The Federal Government is introducing a funding mechanism to carter for patients with confirmed cases of Lassa Fever in the country.
The Director-General, Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), Dr Chikwe Ihekweazu, explained the healthcare fund aimed to ensure that money does not become a hindrance for patients in accessing Lassa Fever treatment.
“We are making plans through the Basic Primary Healthcare Provision Fund, the new funding instituted by the Federal Government, to cover the cost of treatment of confirmed cases of Lassa Fever patients.
“A process is ongoing on how to manage this, and it is at the heart of discussion at all levels of government at the moment.”
More than 120 people have died of Lassa Fever, with 2,034 suspected cases reported from 21 states in the country between the 1st of January and the 31st of March, 2019.