West African researchers work to turn Lassa fever research into policy evidence

Researchers from across West Africa are collaborating to transform scientific findings from a regional Lassa fever conference into research papers that could bolster prevention and control initiatives. The West African Health Organisation (WAHO), alongside the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI) and regional experts, organized a workshop in Abuja, Nigeria, to finalize scientific papers from the 2025 ECOWAS International Lassa Fever Conference, held from August 17 to 21, 2026.

This five-day event convened lead authors, mentors, and the Editor-in-Chief to review and finalize manuscripts, aimed at submission to the Journal of Epidemiology and Global Health (JIEPH). Technical reviews were conducted to assist authors in enhancing their manuscripts and ensuring they comply with journal standards before submission and potential publication.

The workshop also served to formally release the report from the 2025 ECOWAS International Lassa Fever Conference, which compiled the key discussions, scientific contributions, recommendations, and priorities from the event. This report serves as a reference for regional efforts to prevent and control Lassa fever. WAHO and its partners emphasize that their work extends beyond the conference, focusing on documenting and developing research and scientific contributions into publications to fortify the evidence base for public policy, preparedness, and the regional response to Lassa fever.

This initiative aims to bolster research capacity in the region, enhance knowledge sharing, and facilitate the utilization of scientific evidence in policymaking. By guiding researchers in transforming their conference contributions into scientific publications, WAHO and its partners aspire to amplify the visibility of knowledge generated within West Africa, thereby providing a stronger evidence foundation for Lassa fever prevention and control endeavors across the region.

The Abuja workshop marks the subsequent phase in a process that commenced with the 2025 ECOWAS International Lassa Fever Conference, wherein research presented at the meeting is refined through expert scrutiny and strives for publication. The conference report documents the deliberations, insights, and priorities emerging from the conference.