MONROVIA – The Ministry of Health (MOH) has reaffirmed Liberia’s dedication to regional collaboration in combating Lassa fever, following a high-level Ministerial Roundtable on Accelerating Lassa Fever Vaccine Readiness held on September 8 in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire.
The meeting brought together Health Ministers from across West Africa to align strategies for advancing late-stage vaccine development and strengthening preparedness against the deadly disease. Liberia, alongside Nigeria, Côte d’Ivoire, and other ECOWAS member states, endorsed a joint roadmap aimed at mobilizing resources, enhancing laboratory systems, and improving regulatory frameworks to ensure timely access to vaccines.
Officials at the roundtable stressed that investments in Lassa fever vaccine readiness must also support broader epidemic and pandemic preparedness, in line with the global 100 Days Mission, which seeks to accelerate the development and distribution of critical vaccines during health emergencies.
Representing Liberia at the meeting, Deputy Minister and Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Catherine Thomas Cooper, underscored the central role vaccines play in safeguarding the country and the region. “Liberia will remain an active partner in these efforts, working to build a more resilient national health system capable of preventing, detecting, and responding to future health threats,” Dr. Cooper stated.
The Ministry of Health’s renewed commitment reflects Liberia’s ongoing efforts to strengthen its public health infrastructure and regional partnerships, ensuring the country is better prepared for emerging infectious diseases.
