A regional roadmap has been launched to guarantee that Lassa fever vaccines, once approved, are distributed fairly and reach high-risk populations across West Africa.
The Lassa Fever End-to-End (E2E) Access Roadmap for West Africa was unveiled on 3 February in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire. Led by the West African Health Organisation (WAHO) with support from the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI), the initiative guides countries through every stage of vaccine development, regulatory approval, and deployment to ensure equitable access.
“For decades, Lassa fever has affected the lives of West Africans, but with vaccines expected in the next five years, preparations must start now”, said Emma Wheatley, Executive Director at CEPI.
The roadmap covers research and development, regulatory readiness, manufacturing, supply planning, financing, procurement, and delivery, helping governments, manufacturers, funders, and partners coordinate actions to ensure vaccines are affordable, accessible, and sustainably used.
WAHO’s Director of Healthcare Services, Virgil Lokossou, said the framework reflects regional ownership: “It aligns countries and partners around shared priorities and complementary roles for vaccine access.”
The roadmap was developed through consultations with governments, experts, civil society organizations, global health partners, and vaccine manufacturers.
The launch coincides with progress in vaccine research. In January 2026, a candidate Lassa fever vaccine entered Phase 1 trials in the United Kingdom, developed by the University of Oxford with CEPI support. Later trials are planned in West Africa, including Nigeria.
Nigeria is among the highest-burden countries. The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) reported 21 confirmed cases and nine deaths in the first epidemiological week of 2026, with Bauchi, Ondo, and Edo states most affected.
Lassa fever remains a serious public health threat, causing thousands of deaths annually and straining fragile healthcare systems. Experts stress that vaccine development alone is insufficient; early and coordinated planning is essential to reach populations most at risk.
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