FUHSO Concludes TETFund Lassa Fever Mega Grant Research

The Federal University of Health Sciences, Otukpo (FUHSO) on Tuesday, May 5, 2026, held the final dissemination of findings from its TETFund-sponsored Lassa Fever Mega Grant research at Multipurpose Hall B of the University's Take-off Campus, Otada.

The multi-year study investigated the seroprevalence, incidence, risk factors, and transmission dynamics of Lassa fever across North-Central Nigeria—a region widely recognised as endemic for the disease. The event attracted a diverse audience, including researchers, university staff, students, community representatives, and media stakeholders.

In his welcome address, the Principal Investigator, Professor Joseph Okopi, acknowledged key stakeholders and noted that the project was approved in 2022 and officially launched in 2023 under the TETFund Mega Grant scheme. He emphasised that the research offers critical insights into Lassa fever transmission, with far-reaching implications for public health at individual, household, and national levels.

The Vice-Chancellor, Professor Francis Uba Aba, commended TETFund for its sustained investment in research, describing infectious diseases such as Lassa fever as persistent global health threats that require evidence-based interventions. He reaffirmed the University's commitment to becoming a centre of excellence in health sciences through innovation and urged researchers to uphold scientific rigour while addressing community-relevant challenges.

Delivering a keynote lecture to mark World Hand Hygiene Day, Professor Audu Onyemocho highlighted the crucial role of proper hand hygiene in preventing infectious diseases. He noted that over one million infections occur daily worldwide, many of which are preventable through consistent handwashing practices. He further linked improved hygiene practices to reduced transmission of Lassa fever and disclosed that although no approved vaccine currently exists, ongoing trials are being supported through international collaborations.

Dr. Ovie Edegbene presented findings from rodent studies conducted under the project, stressing that understanding the biological behaviour of rodent reservoirs—particularly where the virus resides within the host—is essential for mapping transmission pathways. He explained that trapping techniques were adapted to local environmental conditions and that community involvement significantly improved access and data yield, especially in areas affected by logistical and security challenges.

Providing an update on the core study, Professor Okopi revealed that Lassa fever spreads primarily through environmental and household exposure. Key drivers identified include rodent infestation, poor food storage practices, and inadequate housing structures. He noted that the most affected demographic comprises active-age individuals and recommended targeted environmental interventions over broad, generalised public health messaging.

A related presentation on risk factors and exposure pathways, delivered on behalf of Dr. Temidayo O. Omotenhinwa, established a strong link between Lassa fever, poverty, and substandard housing conditions. The findings advocate for a policy shift toward structural and environmental interventions, alongside strengthened surveillance systems, rather than relying solely on behavioural change campaigns.

In the final presentation, Professor Steven Abah discussed how the Mega Grant has driven institutional transformation. He revealed that the project generated over 2,300 samples and enhanced FUHSO's global research standing through real-time data application. He also outlined ongoing efforts to integrate automation and robotics, as well as plans to establish a Centre of Excellence for Emerging and Re-emerging Diseases. He called for sustained collaboration, increased grant mobilisation, and continuous innovation.

The event concluded with a group photograph and a vote of thanks delivered by the Principal Investigator and Team Lead, Professor Joseph Okopi.