Mirian Gom 
ABUJA, Nigeria- Renowned virologist Prof. Oyewale Tomori has urged West African governments to take urgent action to defeat Lassa fever, a viral haemorrhagic disease that continues to claim thousands of lives.
Speaking at the 2nd International Lassa Fever Conference in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, Tomori warned that despite decades of intervention, Lassa fever still causes 100,000 to 300,000 infections and about 5,000 deaths annually, mainly in West Africa.
“ECOWAS must match words with action. Without genuine political will and government ownership, we will continue to recycle the same promises without meaningful change,” he said.
The conference, themed “Beyond Borders: Strengthening Regional Cooperation to Combat Lassa Fever and Emerging Infectious Diseases”, seeks to mobilise collective regional action.
Tomori highlighted achievements since 2019, including five new laboratories capable of genomic sequencing, expanded field epidemiology training, and stronger community surveillance systems.
However, he noted critical gaps such as the absence of a licensed vaccine, poor diagnostic access, weak cross-border coordination, donor dependency, and stigma delaying treatment.
He urged member states to invest in vaccine development, regional surveillance systems, and community-led prevention efforts. “We cannot continue to rely on donors while our people remain at risk,” he warned.
The four-day conference, convened by WAHO alongside Nigeria and Côte d’Ivoire’s health ministries, brings together scientists, policymakers, and partners to assess progress and chart a way forward in combating Lassa fever and other epidemics.
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Hussaini Ibrahim 
