By: Fayia Jr. Moseray
At the recently concluded ECOWAS–CEDEAO Lassa Fever International Conference held in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, Sierra Leonean scientist, academic, and public health advocate, Professor Alhaji Njai, emerged as one of the leading voices in the regional fight against Lassa fever and other epidemic-prone diseases.
The high-level conference, organized by the West African Health Organisation (WAHO/OOAS), ran from September 7–11, 2025, and brought together regional government leaders, researchers, health professionals, development partners, civil society actors, and the media. The aim was to strengthen regional cooperation on epidemic preparedness, response, and control measures.
Over the course of five days, delegates examined strategies for early detection, rapid response, and long-term control of Lassa fever, emphasizing the urgent need for sustainable and collaborative health systems across West Africa.
A respected figure in Sierra Leone’s scientific and public health landscape, Prof. Alhaji Njai* was featured prominently in the conference’s high-level plenary sessions. He delivered a powerful keynote address, calling for a fundamental shift in how African nations approach public health challenges.
“It is only through bold and unapologetic thinking that we can shift knowledge systems from the status quo,” Prof. Njai stated. “The need for paradigm shifts that prioritize innovation, health, and resilience cannot be overemphasized.”
Beyond the plenary, Prof. Njai also participated in several technical sessions, where he shared expert insights on disease surveillance systems, regional preparedness, and the critical integration of science into policy-making.
His interventions, according to several participants, challenged both policymakers and scientists to rethink the current trajectory of health research and epidemic management in Africa. His thought leadership highlighted Sierra Leone’s growing influence in shaping health innovation and policy in the subregion.
For Sierra Leone a country that has experienced the severe impacts of both Lassa fever and Ebola Prof. Njai’s participation on such a prominent platform symbolized the nation’s commitment to regional health leadership and knowledge sharing.
WAHO officials described the conference as a turning point for regional health cooperation, citing renewed commitments to cross-border collaboration, resource mobilization, and strengthened epidemic response systems.
Delegates also emphasized the importance of integrating local research, indigenous knowledge, and community engagement into broader regional strategies. The consensus was clear: only through inclusive, collaborative, and innovation-driven approaches can West Africa effectively tackle future health threats.
As the conference concluded, Prof. Njai’s call for bold, unapologetic, and transformational thinking stood out as a rallying cry not just for scientists and policymakers, but for Africa as a whole in confronting public health challenges with renewed vigor and unity.