The West African Health Organisation has expanded its Lassa Fever Coalition to accelerate vaccine access in the region.

This was disclosed in a statement on Wednesday by Nigeria’s health ministry.

The coalition, the ministry said, involved three prominent regional health organisations as new partners in its mission to fight Lassa fever and fast-track vaccine access across the region.

Corona Management Systems, Nigeria Health Watch, and Bloom Public Health are partners.

The announcement was made recently during the annual ECOWAS Assembly of Health Ministers Meeting, marking a significant step forward for the coalition, which is supported by the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations in Oslo-Bobo-dioulasso, Burkina Faso.

It added that the newly onboarded partners will support the Coalition’s Secretariat, helping WAHO coordinate a locally led, regionally focused effort to develop, introduce, and ensure equitable access to Lassa fever vaccines.

The health ministers from Benin, Guinea, Liberia, Nigeria, and Sierra Leone, countries most affected by Lassa fever, are core members of the coalition.

Health minister Muhammad Pate said the expansion of the Lassa fever coalition was not just a strategic step, but a powerful affirmation of what was possible when African nations rise together in common cause.

Mr Pate, also the chair of the ECOWAS Assembly of Health Ministers, stressed that the new partnerships reflect a deeper regional shift toward health sovereignty.

WAHO director-general, Melchior Aissi, emphasised the urgent need for transnational cooperation. According to him, no single country can address Lassa fever alone in today’s interconnected world.

Chijioke Kaduru, CMS’ managing director and coalition secretariat spokesperson, said the new partners were proud to support WAHO in driving a unified regional response.

He added that by focusing on coordination, capacity-building and preparedness, the coalition could lay the groundwork for equitable access to Lassa fever vaccines.

CEPI CEO Richard Hatchett highlighted the critical role of the coalition’s expanded secretariat in turning vaccine research into reality.

“Their regional expertise is vital to creating an environment where vaccine development and access strategies can thrive,” he said.

The statement noted that the new secretariat will be headquartered in Nigeria, with teams also deployed in Liberia, Sierra Leone, Guinea, and Benin.

It also said WAHO would convene the second Lassa Fever International Conference from September 22 to 26 in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire.

(NAN)