Nigeria, WAHO to meet on strengthening regional response Lassa fever

The West African Health Organisation (WAHO), in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare with support from the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI), will tomorrow (Thursday) convene the inaugural meeting of the Lassa Coalition Governing Entity (LGE) to strengthen West Africa’s dedication to tackling Lassa fever and ensuring global recognition of its health priorities.

The high-level meeting marks a significant milestone in the fight against Lassa fever, a disease of regional and global concern that would provide a platform to develop a roadmap for 2025 to ensure the programme’s success and sustainability.

According to the Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Dr Muhammad Ali Pate, the fight against Lassa fever reflects a shared commitment to health security and equitable access to life-saving solutions.

“Nigeria is proud to contribute to vaccine research through epidemiological studies, clinical trials, and other activities hosted by our institutions.

“Together, this coalition strengthens public health systems, fosters innovation, and builds a resilient future where preventable diseases no longer threaten lives and livelihoods, placing our region firmly on the path of sustainable progress.”

On his part, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI), Dr Richard Hatchett, observed that having plagued West Africa for decades, Lassa fever has long been considered one of the most neglected of neglected diseases adding that with the great advances in vaccine research, this is now
changing.

Hatchett noted that the new Lassa Coalition and Lassa Governing Entity will be a pivotal force to speed up the path to vaccine licensure and to enable future equitable access to doses.

He said, “CEPI is honoured to be part of this pioneering group and stands ready to support our partners as we progress toward our goal to create a world free from this pernicious and recurring threat.”

The new Lassa Coalition is a pioneering group established by WAHO to build upon the efforts of regional and national Lassa initiatives and ensure, at a regional level, that those affected by Lassa fever have a safe, effective, and high-quality vaccine available to protect their populations adequately and equitably when they want to use them.

The Lassa Governing Entity (LGE) will provide country and regional leadership to the Coalition and ensure effective governance and programmatic delivery for vaccine developers, funders, and Member States involved in combating Lassa fever.

LGE members include Ministers of Health across key Member States including Nigeria, Benin, Guinea, Liberia, and Sierra Leone, as well as senior representatives from CEPI, WAHO, and the World Health Organisation Headquarters and Regional Office for Africa (WHO AFRO).