The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has revealed that no fewer than 952 lives were lost in 2024 to diseases such as Lassa fever, cholera, diphtheria, measles, and yellow fever.
Data from the agency highlighted 9,685 suspected cases of Lassa fever, 1,187 confirmed infections, and 191 deaths across 28 states and 138 local government areas. Similarly, cholera accounted for 14,237 suspected cases and 378 fatalities in all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), spanning 339 LGAs.
Measles also recorded significant figures, with 18,187 suspected cases, 9,330 confirmed, and 73 deaths reported in 751 LGAs within the 36 states and the FCT. The NCDC noted a 220% increase in cholera cases and a 239% rise in deaths compared to the previous year.
Furthermore, diphtheria claimed 309 lives from 12,085 suspected cases and 7,784 confirmed infections in 21 states and 170 LGAs. The Mpox outbreak led to 1,484 suspected cases, 124 confirmed infections, and continued interventions by health authorities.
Yellow fever contributed to 2,248 suspected cases, 18 confirmed infections, and one death across 36 states and the FCT.
Recently, the Nigerian Institute of Medical Research revealed a plan to develop homegrown vaccines as part of its efforts to transform itself by 2025.
The Director-General of NIMR, Prof. John Obafunwa, stated that one of the key areas of focus for NIMR in 2025 is developing vaccines targeted at local health challenges, such as Lassa fever and other emerging infectious diseases.
A peer-reviewed study published in Nature Medicine, titled “Health and Economic Impacts of Lassa Vaccination Campaigns in West Africa,” indicated that deploying a safe and effective Lassa vaccine across 15 countries in West Africa could save nearly 3,300 lives over 10 years and avert up to $128 million in societal costs. This research, conducted by the Universities of Oxford and Liverpool, and the Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, suggests that vaccination against Lassa fever would prevent millions from falling ill and facing prohibitive treatment costs, which could otherwise push them below the poverty line.
In addition, Nigeria achieved several milestones in vaccine acquisition. In March 2024, the country became the first to receive the MenFive meningitis vaccine, with supplies delivered by UNICEF. August saw Nigeria secure 10,000 doses of Mpox vaccines donated by the United States, making it the first African country to receive such donations for Mpox response.
By November, Mpox vaccination efforts had commenced in seven states following the arrival of 11,200 additional doses facilitated by Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance. These efforts are part of the broader strategy to combat emerging infectious diseases and strengthen the country’s healthcare system.
Experts have continued to emphasize the need for improved healthcare funding, vaccine research, and public health awareness to mitigate the impact of infectious diseases in the country.
 has revealed that no fewer than 952 lives were lost in 2024 to diseases such as Lassa fever,){kind=link}