The West African Health Organisation (WAHO), the specialised Institution of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) responsible for health issues, is closely monitoring the health situation in Nigeria following the confirmation, on 20 October 2026, of an imported case of Ebola virus disease in the federal capital, Abuja.

Landmark new research has launched in Ghana assessing the University of Oxford’s promising vaccine candidate against Lassa fever, the deadly viral disease which affects hundreds of thousands across West Africa each year.

New evidence from a major Lassa fever research programme in West Africa is expected to inform the next phase of vaccine research, outbreak preparedness and community engagement in research across the region.

The West African Health Organisation (WAHO), the specialised health institution of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), officially received the keys to its temporary headquarters at the Village of Information Technology and Biotechnology (VITIB) in Grand-Bassam, Côte d’Ivoire.

As part of his assumption of office at the helm of the West African Health Organisation (WAHO), Professor Palokinam T. Pitche, Director General of WAHO, held a series of high-level meetings with the Ivorian authorities in Abidjan on 14 and 15 September 2026.

The meetings provided an opportunity to discuss WAHO’s establishment in its new host country and the strengthening of health cooperation between the Organisation and the Republic of Côte d’Ivoire.

The Director General of the West African Health Organisation (WAHO), Professor PALOKINAM T. PITCHE, held his first meeting with the entire staff of the Organisation on Friday, 11 September 2026, at the ECOWAS Resident Representation in Abidjan.

The meeting provided an opportunity for him to share with staff his vision for the functioning of the institution and the principles that will guide his management throughout his tenure.