The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has sounded the alarm on the rising cases of Lassa fever in the region, calling for urgent action to combat the disease.
Through its specialized health institution, the West African Health Organisation (WAHO), ECOWAS is urging researchers, policymakers, healthcare professionals, and stakeholders to contribute to strengthening regional health security against Lassa fever and other emerging infectious diseases.
Lassa fever is a viral hemorrhagic illness endemic to West Africa, with Nigeria, Liberia, Sierra Leone, and Guinea being among the most affected countries. The disease has exposed critical weaknesses in the region’s health systems, resulting in significant morbidity and mortality. According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), Lassa fever causes between 100,000 and 300,000 infections each year, with around 5,000 deaths.
As of 2025, the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention has confirmed 506 Lassa fever cases and 95 deaths. This trend is alarming, and ECOWAS is calling for urgent action to combat the disease. The organisation notes that despite being classified as a priority disease by the WHO, Lassa fever outbreaks follow a recurring pattern of temporary containment followed by fresh outbreaks.
To address the rising cases of Lassa fever, WAHO is organising the second Lassa Fever International Conference, scheduled to hold in September 2025, in Côte d’Ivoire. The conference aims to advance sustainable preparedness and regional coordination for Lassa fever through enhanced research and development capacity, improved outbreak management systems, and multisectoral collaboration.
The conference has several objectives, including:
– *Advancing research and development*: The conference will provide a platform for researchers to share their findings and discuss new approaches to combating Lassa fever.
– *Improving outbreak management*: The conference will focus on improving outbreak management systems, including detection, reporting, and response.
– *Enhancing multisectoral collaboration*: The conference will bring together stakeholders from various sectors, including health, agriculture, and education, to discuss ways to combat Lassa fever.
The rising cases of Lassa fever in West Africa are a cause for concern, and ECOWAS is calling for urgent action to combat the disease. The second Lassa Fever International Conference is a critical step in addressing the disease, and stakeholders must work together to advance research and development, improve outbreak management, and enhance multisectoral collaboration.