The West Africa Health Organisation (WAHO), in partnership with the Coalition Secretariat Partners (CSP), the ECOWAS Commission, and Member States, successfully convened a two-day Strategic Communications Workshop in Abuja, Nigeria, from June 30 to July 1, 2025. The event served as a key preparatory engagement for the upcoming 2nd Lassa Fever International Conference, with the aim of strengthening political commitment and coordinated regional responses to the disease.
The workshop brought together key health and communication experts to identify communication gaps, develop a harmonized strategy, and establish clear protocols for messaging around Lassa Fever prevention, preparedness, and public awareness.
In his opening remarks, Dr. Virgil Lokossou, Acting Director of Health Services at WAHO—speaking on behalf of Director General Dr. Assi Melchor—stressed the urgent need for effective regional communication mechanisms and visibility. He emphasized that combating Lassa Fever requires not only medical interventions but also cohesive public education strategies and inter-agency collaboration across West Africa.
The workshop also laid the groundwork for a joint communication roadmap to support advocacy, community engagement, and regional alignment ahead of the 2nd International Conference on Lassa Fever. Attendees included communication experts from member states, health officials, ECOWAS representatives, and development partners.
WAHO reaffirmed its commitment to regional health security and highlighted that this initiative is part of broader efforts to strengthen early warning systems, increase community resilience, and ensure sustained sensitization efforts in high-risk areas.
