health leaders to address this critical public health challenge in West Africa.">
Abidjan, Ivory Coast – The Ivorian economic capital is preparing to host the 2nd International ECOWAS Conference on Lassa fever (Elfic 2025) from September 8th to 11th, 2025. This pivotal event aims to bolster collaborative efforts in the fight against this enduring viral disease prevalent in West Africa.
The conference, organized by the West African Health Organization (OOAS) alongside numerous international partners, adopts the theme “Beyond borders: strengthening regional cooperation to combat Lassa fever and emerging infectious diseases.” It’s designed to foster enhanced cooperation across national boundaries.
Key Participants and Objectives
Table of Contents
- 1. Key Participants and Objectives
- 2. Conference Program Highlights
- 3. The Ongoing Challenge of Lassa Fever
- 4. Understanding Lassa Fever: A Persistent Threat
- 5. Frequently Asked Questions About Lassa Fever
- 6. What specific strategies were discussed to improve the implementation of integrated Disease Surveillance & response (IDSR) within ECOWAS member states?
- 7. Abidjan Hosts 2nd International ECOWAS Conference on Combating Lassa Fever
- 8. Understanding the Lassa Fever Threat in West Africa
- 9. Key Facts About Lassa Fever
- 10. Conference Highlights & Key Discussions in Abidjan
- 11. Strengthening Regional Surveillance Networks
- 12. Advancing Research & Innovation
- 13. Public Health Preparedness & Response
- 14. Case Study: Nigeria’s Lassa Fever Response (2022-2024)
- 15. Benefits of collaborative ECOWAS Action
The gathering will welcome a diverse group of attendees, including leading Researchers, Scientists, Political Decision-Makers, and Public Health Officials from around the globe. the opening ceremony will be presided over by Ivorian Prime Minister Robert Beugré Mambé.
High-level addresses are scheduled from Dr. Melchior Athanase JC Aïssi, Director General of OOAS, Nigerian Minister of Health, Pr Muhammad ali Pate, and Ivorian Minister of Health, Pierre N’gou Dimba. These leaders will outline strategies for coordinated action.
Conference Program Highlights
The conference program includes a series of Panels and Technical Workshops dedicated to the latest advancements in Lassa fever vaccines and diagnostics, effective Community Engagement strategies, robust Surveillance and Epidemic Response systems, and the creation of robust Political Frameworks for sustained disease control. Exhibitions will showcase groundbreaking innovations from Research institutions, Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs), and Private Sector entities.
Did You Know? Lassa fever is a viral hemorrhagic fever similar to Ebola, but generally less deadly. Though, it remains a notable public health concern due to its widespread presence and the lack of readily available treatments.
The Ongoing Challenge of Lassa Fever
Lassa fever continues to represent a ample Public Health threat throughout West Africa. Approximately one in five infections progresses to a severe form, highlighting the urgency of improved prevention and treatment measures. The persistent absence of an approved Vaccine and specific Antiviral treatments exacerbates the Socio-Economic impact, notably affecting Rural and Disadvantaged communities.
The conference will unite Health Ministers from all ECOWAS member states, alongside strategic partners including the World Health Organization (WHO), the World bank, the African Progress bank (BAD), and the Coalition for Innovations in Epidemic Preparedness (CEPI).
| Organization | Role |
|---|---|
| West African Health Organization (OOAS) | Conference Organizer |
| World Health Organization (WHO) | Strategic partner |
| World Bank | Strategic Partner |
| African Development Bank (BAD) | Strategic Partner |
| CEPI | Strategic Partner |
Understanding Lassa Fever: A Persistent Threat
Lassa fever, first discovered in Sierra Leone in 1969, is caused by the Lassa virus, transmitted through contact with infected rodents. The disease presents with a wide range of symptoms, frequently enough initially resembling othre common illnesses like malaria, making early diagnosis challenging. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), approximately 300,000 – 500,000 cases of Lassa fever occur annually, with approximately 5,000 deaths. Improved surveillance,rapid diagnostic tools,and collaborative research are crucial to mitigating the disease’s impact.
Pro Tip: Effective rodent control measures, such as proper food storage and sanitation, are essential in preventing Lassa fever transmission in endemic areas.
Frequently Asked Questions About Lassa Fever
- What is Lassa fever? lassa fever is an acute viral hemorrhagic illness caused by the Lassa virus, primarily transmitted through contact with infected rodents.
- How is Lassa fever transmitted? The virus is spread through contact with the urine or feces of infected rats, or through direct contact with the blood or bodily fluids of an infected person.
- What are the symptoms of Lassa fever? Early symptoms can include fever, headache, fatigue, and muscle pain.Severe cases can lead to hemorrhaging, respiratory distress, and neurological problems.
- Is there a vaccine for Lassa fever? Currently, there is no widely available, approved vaccine for Lassa fever, although research is ongoing.
- What is the treatment for Lassa fever? Treatment primarily focuses on supportive care, managing symptoms, and preventing complications. Ribavirin, an antiviral drug, can be effective if administered early in the course of the illness.
- where is Lassa fever most prevalent? Lassa fever is endemic in parts of West Africa, including Sierra Leone, Liberia, Guinea, and Nigeria.
- How can Lassa fever be prevented? Prevention relies on controlling rodent populations, practicing good hygiene, and avoiding contact with infected individuals.
What are your thoughts on the current strategies being employed to combat Lassa fever in West Africa? Do you believe increased international collaboration is the key to controlling this persistent threat?
share this article and engage in the conversation below!
What specific strategies were discussed to improve the implementation of integrated Disease Surveillance & response (IDSR) within ECOWAS member states?
Abidjan Hosts 2nd International ECOWAS Conference on Combating Lassa Fever
Understanding the Lassa Fever Threat in West Africa
Lassa fever, an acute viral hemorrhagic illness, poses a significant public health challenge in West Africa. Transmitted by the Mastomys rat, the disease is endemic in countries like Nigeria, Sierra Leone, Liberia, and Guinea, but increasingly reported in other regions. Early symptoms frequently enough mimic other common illnesses like malaria, making diagnosis difficult and contributing to high mortality rates. The ECOWAS (Economic Community of West African states) region is particularly vulnerable due to factors like rodent population density, agricultural practices, and limited healthcare infrastructure.
Key Facts About Lassa Fever
Transmission: Primarily through contact with rat excreta (urine and feces). Human-to-human transmission can occur through direct contact with infected bodily fluids.
Symptoms: Fever, headache, fatigue, muscle pain, sore throat, and sometimes bleeding from gums, eyes, or nose.
Diagnosis: Requires laboratory testing, frequently enough involving PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction) or ELISA (Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay).
Treatment: Ribavirin is the primary antiviral drug used,but its effectiveness is highest when administered early in the course of the illness.
prevention: Rodent control,proper food storage,good hygiene practices,and safe burial practices are crucial.
Conference Highlights & Key Discussions in Abidjan
The 2nd International ECOWAS Conference,held in Abidjan,Côte d’Ivoire,brought together public health officials,researchers,clinicians,and representatives from international organizations to address the escalating Lassa fever crisis. The conference, concluding today, September 8th, 2025, focused on strengthening regional collaboration, improving surveillance systems, and accelerating research efforts.
Strengthening Regional Surveillance Networks
A major theme was the need for enhanced disease surveillance across ECOWAS member states. Current surveillance systems frequently enough lack the capacity for rapid detection and response.Discussions centered on:
- Integrated Disease Surveillance & Response (IDSR): Improving the implementation of IDSR strategies to ensure timely reporting and investigation of suspected cases.
- Laboratory Capacity Building: Investing in laboratory infrastructure and training personnel to accurately diagnose Lassa fever in all ECOWAS countries. This includes expanding access to PCR testing and improving sample transport logistics.
- Cross-Border Collaboration: Establishing protocols for data sharing and coordinated responses to outbreaks that may cross national borders.
Advancing Research & Innovation
The conference highlighted the critical need for further research into Lassa fever. Key areas of focus included:
Vaccine Advancement: Several vaccine candidates are in development, and the conference provided a platform to discuss progress and challenges in bringing a safe and effective vaccine to market. The potential for a regional vaccine stockpile was also debated.
Therapeutic Interventions: Exploring new antiviral therapies and supportive care strategies to improve patient outcomes. Research into the efficacy of monoclonal antibody treatments was presented.
Rodent Ecology & Control: understanding the behavior and distribution of Mastomys rats is essential for developing effective rodent control strategies.Studies on the impact of environmental factors on rat populations were shared.
Diagnostic Tools: Developing rapid, point-of-care diagnostic tests to facilitate early diagnosis and treatment, particularly in remote areas.
Public Health Preparedness & Response
Participants emphasized the importance of strengthening public health preparedness and response capabilities. This includes:
Risk Communication: Developing effective communication strategies to educate the public about Lassa fever, its transmission, and prevention measures.
Infection Prevention & Control (IPC): Improving IPC practices in healthcare facilities to prevent human-to-human transmission. This includes ensuring adequate supplies of personal protective equipment (PPE).
Case Management: Training healthcare workers in the proper management of Lassa fever cases, including fluid resuscitation, supportive care, and the administration of ribavirin.
Case Study: Nigeria’s Lassa Fever Response (2022-2024)
Nigeria has experienced a significant increase in Lassa fever cases in recent years. between 2022 and 2024, the country reported over 10,000 confirmed cases and a mortality rate exceeding 15%. The Nigerian Center for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has been at the forefront of the response, implementing measures such as:
Establishing a national Lassa fever surveillance network.
Strengthening laboratory capacity for diagnosis.
Conducting risk communication campaigns.
Providing support to healthcare facilities.
Despite these efforts, challenges remain, including limited resources, inadequate infrastructure, and a lack of awareness among the general population. the lessons learned from Nigeria’s experience were a key topic of discussion at the abidjan conference.
Benefits of collaborative ECOWAS Action
A unified ECOWAS approach to combating Lassa fever offers several key benefits:
Resource Pooling: Sharing resources, expertise, and funding to maximize impact.
Harmonized surveillance: implementing standardized surveillance protocols for consistent data collection and analysis.
Joint Research Initiatives: Collaborating on research projects to accelerate the development of new tools and strategies.
Regional advocacy: Raising awareness about lassa fever and advocating for
