By Ibrahim S. Bangura
The West African Health Organisation (WAHO), in partnership with the Coalition Against Lassa Fever and Sierra Leone’s Ministry of Health (MoH), has concluded a three-day National Capacity-Building Workshop for Lassa Fever Working Groups in Freetown.
Held from Tuesday, 24 February to Thursday, 26 February 2026, the workshop aimed to strengthen national preparedness for the eventual introduction of a Lassa fever vaccine by promoting a structured, evidence-based approach to planning and coordination.
Ministry of Health Commitment
Speaking on behalf of the Ministry, Deputy Chief Medical Officer for Public Health, Dr. Alie Wurie, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to the national working group. He stressed that the future introduction of a vaccine would be vital to protecting frontline health workers and reducing maternal mortality linked to the virus. His remarks were reinforced by the presence of Senior Permanent Secretary Mr. Andrew L. Sorie.
Strategic Importance of Vaccine Readiness
Dr. Mohammed Vandi of the National Public Health Agency highlighted the importance of vaccine preparedness in addressing gaps in epidemiological surveillance and diagnostic systems. He noted that readiness would significantly improve Sierra Leone’s overall disease management and response capacity.
Regional and International Perspectives
ECOWAS Representative John Azumah emphasized the need for cross-border coordination, pointing out that mobility within the sub-region requires a multisectoral response involving civil society, agriculture, and environmental sectors.
Chimezie Anueyiagu, representing the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI), commended Sierra Leone’s leadership in preparedness efforts. He reiterated CEPI’s commitment to supporting evidence generation, including clinical studies, to ensure equitable access to vaccines once available—projected around 2032.
Representing WAHO’s Director General, Dr. Salif Gnoumou stressed the importance of proactive planning, urging countries to develop regulatory systems and deployment infrastructure ahead of vaccine readiness.
Workshop Outcomes
The workshop focused on:
- Defining and prioritizing Lassa fever vaccine readiness indicators for Sierra Leone
- Assessing frameworks for deploying investigational vaccines in epidemic settings
- Identifying funding needs and resource-mobilisation pathways
- Validating a roadmap with clear timelines for future actions
Over three days, participants translated these commitments into an operational action plan, positioning Sierra Leone as a regional pioneer in Lassa fever vaccine preparedness.