The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has intensified efforts to tackle Lassa fever, rallied scientists, policymakers, and health experts for stronger regional action.
This was at the 2nd ECOWAS Lassa Fever International Conference (#ELFIC2025), scheduled to hold in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, from September 8 to 11, 2025.
Organised by the West African Health Organisation (WAHO) in collaboration with regional and global partners, the four-day forum will provide a platform to accelerate cooperation on research, surveillance, prevention, and treatment of Lassa fever.
According to ECOWAS, the viral haemorrhagic disease, endemic in parts of West Africa, is associated with high morbidity and mortality, with one in five infections progressing to severe illness affecting vital organs such as the liver, spleen, and kidneys.
Held under the theme “Beyond Borders: Strengthening Regional Cooperation to Combat Lassa and Emerging Infectious Diseases”, ELFIC 2025 will be opened by Robert Beugré Mambé. Côte d’Ivoire’s Prime Minister.
The programme will feature keynote addresses, high-level panels, technical workshops, and exhibitions showcasing innovations from research institutions, NGOs, and private sector partners.
It also disclosed that key discussions will focus on advances in vaccine and diagnostic development, strategies for community engagement and preparedness, cross-border outbreak response, and policy frameworks for sustainable disease control.
A ministerial roundtable will also be convened, led by Melchior Aïssi, WAHO Director General, Muhammad Pate,
Nigeria’s Minister of Health and Social Welfare and Côte d’Ivoire’s Minister of Health, Public Hygiene and Universal Health Coverage, Pierre N’Gou Dimba.
Aïssi stressed the urgency of the initiative, noting: “This conference is a call to action to confront the persistent challenges associated with Lassa fever by advancing research, diagnostics, and community-led solutions, while enhancing preparedness and response strategies against zoonotic diseases.”
