The #LIC2019 laid a solid foundation for a collaborative response to Lassa fever, #ELFIC2025 builds on it. The DG @NCDCgov, Dr Jide Idris, reflects on the conference and why communities remain central to the fight.

The #ELFIC2025, themed “Beyond Borders: Strengthening Regional Cooperation to Combat Lassa Fever and Emerging Infectious Diseases,” has concluded! From the foundations laid at #LIC2019 to the insights & commitments at #ELFIC2025, West Africa must continue to advance efforts in the fight against Lassa fever & other emerging infectious diseases.

Speaking on behalf of the CEO of @CEPIvaccines, Dr @DrRHatchett, Programme Lead @katrin_ram recalled that the last #LIC2019, organised by @NCDCgov in Abuja, Nigeria, marked the starting point for CEPI’s engagement in West Africa. Since then, CEPI has continued to support multiple vaccine candidates across the region, which have shown significant progress.

Keynote presentation by @WALETOM, a distinguished virologist and academic and in his usual style of saying it as it is, reflected on discussions since the first #LIC2019 in #Abuja. He noted that while progress has been made such as the #Enable study, much more remains to be done, requiring stronger political will and financial commitment. #ELFIC2025

Great opening to #ELFIC2025 in Abidjan, six years after #LIC2019, as Nigeria’s Coordinating Minister for Health and Social Welfare @muhammadpate stressed that tackling Lassa fever requires “actionable steps, investment in research, diagnostics & vaccines, and a united regional response.” Day 1 of the second #ELFIC2025 conference, hosted by @OoasWaho, set the stage for stronger collaboration across the region. @Fmohnigeria

In Jan 2019, the Lassa fever International Conference #LIC2019 marked 50 yrs since #Lassafever was first discovered in #Nigeria. The question asked then,"Are we rising to the challenge?" This question remains, especially as #Nigeria is battling #cholera outbreaks and #COVID19.

"We have all it takes to control diseases with minimal assistance, but we have refused to take all we have.”- Prof. @WALETOM at #LIC2019. Watch his exclusive interview: youtube.com/watch?v=5ryDWoVZ… #LassaFever @NCDCgov @Chikwe_I @MBuhari @ResolveTSL @nassnigeria @TheLancetInfDis

‘Since the #Lassafever International Conference in January 2019, we have been working very hard to strengthen our capacity for #Lassafever control in #Nigeria’ DG @Chikwe_I writes about rising to the challenge of #Lassafever in #Nigeria Please read and share: #LIC2019

Finally, we recognise and thank all health workers at various levels, in clincal facilities, laboratories and other organisations working very hard to control #Lassafever in Nigeria #LIC2019 was an incredible opportunity to outline our vision. We are rising to the challenge!

RESEARCH One year after #LIC2019, #Nigeria has established a national #LassaFever Research Consortium This Consortium will deliver on a large epidemiological study for #LassaFever this year, sponsored by @CEPIvaccines

LABORATORY EXPANSION A new laboratory for #Lassafever testing was added to the national network, increasing the number of labs from 5 in 2019, to 6 The setup of the new lab in Federal Medical Centre, Owo was supported by NCDC, @FINDdx @WHONigeria @ALIMA_ORG #LIC2019

LASSA FEVER OUTBREAKS We continue to detect more cases of #Lassafever given increased awareness, improved surveillance and laboratory capacity. However, the number of deaths from #Lassafever and the number of health care worker infections has reduced. #goodnews #LIC2019

About ONE YEAR ago, we hosted the global scientific community to the first #LassaFever international conference #LIC2019 with the theme- ‘50 Years of Lassafever: Rising to the Challenge’ We continue to build on lessons from the conference to strengthen #Lassafever control

Get a copy of today’s @nigeriantribune newspaper to read Director-General @Chikwe_I’s latest opinion piece. On this day in 2019, we hosted nearly 700 participants at the first Lassa fever International Conference in Abuja, Nigeria. #LIC2019

Also in January, @NCDCgov hosted the first-ever Lassa Fever International Conference. Theme: 50 Years of #LassaFever: Rising to the Challenge Watch #LIC2019 highlights 👉 youtube.com/watch?v=vuVMntw7… #PreventEpidemicsNaija

Mi noche de ayer fue INCREÍBLE. #LIC2019 🔥 @diplo in #CostaRica ✨

Yo viendo como todo mundo va para el #LIC2019.

Thank you Des. A great achievement for Paul and a reflection of the great team work at @GreensleevesHT Well done to all the other winners on the night @carehomepro @CoolCare_4 #awards #teamwork #care #olderpeople #LIC2019

El 16 SE VIENE LA FIESTA ⚡️ LES ESPERO A TODOSSSSS!!! @G5pro #LIC2019 #TIF

#SUNDAY_CONVENTION_SERVICE #PROPHECY_HIGHLIGHTS - "This convention is a convention of mercy... #ThyKingdomCome #TACNCONVENTION #LIC2019 #TACBA_TV #BADAGRY_AREA