West Africa Unveils Regional Roadmap for Fair Lassa Fever Vaccine Access
Mirian Gom 
ABIDJAN, Côte d’Ivoire – West African governments launch a landmark regional framework to guarantee equitable access to Lassa fever vaccines, once regulatory approvals are secured.
The initiative, known as the Lassa Fever End-to-End (E2E) Access Roadmap for West Africa, was unveiled on 3 February in Abidjan and is described as the first regionally driven plan covering every step from vaccine development to long-term deployment.
Led by the West African Health Organisation (WAHO) with support from the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI), the roadmap aims to close persistent access gaps that have historically delayed life-saving vaccines in endemic countries.
Lassa fever continues to claim thousands of lives annually in West Africa, placing heavy strain on already fragile health systems. Although several vaccine candidates are progressing through development, health leaders warn that scientific breakthroughs alone will not ensure fair access.
“For decades, Lassa fever has shaped lives and livelihoods across West Africa,” says Emma Wheatley, CEPI’s Executive Director for Access and Business Development. “With first approvals expected within five years, preparation must begin now.”
The roadmap adopts an end-to-end approach, spanning research, regulation, manufacturing, financing, procurement, delivery and sustainability. It assigns clear roles and timelines to governments, manufacturers and funders, enabling coordinated action before vaccines reach the market.
WAHO’s Director of Healthcare Services, Virgil Lokossou, says the framework allows West Africa to define its own priorities.
“This roadmap is a decisive step towards region-led vaccine access, built on shared ownership and strong partnerships,” he says.
The launch coincides with growing optimism following a Phase 1 Lassa vaccine trial currently underway in the United Kingdom, developed by the University of Oxford with CEPI support. Later-stage trials are expected to include Nigeria, the country with the highest reported global caseload.
About the Author
Chukwu Obinna 
Oluwatobi Adu 
