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+234 816 946 4623 - info@isth.org.ng - KM 87, Benin Auchi Road, P.M.B. 08, Irrua, Edo state
Emergency call: 0816 946 4623

ISTH AT ECOWAS LASSA FEVER INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE IN ABIDJAN

The Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital (ISTH), Edo State, reaffirmed its regional leadership in Lassa fever research, treatment, and policy engagement through outstanding participation at the ECOWAS Lassa Fever International Conference held in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, from 8th to 11th September 2025. Organized by the West African Health Organization (WAHO), the conference brought together over 800 policymakers, researchers, and health professionals under the theme “Beyond Borders: Strengthening Regional Cooperation to Combat Lassa Fever and Emerging Infectious Diseases.”

ISTH had one of the largest institutional contingents, with 41 delegates representing the hospital during scientific sessions, panel discussions, and policy dialogues. The participation of the hospital was coordinated under the leadership of Professor George Akpede, Chairman of the Local Organizing Committee.  The hospital coordinated three highly rated, organized sessions titled:

  • Decades of Progress and Prospects in Lassa Fever Case Management, featuring a keynote presentation by Professor Peter Okokhere, a Consultant Physician and Cardiologist.
  • Establishing a Research Governance Framework for Lassa Fever and Emerging Infectious Diseases in West Africa, moderated by Professor Reuben Eifediyi, the Chief Medical Director
  • Lassa Fever Management: A Critical Appraisal of Ribavirin Use, which brought together leading international experts from WHO and BNITM Germany.

In addition to the organized sessions, ISTH delegates delivered 46 scientific presentations (the highest from any single institution), highlighting research innovations in diagnostics, therapeutics, and community engagement. Notably, Dr Sheila Mary Ojor Ileli received the Best Oral Presentation Award for her study titled “Indications and potential diagnostic utility of lumbar puncture in the management of non-neonatal pediatric Lassa Virus Disease.”

The strong representation and scientific excellence of ISTH participants underscored the hospital’s pivotal role in the West African response to Lassa fever and other emerging infectious diseases. The management of ISTH commended all delegates for their outstanding representation and reaffirmed its commitment to promoting high-impact research, regional collaboration, and excellence in public health service delivery.

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