drugs on clinical trial. The goal is to completely eradicate Lassa fever in Nigeria and protect the population from its devastating impact.
As Nigeria celebrates this breakthrough in the fight against Lassa fever, it is crucial to continue investing in medical research and innovation to address other diseases plaguing the nation. By prioritizing collaboration and funding, Nigeria can pave the way for groundbreaking discoveries and ensure a healthier future for its citizens.
