Posted on: Wed 22-01-2025

The West African Health Organization (WAHO) is exploring new knowledge frontiers to improve Lassa fever preparedness and response in Nigeria and other West African countries.

The initiative, supported by the Coalition of Epidemic Preparedness and Innovations (CEPI), Nigeria Health Watch, the World Health Organisation (WHO), the African Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) and regional partners, seeks to raise awareness of Lassa fever as a priority health threat.

This was made known at the inaugural webinar on Research and Development Lassa Fever, where experts also called for deploying innovative solutions to enhance regional readiness against infectious diseases.

WAHO Director General, Dr Melchior AÏSSI, said the programme is a call to action for addressing the ongoing challenges posed by the disease by advancing research, diagnostics, and community-led solutions, as well as improving preparedness and response strategies against zoonotic disease.

He emphasised the importance of collaboration and evidence-based action in tackling Lassa fever, adding that the event brought together a diverse group of stakeholders, policymakers, researchers, health professionals, and community representatives, working together to share ideas, learn from each other, and co-create solutions to address the public health threat.

AÏSSI reaffirmed WAHO’s commitment to strengthen regional health security.

Also, a leading virologist from the University of Ghana, Prof William Ampofo, stressed the need to address Lassa fever amidst ongoing infectious disease challenges across Africa. He pointed out that although Lassa fever does not cause frequent outbreaks, as the region remains highly vulnerable due to its endemic nature.

Ampofo stressed the need for continued research, particularly the development of vaccines, and observed that ongoing technical trials at the University of Ghana were crucial in advancing understanding and preparedness for the virus.

He highlighted the importance of pursuing new vaccine candidates and stressed that the region must remain vigilant and well-prepared for potential outbreaks of Lassa fever and other zoonotic diseases.

Other speakers highlighted the challenges of stigma, delayed diagnoses, and inadequate funding as persistent barriers to effective Lassa fever control. They called for coordinated efforts to expand diagnostic infrastructure in remote areas, support vaccine development and clinical trials, strengthen cross-border surveillance and data sharing, and enhance community-led efforts to address the socio-economic determinants of Lassa fever.

The participants also renewed the call to prioritise Lassa fever as a critical public health issue and underscored the importance of integrating preparedness and response efforts within broader health system strengthening initiatives.

SOURCE: GUARDIAN NEWSPAPER

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