As Lassa fever continues to claim lives across Nigeria, a leading voice in agriculture and public health is urging farmers and store owners to adopt safer food storage practices to help curb the spread of the deadly disease.
Sandra Victor-Gwafan, co-founder and CEO of DeBranch Farmers, has sounded the alarm over what she calls a preventable crisis, calling on both private and public institutions—including faith-based organisations—to intensify public education on Lassa fever’s dangers and how to mitigate them.
“I see how Lassa fever is hurting families, especially in rural areas where people don’t always have quick access to healthcare,” Victor-Gwafan said. “The numbers are increasing, and behind every case is a person—a farmer, a parent, a child. It is not just a health issue; it affects how people work, what they eat, and how they live. We cannot afford to ignore it.”
Lassa fever, an acute viral illness transmitted through contact with food or household items contaminated with rodent urine or faeces, has become a perennial public health threat in Nigeria, particularly during the dry season. With the current death toll rising, experts warn that the disease is gaining ground in communities where food hygiene remains poor and awareness low.
Victor-Gwafan, whose company works directly with farmers across the country, stressed that one of the simplest and most effective interventions lies in how grains are handled and stored.
“At DeBranch Farmers, we always encourage people to use tightly sealed containers—plastic or metal works well—and to keep food off the ground,” she explained. “Grains and other dry food should be dried on clean surfaces, never bare soil. Clean storage areas, cover your food, and keep the space free from leftovers or waste that attract rats.”
The public health expert urged Nigerians—especially those in farming communities—to treat food safety as a frontline defence against disease. She also issued a practical call to action for store owners: inspect warehouses regularly, seal holes, and use rodent-proof containers.
“If we take a little more time to store food properly and keep our surroundings clean, we can reduce the risk by a lot,” she said. “At DeBranch, we’re already teaching these practices to our farmers, and it’s making a difference.”
Beyond food safety, Victor-Gwafan emphasised the role of general hygiene in prevention. “Keep your environment clean. Don’t leave food uncovered. Wash your hands regularly, especially before cooking or eating,” she advised. “And if someone feels sick, don’t wait—get medical help early.”
Her remarks come as health authorities grapple with rising infections and limited access to medical treatment in many affected areas. Public health campaigns have struggled to reach rural populations, where cultural beliefs and limited infrastructure often hinder early detection and containment.
“We need more than just healthcare professionals sounding the alarm,” Victor-Gwafan said. “We need traditional leaders, religious organisations, and government agencies working together to inform people and protect lives.”
As the Lassa fever season shows no signs of abating, her message is clear: awareness, hygiene, and proper food storage can mean the difference between life and death.
