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Makurdi, Lassa fever continues to pose a major public health challenge in Nigeria and across West Africa. Between 1 January and 10 August 2025, Nigeria reported more than 6939 suspected cases, including 849 confirmed cases and 159 deaths. Globally, Lassa fever remains a recurring epidemic threat in West Africa, with countries such as Liberia, Sierra Leone, and Guinea also reporting cases in recent years.

His Excellency Mr Hakainde Hichilema, President of the Republic of Zambia, conferred on Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director-General of the World Health Organization (WHO), and Dr. Jean Kaseya, Director-General of the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) the Order of the Eagle of Zambia – 3rd Division.

The special ceremony took place at the Mulungushi International Conference Centre, during the 75th Session of the WHO Regional Committee for Africa (RC75).

The 75th session of the WHO Regional Committee for Africa (RC75) officially opened on 25 August with a high-level ceremony graced by His Excellency President Hakainde Hichilema, who welcomed delegates and reaffirmed Zambia’s commitment to health as a driver of economic development. In his keynote address, President Hichilema highlighted Zambia’s achievements, including allocating 12% of the national budget to health, recruiting 20,000 health workers, and expanding health infrastructure.