Health experts have warned that West Africa’s progress in disease control could be lost if countries fail to work together more effectively.
Speaking at the 2nd ECOWAS Lassa Fever International Conference in Abidjan, Professor Benjamin Uzochukwu of the University of Nigeria stated that the region has made significant progress since 2019. Nigeria and other countries now have more diagnostic labs, stronger surveillance systems, and broader research collaborations, including vaccine trials backed by WHO and CEPI. Lassa fever has also been listed as a global health priority by the WHO.
He highlighted a regional project funded by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation that linked human, animal, and environmental health under the “One Health” approach. Professor Uzochukwu noted that the project was a success as it improved disease surveillance and community-led reporting in three countries- Guinea, Sierra Leone, and Liberia.
Also speaking at the event, Dr. Chinyere Okeke expressed worries about the noticeable funding gaps in the project. He stressed that procurement delays and weak staff retention could reverse gains already made.
