- Lassa fever continues to be a major health threat, with Nigeria alone reporting 506 confirmed cases and 95 deaths in 2025
- West African Health Organisation (WAHO) to host the second Lassa Fever International Conference in September 2025 in Côte d'Ivoire
- The conference to focus on strengthening regional cooperation and preparedness against Lassa fever and emerging infectious diseases
The West African Health Organisation (WAHO), the health arm of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), has urged stakeholders from across the health sector to collaborate in strengthening the region’s capacity to combat Lassa fever and other emerging infectious diseases.
In a statement issued on Friday, March 7, WAHO announced that the second Lassa Fever International Conference will be held in Côte d'Ivoire in September 2025.
Nigeria reports 506 confirmed Lassa fever cases in 2025
The event, themed "Beyond Borders: Strengthening Regional Cooperation to Combat Lassa Fever and Emerging Infectious Diseases," aimed to enhance regional preparedness through research, outbreak management, and multisectoral collaboration.
Lassa fever, a viral haemorrhagic fever endemic to West Africa, has consistently exposed weaknesses in the region’s health infrastructure. Countries such as Nigeria, Liberia, Sierra Leone, and Guinea are among the most affected.
In 2025 alone, Nigeria has reported 506 confirmed Lassa fever cases out of 2,492 suspected ones, along with 95 fatalities.
Despite being classified as a priority disease by the World Health Organisation, Lassa fever outbreaks continue to follow a pattern of temporary containment followed by new outbreaks.
WAHO emphasised the need for sustainable, long-term preparedness that includes enhanced research, better coordination, and stronger health systems.
The upcoming conference will build on the work initiated during the first edition in 2019, hosted by Nigeria’s Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) in Abuja.
2025 Lassa fever conference to bring together policymakers
The 2025 event will gather policymakers, researchers, and healthcare professionals to share advancements in Lassa fever research, including promising vaccine candidates undergoing clinical trials.
Key discussions will focus on improving regional coordination and shaping a more effective and collaborative approach to controlling the disease.
WAHO noted that no single country can address Lassa fever and other emerging infectious diseases in isolation. "Globalisation, faster travel, and frequent cross-border movements have significantly increased the spread of infectious diseases," the organisation said.
"By sharing data, resources, and expertise, countries can strengthen their response and reduce the impact of these diseases on regional health security."
Doctor Melchior AÏSSI, WAHO’s Director General, highlighted the severity of the threat posed by Lassa fever.
"Lassa fever remains a persistent threat to our populations, with between 100,000 and 300,000 infections annually, and approximately 5,000 deaths. Recent predictions indicate that climate change could place up to 600 million people at risk, underscoring the need for heightened vigilance and preparedness."
2025 Lassa fever conference to focus on future research priorities
Dr Katrin Ramsauer, Lassa Disease Programme Lead at the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations, emphasised the progress made in the fight against Lassa fever.
“This conference represents a key opportunity for scientists and global health experts to come together under WAHO’s leadership to share new knowledge and identify remaining research gaps,” Ramsauer said.
“These discussions will help shape future research priorities, which will be critical as Lassa fever outbreaks become larger and more frequent due to climate change and population growth in the region."
The conference will feature a variety of sessions, including plenary discussions with regional and international health leaders, focused on topics such as cross-border coordination, vaccine research, and community surveillance.
Panel discussions will also explore financing mechanisms and operational research, with additional sessions dedicated to environmental factors impacting disease spread.
Nigeria records 143 confirmed cases of Lassa fever, 22 deaths in 2025
Meanwhile, TheRadar earlier reported that NCDC reported 143 confirmed Lassa fever cases and 22 deaths across 7 states between December 2024 and January 2025.
The Case Fatality Rate (CFR) stood at 15.4%, with the majority of cases from Ondo, Edo, and Bauchi states.