Benue Public Health Emergency Operation Centre

On Day 2, Risk Communication activities were scaled up with UNICEF -supported teams continuing House-to-House Interpersonal Communication (HIPC) across the four affected local governments Makurdi, Otukpo, Guma and Okpokwu while a motorised mobile messaging campaign was simultaneously rolled out, moving through communities with public address systems to amplify Lassa fever awareness and reach a wider audience.

IEC materials continued to be distributed as teams engaged residents on prevention, early reporting, and safe practices.

Lafia Ianna
(Surveillance & Risk Communication)
Benue PHEOC

UNICEF supported Risk Communication teams conducted House-to-House Interpersonal Communication (HIPC) across four Lassa fever affected local governments in the state deploying

50 teams in Makurdi
45 teams in Otukpo
40 teams in Guma
40 teams in Okpokwu

The teams are going door to door to sensitising communities on Lassa fever prevention while distributing IEC materials.

Lafia Ianna
(Surveillance and Risk Communication)
Benue PHEOC.

The EOC meeting held on April 14, 2026 focused on ongoing efforts to curb the rising cases of Lassa fever.

The Lassa fever focal person Mrs Benita Kanshio, presented a detailed situation update, highlighting current trends and response activities.

The meeting brought together key partners, including Médecins Sans Frontières / MSF , World Health Organization (WHO) ,Red Cross and Chigari foundation alongside EOC staff, reinforcing a shared commitment to strengthening the response.

Lafia Ianna
Surveillance and Risk Communication
Benue PHEOC

Be a HEALTH CHAMPION!

​Today, at the University of Mkar,Gboko we didn't just give a lecture,we recruited a new army of Public Health Ambassadors.

​Students are the most mobile group in our community. That makes them our strongest link in stopping Lassa fever. During today's sensitization, we broke down the myths vs. the facts.

Lafia Ianna
(Surveillance and Risk Communication)
Benue PHEOC

4 CHURCHES, 1 MISSION: A Healthier Benue!

​The PHEOC team is on the move! Today, we visited four churches to spread awareness and answer your important health questions.

​Awareness is the first step toward prevention. We’re not just monitoring health from an office,we’re bringing the facts to you! 👣



Lafia Ianna
(Surveillance and Risk Communication)
Benue PHEOC.

Key highlight and update from the Commissioner of Health's briefing on 7th March 2026.

​1. Data Summary

​Total Cases: 52 confirmed (out of 315 suspected).

​Mortality: 10 deaths recorded.

​Case Fatality Rate (CFR): Dropped from 37% to 19% (showing improved clinical management).

​Affected LGAs: Makurdi, Guma, Buruku, and Okpokwu.

​2. Health Worker Alert:
​14 infections recorded among health personnel (6 Doctors, 4 Nurses, 1 Pharmacist, 2 CHEWs, 1 Porter).

​2 fatalities among these staff members.
Strict IPC protocols are now mandatory.

​3. Response Status

​Action Plan: Governor Alia has stepped in to close funding gaps for the Incident Action Plan.

​Field Work: PHEOC has expanded teams for active case search and contact tracing.

​Support: Intensive collaboration with MSF, WHO, UNICEF, and NCDC at BSUTH and FMC Makurdi.

​4. Public Health Mandate

​Eliminate rodent contact and secure food storage.

​Report symptoms (fever, bleeding, sore throat) immediately to health facilities.

​

Lafia Ianna
(Surveillance and Risk Communication)
Benue PHEOC.

Prevention is our strongest defense against