Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire — Health leaders, researchers, and international partners will convene in Abidjan this week for the 2nd International Conference on Lassa Fever, a high-level gathering aimed at advancing regional strategies to combat the viral disease endemic to parts of West Africa.
The four-day conference, jointly organized by Côte d’Ivoire’s Ministry of Health, Public Hygiene and Universal Health Coverage (MSHPCMU) and the West African Health Organization (WAHO), will open on Monday, September 8, 2025, at the Radisson Blu Hotel. The event runs through September 11, featuring expert-led sessions on disease surveillance, treatment protocols, and cross-border collaboration.
Lassa fever is an acute viral hemorrhagic illness transmitted primarily through contact with food or household items contaminated by the multimammate rat. While many cases present mild symptoms and go undetected, approximately 20% can result in severe complications, including internal bleeding and permanent hearing loss.
WAHO, a specialized health agency of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), plays a central role in coordinating regional health interventions and promoting evidence-based policymaking. Its involvement underscores the conference’s strategic importance in strengthening public health systems across the subregion.
The opening ceremony is scheduled for 2:30 p.m. local time on Monday, marking the start of a series of technical workshops and policy dialogues. Organizers have called for robust media engagement to amplify public health messaging and raise awareness of the disease’s risks and prevention measures.
The conference is expected to catalyze stronger regional cooperation and harmonized approaches to Lassa fever control, contributing to broader efforts to safeguard communities and build resilient health infrastructures across West Africa.
