Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, has called for strong collaboration among ECOWAS member states to eliminate Lassa Fever as a public health threat in West Africa.

He urged the region to collectively advocate for a vaccine that can help us prevent the disease, which has continued to threaten health systems, attack health workers, and jeopardise regional health security.

Speaking at the opening of the ECOWAS Lassa Fever International Conference with the theme “Beyond Boarders: Strengthening Regional Cooperation to combat Lassa Fever and Emerging Infectious Diseases,” in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, Pate lamented that Lassa Fever continues to pose serious threats to lives, livelihood and health systems across West Africa, adding that Nigeria, like several of her neighbors, has borne a significant share of the burden.

He emphasised the importance of strengthening national health systems, improving primary healthcare, developing our frontline workers, and engaging communities to curb the threats posed by Lassa Fever.

The minister stated that with outbreaks affecting multiple states each year, the human cost is considerable and the socio-economic impact is equally profound, adding that the disease is not confined only to Nigeria, making it necessary for us to work collectively.

He observed that the complex epidemiology of Lassa Fever and recurrent outbreaks remind us that no single country can tackle it alone, as it demands a united, coordinated, and sustained response.

He said, ‘This year’s theme, Beyond Borders, strengthened regional cooperation to combat LASA fever and emerging infectious diseases, speaks directly to the reality we face. Lassa Fever does not respect regional boundaries or national boundaries, and neither do other emerging infectious diseases. Our strength lies in the unity of our responses, in the willingness of our nations to work together to share knowledge and to coordinate resources to protect the health of our people”.

The minister noted that the gathering marks an important milestone in the collective effort to address one of the most pressing, persistent, and challenging public health threats specific to the West African South region. He added that Lassa Fever, which was discovered in Lassa in North Eastern Nigeria, has continued to claim lives over the past several decades.

Pate noted at the conference that national action must be complemented by strong regional collaboration, where data flows freely, research outcomes inform our policies, and our collective preparedness grows stronger.

He also emphasised the importance of promoting research, development, and innovation, as well as advancing diagnostic tools and vaccines, stressing that because the disease is local to Africa, the solution will not mainly come from global sources.

Pate listed Nigeria’s ongoing efforts, including tackling Lassa Fever through expanding laboratory networks, training frontline health workers, strengthening case management and detection, and reinforcing community awareness and engagement.

Pate urged West African leaders to rise up, invest, and mobilise friends from the region and globally to find solutions to our local problems.

The minister emphasised the importance of concentrating on actionable steps, outcomes, and practical measures that will bolster our resilience, safeguard populations, and pave the way towards the eventual elimination of Lassa Fever as a public health threat in West Africa.

He said, “It is possible if we take the long view, if there are diagnostics and there are bugs in developing long-term, we could get this out, but if we stay and be complacent, then this threat will be with us for a long time”.

Declaring the event open, Ivorian Prime Minister Robert Beugre Mambe decried the devastating impact of recurring epidemics, including Lassa Fever, Ebola, Monkeypox, and other infectious diseases on the West African sub-region, stressing that they continue to pose a heavy social and economic burden on West African populations.

He observed that in April 2025 alone, over 65 epidemics were recorded in Africa, with cholera causing more than 6,000 deaths, adding that Lassa Fever is responsible for nearly 300,000 infections and 5,000 deaths annually in West Africa.

He highlighted the importance of regional cooperation in fighting Lassa fever and other emerging infectious diseases,

The Prime Minister emphasised that prevention, preparedness, and rapid response are crucial, and called for regional solidarity and cooperation to ensure an effective epidemic response.

He said, “Viruses and diseases have no borders; an outbreak in one country can quickly become a threat across the region.”

He praised the West African Health Organisation (WAHO) and other partners for their technical support, despite limited resources, and reaffirmed Côte d’Ivoire’s commitment to backing regional initiatives, strengthening sub-regional cooperation, and actively contributing to the improvement of health security across ECOWAS.