The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), through its specialized health agency, the West African Health Organisation (WAHO), has called on researchers, policymakers, healthcare professionals, and stakeholders to help strengthen regional health security against Lassa fever and other emerging infectious diseases.
WAHO issued the call on Friday in a statement announcing the second Lassa Fever International Conference, scheduled to take place in September 2025 in Côte d’Ivoire. The conference, themed “Beyond Borders: Strengthening Regional Cooperation to Combat Lassa Fever and Emerging Infectious Diseases,” aims to enhance sustainable preparedness and regional coordination for Lassa fever.
It will focus on advancing research and development capacity, improving outbreak management systems, and fostering multisectoral collaboration.
Lassa fever is a viral hemorrhagic disease endemic to West Africa, with Nigeria, Liberia, Sierra Leone, and Guinea being among the hardest-hit countries. Since its discovery, the disease has highlighted significant weaknesses in the region’s health systems.
As of 2025, the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention has confirmed 506 cases of Lassa fever out of 2,492 suspected cases, with 95 deaths. Despite being classified as a priority disease by the World Health Organisation, Lassa fever outbreaks tend to follow a pattern of temporary containment, followed by new outbreaks.
This underscores the pressing need for a more sustainable approach to preparedness that emphasizes not just response, but also research, coordination, and strengthening health systems.
