West African countries are making significant progress in preparing for Lassa fever vaccines, with three candidates currently under development.
This aligns with the region’s global efforts to fast-track epidemic response under the 100 Days Mission.
The progress, monitored through a webinar, was highlighted Thursday at the 27th Ordinary Session of the Assembly of Health Ministers of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) in Freetown, Sierra Leone.
The meeting brought together ministers and key stakeholders to review health priorities, strengthen regional collaboration, and accelerate responses to emerging and endemic diseases across the sub-region.
Speaking at the session, Dr. Oyeronke Oyebanji, Head of Lassa Fever Engagement at the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI), said the regional Lassa Fever Vaccine Coalition has made notable strides in advancing preparedness.
Achievements include developing the first policy research agenda, an end-to-end (E2E) access roadmap, and improved country-level coordination.
Oyebanji explained that the coalition, established in partnership with the West African Health Organisation (WAHO) and ECOWAS Ministries of Health, serves as a model for shared leadership in epidemic preparedness.
She emphasized that Lassa fever remains a major public health threat in West Africa, causing an estimated 4,000 deaths annually and putting about 700 million people at risk—a situation worsened by climate-related factors.
“Beyond its health impact, the disease imposes a heavy economic burden through productivity losses and treatment costs,” she said.
Developing a Lassa fever vaccine could significantly reduce mortality, protect vulnerable populations, and strengthen health systems across the region, Oyebanji added.
She noted that three CEPI-supported vaccine candidates are in development, with Phase 1 and Phase 2 clinical trials ongoing, including candidates supported by IAVI and Oxford.
The coalition has also supported the establishment of national task forces and technical working groups in five member states to enhance preparedness for vaccine introduction.
Highlighting efforts toward equitable access, Oyebanji said an E2E access roadmap published in February 2026 provides a framework to guide vaccine development, financing, and country readiness.
“The roadmap reflects strong regional collaboration and outlines what is required to ensure vaccines reach the populations that need them most,” she said.
A regional demand forecasting exercise involving 12 countries is underway to inform manufacturing, pricing, and distribution strategies.
On global alignment, Oyebanji introduced CEPI’s 3.0 strategy, which aims to develop vaccines within 100 days of identifying a new threat. The coalition provides a practical regional platform to operationalize this ambition by strengthening research systems, regulatory capacity, manufacturing readiness, and cross-country coordination.
“These efforts will not only accelerate Lassa vaccine access but also position the region to respond more rapidly and equitably to future epidemics and pandemics,” she said.
Lassa fever remains endemic in many countries, including Nigeria, Sierra Leone, Liberia, and Guinea, with recurrent outbreaks continuing to strain public health systems. Experts stress that ongoing vaccine development is critical to reducing disease burden and improving long-term resilience in the region.
Meanwhile, health ministers are reviewing key 2025 recommendations, the Director-General’s report, and the regional malaria elimination framework. Discussions emphasized the need for stronger coordination, sustainable financing, improved program implementation, and increased local production of vaccines and medicines to enhance regional health security and reduce dependence on external support.
