A Sierra Leonean medical scientist and Chief Strategist of Project 1808, Dr Alhaji U. N’jai, has raised concerns about the escalating threat of Lassa fever.
Lassa fever is a viral hemorrhagic disease fueled by interactions between humans and rodents, as well as by human migration patterns.
N’jai spoke during a webinar organised by the West African Health Organization (WAHO) in collaboration with Nigeria Health Watch, and supported by the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI).
Heald with the theme, “New Knowledge Frontiers for Lassa Fever Preparedness and Response in West Africa: Evidence from the Field,” the event provided a platform for discussing innovative strategies for tackling Lassa fever in the region.
N’jai emphasised the urgent need for a multi-sectoral approach to combat the disease.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Lassa fever continues to challenge public health systems across West Africa.
This necessitates cutting-edge research, robust preparedness, and strengthened collaborations to address the increasing complexities of outbreaks.
The Scientist highlighted how environmental changes, urbanisation, and population movements are intensifying interactions between humans and mastomys rats, the primary carriers of the virus.
“This has led to the disease’s rapid spread across West African communities.
“Lassa fever accounts for nearly 20 percent of hospitalisations in Sierra Leone, yet challenges such as inadequate surveillance and reporting persist,” he said.
Drawing on data from 2012–2019, he revealed fluctuating case numbers and a worrying geographic expansion beyond endemic areas.
“Rats are moving, people are moving, and Lassa fever is spreading,” he said.
He emphasised the roles of climate change and social determinants in driving disease transmission, calling for community-based surveillance, improved case definitions and integrated approaches rooted in the One Health framework.
Dr Kamji Jan, Country Project Manager for CEPI’s ENABLE Project in Nigeria, shared findings from the ENABLE study, the largest research initiative on Lassa fever.
“The study assesses the incidence and distribution of the Lassa virus in high-burden regions of West Africa, providing critical data for vaccine development and public health responses,” Jan stated.
According to him, Lassa fever cases peak between November and April, and stigma surrounding the disease delays early reporting and treatment, exacerbating its impact.
He also highlighted poor housing conditions, such as gaps in walls, which facilitate rodent access to homes and contribute to the virus’s spread.
“Community engagement is essential to address these challenges by raising awareness, improving prevention efforts, and encouraging timely healthcare access,” Jan emphasised.
Prof. William Ampofo, CEO of the National Vaccine Institute and a board member of WAHO, underscored the importance of vaccine development in addressing Lassa fever.
“We can not halt our scientific efforts. Developing vaccines is critical to tackling the disease head-on,” Ampofo said.
He stressed the need for greater regional preparedness.
In Liberia, Dr Minnie Sankawulo-Ricks, Medical Director of Phebe Hospital, shared success stories from robust surveillance systems and on-site polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing for early diagnosis.
However, she pointed out ongoing challenges, including stigma, delayed healthcare access, and poor sanitation, which drive the spread of Lassa fever.
“Our research, including the ENABLE 1.0 study, highlights the importance of rapid diagnostic tests and strengthened disease management strategies to inform future vaccine development,” Sankawulo-Ricks said.
Dr Virgil Lokossou, Head of the Division for Preparedness and Response at WAHO, highlighted the organisation’s efforts in public education and community engagement.
“These include awareness campaigns, webinars, and the distribution of educational materials to empower communities to adopt preventive measures and reduce transmission risks,”Lokossou said.
Similarly, Mrs Vivianne Ihekweazu, Managing Director of Nigeria Health Watch, stressed the importance of sustained investment in research, improved diagnostics, and stigma reduction to enhance Lassa fever prevention and treatment.
The webinar marks the first in a series of sessions planned for 2025 to strengthen West Africa’s fight against Lassa fever.
Participants called for increased collaboration, innovative approaches, and significant investment in vaccine development to address the growing threat posed by the disease.
