WAHO and CEPI Lead Regional Push to Convert Lassa Fever Research into Actionable Health Policy

Researchers across West Africa are intensifying efforts to combat Lassa fever by bridging the gap between scientific inquiry and public health policy. In a significant collaborative move, the West African Health Organisation (WAHO) and the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI) recently convened a specialized workshop in Abuja, Nigeria. Held from August 17 to 21, 2026, the session focused on transforming data and findings from the 2025 ECOWAS International Lassa Fever Conference into rigorous scientific papers. This initiative is designed to ensure that the wealth of knowledge generated during the landmark conference is synthesized into high-quality evidence that can directly inform regional health strategies.

During the five-day workshop, participants were provided with intensive guidance from seasoned experts to refine their manuscripts for submission to the Journal of Epidemiology and Global Health (JIEPH). By focusing on publication in esteemed journals, WAHO aims to elevate the standard of regional research and ensure that findings are accessible to the global scientific community. This process not only bolsters the professional capacity of West African researchers but also fosters a culture of knowledge sharing and collaboration across the ECOWAS region, which remains uniquely vulnerable to the viral hemorrhagic fever.

The ultimate objective of this scholarly push is the establishment of an evidence-based framework for Lassa fever control. WAHO officials emphasized that the recommendations and priorities outlined in the 2025 conference report must serve as the foundation for future prevention and response efforts. By institutionalizing research into policy evidence, West African nations aim to develop more effective diagnostic, treatment, and containment protocols. This proactive approach highlights a shift toward scientific self-reliance in the region, ensuring that local expertise remains at the forefront of the fight against endemic infectious diseases.