The West Africa Health Organisation (WAHO), in collaboration with the Coalition Secretariat Partners (CSP), the ECOWAS Commission, and Member States, concluded a two-day Strategic Communications Workshop in Abuja, Nigeria. This event, held from June 30 to July 1, 2025, aimed to bolster political will and enhance preparedness for Lassa Fever response across West Africa.
The workshop focused on identifying communication gaps and developing a unified strategy for the upcoming 2nd Lassa Fever International Conference. It also sought to define clear communication protocols and establish a roadmap for sustained regional collaboration.
Dr. Virgil Lokossou, Acting Director of Health Services at WAHO, delivered opening remarks on behalf of Dr. Assi Melchor, emphasizing the need for effective communication tools and increased awareness of Lassa Fever. He called for collective efforts to develop a regional plan aligned with scientific evaluation.
At the event’s conclusion, Dr. Sombie Issiaka, Acting Director of Public Health and Research at WAHO, thanked participants and collaborators such as the Nigerian Watch team for their contributions. He highlighted that discussed strategies would move into implementation stages involving all stakeholders through clear communication.
Dr. Issiaka expressed gratitude to Nigerian authorities as hosts and other supporting entities like WAHO colleagues and ECOWAS Commission’s communication directorate. The workshop represents progress toward a coordinated response to Lassa Fever in West Africa.