The West African Health Organisation has urged researchers and health professionals to strengthen their communication skills, warning that discoveries risk stagnation if not effectively shared beyond the laboratory.

Melchior Aissi, WAHO’s director-general, made this call during a webinar themed ‘Communicating Science with Impact: Mastering the Art of Oral and Poster Presentations’.

The webinar is scheduled to take place ahead of the International Lassa Fever Conference, which will be held from September 8 to 12 in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire.

The rising threat of Lassa fever and other viral haemorrhagic fevers has exposed the weaknesses of fragmented, reactive responses limited to individual countries.

To ensure stronger protection for communities and resilient health systems across West Africa, experts insist that the region must embrace coordinated, long-term preparedness rather than depend solely on short-term emergency responses.

The second ECOWAS International Conference on Lassa fever provides a timely platform to align research priorities, exchange innovative approaches, and commit to collective actions to save countless lives across West Africa.

Hosted by WAHO with partners, the event was anchored on six strategic pillars, underscoring the region’s united determination to protect health security and respond decisively to emerging infectious disease threats.

According to Mr Aissi, while research underpins progress against diseases, particularly neglected tropical illnesses such as Lassa fever, effective scientific communication determines whether findings have a meaningful impact on health outcomes, policies, and real change within West African communities.

“Our researchers produce outstanding work daily, but how many breakthroughs remain trapped in laboratories due to weak communication? How many innovations fail reaching communities who urgently require them?” he said.

He explained that the webinar was created to equip young scientists and health professionals with the skills to transform technical results into convincing messages that can influence policymakers, development partners, and community stakeholders.

He disclosed that prizes for Best Oral Presentation, Best Poster, and Best Young Researcher would be awarded at the conference to encourage scientific excellence and inspire communication-driven health innovations.

He urged participants to seize the training opportunity, share practical experiences, and use the platform as a springboard towards building a visible, credible, and influential West African scientific voice globally.

Additionally, Ermel Johnson, a public health physician and policy researcher, noted that mastering the art of effective slide design is crucial for researchers aiming to make a lasting impression at international conferences.

Mr Johnson congratulated those whose abstracts were accepted for presentation at the conference, urging them to justify the organisers’ confidence and contribute meaningfully towards shaping future discourse on public health.

He warned against distracting animations, poor colour contrasts, or overcrowded slides, instead recommending clear charts, consistent font styles, and purposeful images to effectively reinforce presentations without losing audience attention.

He encouraged participants to rehearse consistently, familiarise themselves with the presentation venue, strengthen vocal delivery, and ensure their appearance projects professionalism, seriousness, and respect for the audience.

(NAN)