The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), through its specialized health agency, the West African Health Organisation (WAHO), called on researchers, policymakers, healthcare professionals, and other stakeholders to bolster efforts in enhancing regional health security against Lassa fever and other emerging infectious diseases.
This appeal was made on Friday in a statement announcing the second Lassa Fever International Conference, scheduled for September 2025 in Côte d’Ivoire.
Themed “Beyond Borders: Strengthening Regional Cooperation to Combat Lassa Fever and Emerging Infectious Diseases,” the conference aims to promote sustainable preparedness and regional coordination in the fight against Lassa fever.
It will focus on improving research and development capacity, strengthening outbreak management systems, and fostering multisectoral collaboration.
Lassa fever, a viral hemorrhagic illness endemic to West Africa, has significantly affected countries such as Nigeria, Liberia, Sierra Leone, and Guinea.
Since its discovery, the disease has exposed major weaknesses in the region’s healthcare systems.
As of 2025, the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) has confirmed 506 cases of Lassa fever from 2,492 suspected cases, resulting in 95 deaths.
Despite Lassa fever being classified as a priority disease by the World Health Organisation (WHO), WAHO pointed out that outbreaks continue to follow a troubling pattern of temporary containment, only to be followed by fresh outbreaks.
This underscores the urgent need for sustainable preparedness that goes beyond immediate responses, focusing on research, coordination, and strengthening health systems.
“Building on the foundation laid by the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control during the first edition in Abuja in 2019, the 2025 conference will bring together policymakers, researchers, healthcare professionals, and key stakeholders to foster regional coordination, share scientific advancements including promising Lassa fever vaccine candidates entering clinical trials and create a more sustainable, collaborative approach to prevention and control across West Africa,” the statement read.
“No single country can address the challenges posed by Lassa fever and emerging infectious diseases alone,” it continued.
“Globalization, faster travel, and frequent cross-border movements have increased the spread of infectious diseases.
By sharing data, resources, and expertise, countries can improve response times and effectiveness, significantly reducing the impact of Lassa fever and enhancing regional health security,” the statement stated.
Dr. Melchior AÏSSI, Director General of WAHO, emphasized, “Lassa fever remains a persistent threat to our populations, severely affecting lives, health, and economies.
Endemic in several West African countries, it causes between 100,000 and 300,000 infections annually, leading to approximately 5,000 deaths.
Projections suggest that, due to climate change, up to 600 million people could be at risk of contracting Lassa fever, highlighting the critical need for increased vigilance and preparedness.”
Dr. Katrin Ramsauer, Lassa Disease Programme Lead at the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations, noted, “We’ve made significant strides in combating Lassa fever in recent years.
The upcoming conference is a pivotal opportunity for scientists and global health experts to come together under WAHO’s leadership, share new knowledge, and identify research gaps that need to be addressed.
The outcomes will help shape the Lassa fever research agenda, directly influencing our response to increasingly frequent outbreaks exacerbated by climate change and population growth in the region.”
The conference will feature a range of sessions, including plenary discussions led by regional and international health leaders, as well as key partners.
Topics will include financing mechanisms, cross-border and multisectoral coordination, vaccine research, community surveillance, and operational and environmental research.
