I am honoured to witness the launch of the Lassa Fever Policy Research Agenda, a landmark step in West Africa’s fight against one of our most persistent public health challenges. This Agenda is not just a document, it represents the culmination of regional collaboration, scientific rigor, and a shared commitment to protect communities across West Africa.
This initiative demonstrates that preparedness is about more than laboratory research it is about trust, partnership, and translating evidence into action. By bringing together governments, regional organizations, global partners, and local communities, we are creating a framework that ensures vaccines, when available, reach the people who need them most safely, equitably, and efficiently.
The Agenda will serve as a strategic guide for identifying research gaps, prioritizing critical interventions, and mobilizing resources to strengthen West Africa’s readiness for Lassa fever vaccines. It also reinforces the principle that science and policy must go hand in hand to achieve real-world impact.
As someone deeply invested in public health, I see this as a powerful reminder that regional collaboration is our strongest tool against epidemic threats. It inspires confidence that, together, West African countries can not only participate in global research but also lead the way in translating science into protection and health security for our communities.
