Advancing Lassa Fever Research: INTEGRATE features at the 2025 International Conference in Abidjan

Members of the INTEGRATE consortium shared key scientific insights and presented updates on the clinical trial’s progress during the 2nd ECOWAS Lassa Fever International Conference in September, 2025. 

The 2nd ECOWAS Lassa Fever International Conference (LIC); A Global Platform for Collaboration

The 2nd ECOWAS Lassa Fever International Conference, a major scientific event in the fight against Lassa Fever, took place from the 8th to 11th of September 2025 in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire. This year’s event brought together over 800 scientists, researchers, and stakeholders from across the world including representatives of the INTEGRATE consortium- the Alliance for International Medical Action(ALIMA), ANRS-MIE, Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine (BNITM), Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital (ISTH), Federal Medical Center Owo (FMCO), PAC-CI program, and Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Teaching Hospital (ATBUTH) – to share progress and strengthen collaboration in the fight against Lassa Fever. The gathering of global and regional experts themed “Beyond Borders: Strengthening Regional Cooperation to Combat Lassa Fever and Emerging Infectious Diseases”, was organized by the West African Health Organization (WAHO) in partnership with key global and regional health institutions. 

For the INTEGRATE project, the conference was especially significant as it was an opportunity to showcase progress in the clinical trial, exchange scientific insights, and deepen networks essential for advancing Lassa Fever research and treatment across West Africa.

The INTEGRATE Consortium made a strong showing at the congress, with active participation from all partner institutions with 35 oral presentations and 14 posters.

Showcasing the INTEGRATE Clinical Trial Towards Effective LF Treatments

Sharing key updates and perspectives during the conference, ALIMA and FMCO presented progress on the INTEGRATE clinical trial at FMCO in Ondo State, and ISTH in Edo state Nigeria, where 21 participants have already been enrolled. Dr O.O Ayodeji, Site Principal Investigator of INTEGRATE at FMCO, presented results of the social science research component of INTEGRATE drawn from the exploration of community perceptions through mixed methods research. Insights from this research aim to inform a context-specific community outreach strategy designed to foster understanding, trust, and participation in the study.

Another session convened by the Institute of Viral and Emerging Pathogen Control and Research of ISTH, chaired by Prof Reuben Eifediyi, brought together a distinguished panel including Prof Stephan Guenther (BNITM), Dr Yemihan Ogbetere (Sponsor Representative of the INTEGRATE Consortium), and the Director of the Institute of Viral and Emerging Pathogen Control and Research of ISTH Dr. Joseph Okoeguale. The topic discussed “Establishing a research governance framework for Lassa fever and other emerging infectious diseases in West Africa” highlighted the urgent need for region-wide ethical, regulatory and operational standards to pave the way for effective medical counter-measures and harmonized research frameworks and guidelines across the West African region.

A pivotal session drew international attention as Prof Michael Ramharter, principal investigator and member of the INTEGRATE Consortium, laid out the pathway for advancing Lassa fever treatment beyond Ribavirin. With ribavirin long regarded as the standard of care despite its toxicity and uncertain effectiveness, Prof Ramharter emphasized the urgent need for evidence-based alternatives. The session assembled leading experts including Prof Sylvanus Okogbenin (also of INTEGRATE), and Dr Pierre Formenty of the World Health Organization (WHO) a renowned authority on viral hemorrhagic fever. Together the panel highlighted how multi-centre trials, adaptive-platform designs and regional research capacity development are critical to usher in new therapeutic options for Lassa fever and strengthen West Africa’s readiness for emerging infectious disease.

The event also provided a valuable opportunity for the INTEGRATE Board to meet in person in Abidjan. Chaired by Prof. Reuben Eifediyi, Chief Medical Director of ISTH, the Board convenes monthly to drive the consortium’s strategic decisions. The INTEGRATE Board brings together representatives from ISTH, FMCO, ANRS-MIE, ALIMA, and BNITM, ensuring collaborative leadership.

INTEGRATE’s presence in Abidjan further stamps its pivotal role in shaping the future of Lassa fever research and treatment in West Africa. Its progress reflects not only a milestone for the INTEGRATE consortium, supported by 18 national and international institutions, but also a shared commitment towards finding a safer and more effective treatment for people affected by the disease. 

Activities on the INTEGRATE project are made possible with funding from EDCTP 3, a program supported by the European Union.