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Sierra Leone is set to join other Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) nations in a renewed effort to combat Lassa fever as it prepares for the second edition of the Lassa Fever International Conference.
The conference, organized by the West African Health Organisation (WAHO), has been rescheduled to take place from September 8–12, 2025, earlier than the initially planned dates of September 22–26.
The Lassa Fever International Conference is poised to converge health experts, policymakers, researchers, and media professionals from across West Africa and beyond.
Its primary goal is to enhance collaboration on Lassa fever research, surveillance, response, and policy innovation. Participants will share the latest scientific evidence and explore innovative approaches to strengthen regional preparedness against emerging infectious diseases.
The first conference was held in Abuja, Nigeria, in 2019, and the upcoming event aims to build on the momentum generated by that inaugural meeting. This year’s theme, “Beyond Borders: Strengthening Regional Cooperation to Combat Lassa Fever and Emerging Infectious Diseases,” notably reflects the urgent need for coordinated efforts in the region, especially as Africa continues to face challenges from the ongoing Mpox epidemic, which has significantly affected several ECOWAS member states.
WAHO’s press release emphasized that the revised dates were strategically chosen to facilitate broader participation from affected countries, including Sierra Leone, which is among the five most impacted nations alongside Benin, Guinea, Liberia, and Nigeria.
Dr. Melchior Athanase AÏSSI, Director General of WAHO, stated, “This new schedule allows us to welcome a broader range of experts, policymakers, and partners at a time when regional collaboration and knowledge-sharing are more critical than ever.”
The WAHO statement also noted that the adjustment was made to avoid overlaps with other significant global health events traditionally held in September.
Established in 1987, WAHO is notably dedicated to coordinating health policy and programming across ECOWAS member states. With its headquarters in Bobo-Dioulasso, Burkina Faso, the organization is poised committed to improving regional health standards and strengthening health systems.
WAHO called on researchers, public health professionals, academic institutions, civil society organizations, and government officials to actively engage in the upcoming conference, reflecting the importance of inclusive collaboration in the fight against Lassa fever and other emerging infectious diseases.
