As 2025 comes to a close, I’m proud of what the Lassa Fever Vaccine Coalition has advanced alongside West African Member States, CEPI, vaccine developers like IAVI and University of Oxford, and many country and regional partners.
What we achieved in 2025:
1. Advanced the science and visibility of Lassa vaccine R&D
Supported momentum around clinical progress, including the start of Phase 1 work for the University of Oxford candidate and progress in Phase 2a for the IAVI candidate. We sustained media/public engagement to keep attention on Lassa as a regional and global preparedness priority. More: https://lnkd.in/dhKJVxi3
2. Strengthened regional governance and coordination
Deepened coalition coordination across endemic and at-risk countries. We aligned on priorities, clarified roles and maintained a shared “North Star” across partners and Member States. More to be shared in an op-Ed in the New Year.
3. Elevated Lassa on the political agenda
ECOWAS Health Ministers met twice to discuss Lassa vaccine development specifically. More: https://lnkd.in/dBzHrV7t
4. Moved vaccine financing conversations from aspiration to pathway
Convened funders and stakeholders around a clearer financing roadmap for late-stage development for the IAVI candidate and future access, strengthening the case for diversified co-financing and coordinated investment. More: https://lnkd.in/dUuJwbFT
5. Shifted from just “vaccine development” to end-to-end access planning
Progressed work on demand and access planning; connecting R&D to regulatory readiness, delivery realities and outbreak response integration so countries are not starting from zero when a vaccine becomes available. More to be published in the new year
6. Built the foundations for a more coherent policy and research ecosystem
Advanced a Lassa fever vaccine policy research agenda and supported steps toward an open research landscape (including a repository approach) to improve visibility, alignment, and practical use of evidence across the region. More : https://lnkd.in/dJg-rDVe
In 2026, we will continue to work with the same coalition mindset: sustained political leadership, co-financing to sustain progress, stronger regional delivery readiness and continued scientific progress because preparedness is built before the emergency.
To every colleague, partner and Member State counterpart: thank you for the trust, energy, and shared ambition.
It is an honour to lead this work alongside my CEPI colleagues and Member States, and our coalition secretariat partners.
