The countdown is over for the 2nd ECOWAS Lassa Fever International Conference (#ELFIC 2025) the premier platform uniting Africa and the global health community in the fight against Lassa fever and other emerging infectious diseases.
From 8th to 11th September 2025, the Radisson Blu Hotel, Abidjan Airport, Côte d’Ivoire will host health leaders, scientists, policymakers, and innovators under the theme:
“Beyond Borders: Strengthening Regional Cooperation to Combat Lassa Fever and Emerging Infectious Diseases.”
Why This Conference Matters
Unlike many scientific meetings, ELFIC 2025 is not just another forum but a strategic action hub for the region. Lassa fever continues to pose a persistent health threat, particularly in West Africa, where countries like Nigeria, Sierra Leone, Liberia, Benin, and Guinea carry the greatest burden.
This conference creates the space where research meets policy, and innovation meets community action. Its outcomes are expected to shape epidemic preparedness, health security, and the region’s resilience to future outbreaks.
Who Will Be There?
Expect to see:
- Ministers of Health and high-level policymakers
- Researchers and vaccine developers
- Healthcare professionals and outbreak responders
- Civil society and community leaders
- International partners and technical experts
This mix of voices ensures solutions are practical, people-centered, and regionally relevant.
The 6 Conference Pillars
ELFIC 2025 goes beyond discussions to focus on six priority areas that will define the region’s preparedness:
- Regional Coordination & Cross-Border Preparedness – Strengthening partnerships between ECOWAS member states to improve data sharing, resource mobilization, and coordinated outbreak response.
- Research & Medical Countermeasures – Showcasing progress in vaccine development, diagnostics, and treatment while identifying future research priorities.
- Surveillance, Early Detection & Rapid Response – Data-driven approaches for outbreak control.
- Technological Innovations – Leveraging AI, big data, and digital platforms for outbreak detection, response, and early warning systems.
- Community Engagement & Social Science – Ensuring that local communities are at the forefront of disease prevention, surveillance, and response efforts.
- Policy, Governance & Sustainable Financing – Mobilizing resources and advocating for the integration of Lassa fever preparedness into national and regional health policies.
What to Expect
Across the five days, the program will include:
- Plenary sessions with global experts
- Interactive panel discussions
- Technical workshops on outbreak control and research
- Scientific presentations from across Africa and beyond
- Networking opportunities to foster collaboration
Perhaps most importantly, ELFIC 2025 will contribute to a regional roadmap — a shared framework for Lassa fever control and epidemic preparedness.
Why You Should Follow LIC 2025
Whether you are a healthcare professional, policymaker, researcher, or citizen concerned about epidemics, ELFIC 2025 offers insights and strategies that will shape the region’s future; And for West Africa, this is more than a conference — it is about health security, innovation, and saving lives.
The ECOWAS Lassa Fever International Conference 2025 is organized by the West African Health Organization (WAHO) in partnership with key global and regional health institutions.
✍🏾 Ghanahealthnest will be covering ELFIC 2025 closely, bringing you simplified, accurate, and actionable updates before, during, and after the event
