Renowned virologist, Prof. Oyewale Tomori, has urged West African governments to move beyond promises and take concrete action against Lassa fever, a viral disease that continues to claim thousands of lives annually in the region.
Tomori, a former president of the Nigerian Academy of Science, made the call on Monday in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, while delivering the keynote address at the 2nd International Lassa Fever Conference themed “Beyond Borders: Strengthening Regional Cooperation to Combat Lassa Fever and Emerging Infectious Diseases.”
He noted that despite progress since the first conference in 2019 including the establishment of regional laboratories, expanded epidemiology training, and community surveillance critical gaps remain. These, he said, include the absence of a licensed vaccine, poor access to diagnostics, over-reliance on donor funding, and weak cross-border coordination.
“ECOWAS must match words with action. Without genuine political will and government ownership, we will continue to recycle the same promises and hold meetings without meaningful outcomes,” Tomori warned.
He stressed that Lassa fever still accounts for an estimated 100,000 to 300,000 cases and about 5,000 deaths annually, mostly in West Africa, and called for greater investment in surveillance, vaccine research, and community-led interventions.
The four-day meeting, convened by the West African Health Organisation in collaboration with Nigeria and Côte d’Ivoire’s health ministries, brings together scientists, policymakers, and development partners to chart new strategies against Lassa fever and other emerging diseases.
