Abuja: The West African Health Organisation (WAHO), in collaboration with the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI) and national task forces from five countries, met on Thursday to advance efforts in developing a Lassa fever vaccine. The inaugural meeting and launch of the Lassa Fever Coalition Governing Entity (LFGE), hosted by the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare in Abuja, marked a significant step toward addressing the recurring threat of Lassa fever in the region.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the coalition’s goal is to develop, equitably distribute, and deploy an effective Lassa fever vaccine, while also addressing immediate needs such as public awareness campaigns, equipping health workers, and ensuring access to life-saving interventions for vulnerable populations. Dr Melchior Aissi, Director General of WAHO, described Lassa fever as a zoonotic disease that had plagued West Africa for over 50 years, causing significant morbidity and mortality, particularly among health workers.
Dr Aissi highlighted the absence of a preventive vaccine as a recurring challenge despite therapeutic interventions. He stressed the importance of fostering scientific collaboration, raising awareness among political leaders, and ensuring vaccine affordability and accessibility. Aissi also praised the support of ECOWAS Heads of State and development partners in advancing WAHO’s agenda, which included strengthening health systems, enhancing epidemic preparedness, and promoting investment in research and innovation.
Dr Richard Hatchard, CEO of CEPI, noted significant progress since the Lassa fever vaccine programme began in 2018. He emphasized Nigeria’s central role in these efforts as the epicenter of Lassa fever due to its high number of cases. Hatchard revealed that Phase II field trials were now underway in Nigeria, Liberia, and Sierra Leone, with earlier trials conducted in Ghana. He underscored the importance of understanding the epidemiology of Lassa fever across the region to target vaccine trials effectively.
Prof. Muhammad Pate, Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, emphasized the coalition’s focus on advancing vaccine development and strengthening public health measures. He highlighted the need for equity, ensuring that vulnerable groups such as women, children, and health workers benefited from the coalition’s efforts. Pate stressed the importance of sustained collaboration among national, regional, and global partners to build inclusive and resilient health systems.
Dr Catherine Cooper, Chief Medical Officer in Liberia, revealed that enhanced surveillance had uncovered an expansion of Lassa fever cases across multiple regions in the country. She stressed the importance of regional coordination in ensuring a comprehensive approach to vaccine development and survivor care. In Sierra Leone, Dr Mohamed Vandi, Deputy Executive Director of the National Public Health Agency, discussed progress in enhancing laboratory capacity for quicker diagnosis of suspected cases, while noting challenges in rural areas, including delays in sample transport and result dissemination.
Dr Jide Idris, Director-General of the NCDC, emphasized the importance of collaboration with institutions and researchers to stimulate interest and government support for scientific research. He noted that public health activities were research-based, involving data collection and expert collaboration, which were crucial for finding solutions to health challenges. Idris underscored the need for equitable sharing of benefits arising from global scientific efforts, ensuring that all regions, including Africa, have fair access to innovations, technologies, and products.
The coalition represents a united effort to combat Lassa fever in West Africa, combining scientific innovation with a commitment to equitable healthcare delivery. While challenges remain, the collective efforts of national governments, regional organizations, and international partners offer hope for a healthier and more resilient future for the region.