The Economic Community of West African States, through its specialised health institution, the West African Health Organisation has urged researchers, policymakers, healthcare professionals, and stakeholders to contribute to strengthening regional health security against Lassa fever and other emerging infectious diseases.
WAHO made the call on Friday in a statement while announcing the second Lassa Fever International Conference which will hold in September 2025, in Côte d’Ivoire.
Lassa fever is a viral haemorrhagic illness endemic to West Africa, with Nigeria, Liberia, Sierra Leone, and Guinea among the most affected countries. Since its discovery, the disease has exposed critical weaknesses in the region’s health systems.
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So far in 2025, the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention confirmed 506 Lassa fever cases out of the 2,492 suspected cases, and 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, underscoring the urgent need for sustainable preparedness that focuses not only on response but also on research, coordination, and stronger health systems.
According to the Director General of WAHO, Dr Melchior AÏSSI, “Lassa fever remains a persistent threat to our populations, severely impacting our lives, health, and economic systems. Endemic in several West African countries, it causes between 100,000 and 300,000 infections each year, with around 5,000 deaths. Recent predictions indicate that factors such as climate change could put up to 600 million people at risk of contracting Lassa fever.
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