By Atoyebi Nike
The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) is strengthening its response to Lassa fever as regional leaders, scientists, and health experts gather in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, for the second ECOWAS Lassa Fever International Conference (ELFIC 2025).
The four-day event, running from September 8 to 11 and organised by the West African Health Organisation (WAHO), aims to boost cooperation on research, surveillance, prevention, and treatment of the deadly viral disease.
Lassa fever, which is endemic in parts of West Africa, poses serious risks, with one in five cases progressing to severe illness affecting organs such as the liver, spleen, and kidneys.
Held under the theme “Beyond Borders: Strengthening Regional Cooperation to Combat Lassa and Emerging Infectious Diseases”, the conference will feature keynote speeches, panel discussions, workshops, and exhibitions of innovative solutions.
Key sessions will focus on vaccine and diagnostic advances, cross-border outbreak response, and policy frameworks for sustainable disease control. A ministerial roundtable will also bring together senior health officials, including Nigeria’s Health Minister Muhammad Pate, Côte d’Ivoire’s Health Minister Pierre N’Gou Dimba, and WAHO Director General Melchior Aïssi.
“This conference is a call to action to confront the persistent challenges of Lassa fever by advancing research, diagnostics, and community-led solutions,” Aïssi said.
