Top scientists, researchers, and health experts from around the world will meet in Abidjan next week for the 2nd ECOWAS Lassa Fever International Conference.

The event, running from September 8-11, 2025, aims to tackle the persistent health challenge of Lassa fever in West Africa.

Organised by the West African Health Organisation (WAHO) and international partners, the conference will share the latest research, strategies, and approaches to prevent, diagnose, and treat the deadly disease.

The four-day conference seeks to strengthen regional cooperation in fighting Lassa fever and other infectious diseases.

The event, themed "Beyond Borders: Strengthening Regional Cooperation to combat Lassa and emerging Infectious Diseases," will feature keynote speeches, panel discussions, and workshops on vaccine development, community preparedness, and disease surveillance.

High-level officials, including the Prime Minister of Côte d'Ivoire, Robert Beugré Mambé, and health ministers from Nigeria, Professor Muhammed Ali Pate, and Côte d'Ivoire, M. Pierre N'Gou Dimba, will lead the discussions and share expertise to combat these diseases in West Africa.

The conference will also feature a high-level ministerial round-table discussion co-convened by the Director General of the West African Health Organisation, Dr Melchior Athanase AÏSSI, the Minister of Health and Social Welfare of Nigeria, Prof Muhammad Ali Pate, and the Minister for Health, Public Hygiene and Universal Health Coverage in Côte d’Ivoire M. Pierre N'Gou Dimba.

Experts say Lassa fever poses a significant threat to public health, causing severe disease and impacting communities socially and economically. Without a vaccine or effective treatment, the disease disproportionately affects rural areas.

The ELFIC 2025 will bring together experts, policymakers, and communities to turn research into action.

The event will also feature exhibitions, networking, and high-level discussions with global partners like the World Health Organisation (WHO), the World Bank, African Development Bank (AfDB), the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovation (CEPI), and KfW to strengthen regional cooperation and response to the disease.

The Director General of the West African Health Organisation says it's time to take action against Lassa fever. He believes advancing research, improving diagnostics, and community-led solutions can help tackle the disease.

Dr Melchior Athanase J. C. Aïssi also emphasizes the need for better preparedness and response strategies to combat zoonotic diseases in the region.

"This conference is a call to action to confront the persistent challenges associated with Lassa fever by advancing research, diagnostics, and community-led solutions, while enhancing preparedness and response strategies against zoonotic diseases."