By Alex Adi
Global health experts have convened in Abidjan for the 2nd ECOWAS Lassa Fever International Conference, a four-day event focused on tackling Lassa fever and emerging infectious diseases in West Africa.
Organised by the West African Health Organisation (WAHO) in partnership with key global and regional health institutions, the conference is centred on six thematic pillars aimed at strengthening regional health security.
Lassa fever, a viral haemorrhagic disease transmitted by the multimammate rat, poses a major health threat in West Africa, with an estimated 100,000–300,000 cases and nearly 5,000 deaths annually. Endemic in Sierra Leone, Liberia, Guinea and Nigeria, the disease can cause severe symptoms such as bleeding, organ failure and muscle pain. The carrier rat is also common in neighbouring countries, putting them at risk of outbreaks.
The conference, themed “Beyond Borders: Strengthening Regional Cooperation to Combat Lassa Fever and Emerging Infectious Diseases,” builds on the momentum of the first event held in Abuja, Nigeria, in 2019. It aims to enhance preparedness, coordination and research to improve outbreak response and health security across the region.
Over the four days, policymakers, researchers, vaccine developers, healthcare professionals and public health officials will share scientific advancements, discuss strategies for stronger outbreak response, and explore policy solutions to combat Lassa fever and other infectious diseases.
