ECOWAS Calls for Urgent Action Against Lassa Fever
Lassa fever is once again making headlines, and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) is taking it seriously. Through its health agency, the West African Health Organisation (WAHO), ECOWAS is calling for stronger regional cooperation to combat this deadly disease.
Right now, West Africa is grappling with Lassa fever outbreaks, particularly in Nigeria, Liberia, Sierra Leone, and Guinea. In just the first two months of 2025, Nigeria alone recorded 506 confirmed cases out of 2,492 suspected infections, with 95 lives lost. These numbers are alarming, and experts warn that climate change and population growth could put up to 600 million people at risk in the coming years.
WAHO has announced the second Lassa Fever International Conference, scheduled for September 2025 in Côte d’Ivoire. This event, themed “Beyond Borders: Strengthening Regional Cooperation to Combat Lassa Fever and Emerging Infectious Diseases,” aims to bring together researchers, policymakers, healthcare professionals, and stakeholders. The goal? To enhance outbreak response strategies, strengthen research efforts, and improve multisectoral collaboration.
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Lassa fever is a viral haemorrhagic disease transmitted primarily by rats, and outbreaks have repeatedly exposed weaknesses in regional health systems. Despite being classified as a priority disease by the World Health Organisation (WHO), containment efforts often fall short, with new outbreaks emerging year after year. WAHO is now emphasizing the need for a sustainable and proactive approach —one that focuses on research, cross-border cooperation, and a stronger healthcare infrastructure.
Dr. Melchior AÏSSI, the Director-General of WAHO, has made it clear: no single country can fight Lassa fever alone. In today’s world, where travel and trade are faster and more frequent than ever, infectious diseases spread across borders with ease. By sharing data, resources, and expertise, countries can significantly improve their response efforts and minimize the disease’s impact.
There’s also good news—scientists are making progress in vaccine research, with promising candidates now in clinical trials. This upcoming conference will be an opportunity for experts to discuss new developments and identify gaps in research that need urgent attention.
As we move forward, it’s critical for governments, healthcare institutions, and the public to take Lassa fever seriously. Raising awareness, improving surveillance, and investing in healthcare infrastructure are key steps in preventing future outbreaks. The fight against Lassa fever requires a united front, and ECOWAS is pushing for exactly that.
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