The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), through its specialized health institution, the West African Health Organisation (WAHO), has urged researchers, policymakers, healthcare professionals, and stakeholders to strengthen regional health security against Lassa fever and other emerging infectious diseases.
WAHO made the call on Friday while announcing the second Lassa Fever International Conference, scheduled for September 2025 in Côte d’Ivoire. The conference, themed “Beyond borders: Strengthening regional cooperation to combat Lassa Fever and emerging infectious diseases,” aims to advance sustainable preparedness and regional coordination through enhanced research, improved outbreak management systems, and multisectoral collaboration.
Lassa fever, a viral hemorrhagic illness endemic to West Africa, has severely impacted countries like Nigeria, Liberia, Sierra Leone, and Guinea. Since its discovery, the disease has exposed critical weaknesses in the region’s health systems. In 2025 alone, the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention confirmed 506 Lassa fever cases out of 2,492 suspected cases, with 95 deaths.
WAHO noted that despite being classified as a priority disease by the World Health Organisation, Lassa fever outbreaks follow a recurring pattern of temporary containment followed by fresh outbreaks. This underscores the urgent need for sustainable preparedness that focuses on research, coordination, and stronger health systems.
The 2025 conference will build on the foundation laid during the first edition hosted by the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control in Abuja in 2019. It will bring together policymakers, researchers, healthcare professionals, and key stakeholders to foster regional coordination, share scientific progress, and shape a more collaborative approach to Lassa fever prevention and control across West Africa.
WAHO emphasized that no single country can address the challenges posed by Lassa fever and emerging infectious diseases alone. “Globalisation, faster travel, and frequent cross-border movements have significantly increased the spread of infectious diseases across borders. Countries can significantly improve their response speed and effectiveness by sharing data, resources, and expertise,” the organization stated.
Dr. Melchior AÏSSI, Director General of WAHO, highlighted the persistent threat of Lassa fever, which causes between 100,000 and 300,000 infections annually, with around 5,000 deaths. He warned that factors like climate change could put up to 600 million people at risk of contracting the disease, emphasizing the need for increased vigilance and preparedness.
Dr. Katrin Ramsauer, Lassa Disease Programme Lead at the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations, noted the progress made in recent years and stressed the importance of the conference in shaping the Lassa fever research agenda.
The conference will feature diverse sessions, including plenary discussions, panel discussions on vaccine research and community surveillance, and parallel sessions on operational research and environmental topics.
