In efforts to tackle the recurring Lassa fever outbreak in West Africa, the West African Health Organisation (WAHO) has revealed that three regional health organizations have been welcomed into the Lassa fever Coalition partnership to support vaccine access.
The announcement was made during the recent Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Assembly of Health Ministers Meeting, with support from the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI).
The newly welcomed partners to aid in boosting efforts towards epidemic preparedness across West Africa include Corona Management Systems, Nigeria Health Watch, and Bloom Public Health.
The new partners will assist the WAHO in coordinating a regional push to develop and ensure fair access to Lassa fever vaccines.
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Health Ministers from Benin, Guinea, Liberia, Nigeria, and Sierra Leone—countries most affected by the disease—are core members of the Coalition.
Nigeria’s Coordinating Minister of Health and Chair of the ECOWAS Health Ministers Assembly, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, described the Coalition’s growth as a step toward health sovereignty.
“We are deliberately building resilient systems to anticipate and prevent outbreaks. This is more than a Coalition, it is a blueprint for future epidemic preparedness and a model of how solidarity can deliver health security across West Africa and beyond,” he said.
WAHO Director General Dr. Melchior Aissi stressed the importance of joint action, stating, “No single country can address Lassa fever alone. Our new partners bring critical expertise that will accelerate outbreak responses and enhance access to life-saving tools.”
Dr. Chijioke Kaduru, Managing Director of Corona Management Systems and spokesperson for the Coalition Secretariat, added, “By focusing on coordination, capacity-building and preparedness, we can lay the groundwork for equitable access to Lassa fever vaccines.”
Lassa fever, first discovered over 50 years ago, affects hundreds of thousands yearly. Severe symptoms occur in about 20% of cases, and climate change is expected to increase the population at risk to 600 million by 2050.
The WHO lists Lassa fever as a top priority for urgent R&D. CEPI CEO Dr. Richard Hatchett said the expanded Secretariat will be key in advancing vaccine research and access.
Headquartered in Nigeria, the new Secretariat will also operate in Liberia, Sierra Leone, Guinea, and Benin. It will support vaccine trials, liaise with funders, and develop regional access strategies.
According to the Deputy Director of Press & Public Relations, Alaba Balogun, this development follows the first Governing Entity meeting in Abuja in January 2025.
WAHO will host the 2nd Lassa Fever International Conference from September 22–26, 2025, in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire.
Themed “Beyond Borders,” the event will bring together scientists, policymakers, and civil society groups to strengthen regional health cooperation.
