Call for Abstracts

Beyond Borders: Strengthening Regional Cooperation to Combat Lassa Fever and Emerging Infectious Diseases

Invitation to Submit Abstracts

The West African Health Organization invites researchers, practitioners, and stakeholders to submit abstracts for presentation at the Lassa Fever International Conference 2025. Submissions are welcome across all conference tracks and should focus on Lassa Fever and emerging infectious diseases.

Note: Abstracts on Lassa Fever and other viral hemorrhagic fevers will be prioritized.

Submission Guidelines:

  • Abstracts must be submitted via the official conference submission platform. If you encounter any difficulties, please contact abstracts@lfic2025.org
  • The deadline for submission is 24 May 2025 at 23:59 GMT.
  • Accepted presentations will be in either oral or poster format.
  • Abstracts must be structured as follows:
    1. Introduction/Background – Provide context and significance of the study.
    2. Methods – Describe study design, data sources, and analysis approach.
    3. Results – Present key findings with relevant data.
    4. Conclusion – Summarize key takeaways and recommendations.

Scope of Submissions

We welcome submissions of original research, implementation science studies and case studies and programmatic experiences.

Language Options

Abstracts may be submitted in any of the three official ECOWAS languages which are English, French, Portuguese.

Ensure that your abstract is clear, concise, and emphasizes the public health significance of your work. For further details and to submit your abstract, CLICK HERE

Topics

Abstracts will be accepted for the following conference pillars and themes:

Pillar 1: Regional Coordination and Cross-Border Preparedness

Enhancing cross-country collaboration to strengthen outbreak control and health systems for Lassa fever and other viral hemorrhagic fevers.

Themes

  1. Regional Partnerships for Disease Control: Fostering coordinated efforts among governments, health organizations, research institutions, and partners to improve outbreak preparedness and response.
  2. Enhancing Cross-Border Surveillance and Data-sharing: Promoting joint surveillance, data sharing and harmonized response strategies among Member States to improve disease monitoring.
  3. Integrating One Health approach in Disease Prevention and Control: Strengthening the collaboration of human, animal, and environmental health sectors to improve disease detection and response through a multi-sectoral approach.

Pillar 2: Advancing Research and Medical Countermeasures for Lassa Fever and other Viral Hemorrhagic Fevers

Accelerating innovation and equitable access to diagnostics, treatments and vaccines for Lassa Fever and other viral hemorrhagic fevers.

Themes

  1. Innovations in Vaccine Development and Access: Examining advancements in vaccine research, regulatory challenges, and equitable access strategies.
  2. Strengthening Laboratory Networks for Timely Diagnostics: Expanding laboratory capacity, improving rapid diagnostic tools, and enhancing sample/specimen transport systems to ensure prompt and accurate detection.
  3. Advancements in Therapeutics: Exploring novel treatment approaches, drug repurposing and combination therapies for improved clinical outcomes.
  4. Sustainable Research Collaboration and Funding: Promoting local research initiatives, fostering partnerships, and establishing long-term funding mechanisms to advance long-term disease control and prevention efforts.

Pillar 3: Surveillance, Early Detection, and Rapid Response

Improving outbreak detection and control through data-driven interventions for Lassa Fever and other viral hemorrhagic fevers.

Themes

  1. Strengthening National and Regional Surveillance Systems: Enhancing disease tracking capabilities, laboratory infrastructure and mechanisms for effective outbreak detection.
  2. Best Practices and Lessons from Past Outbreaks: Evaluating previous Lassa Fever and viral hemorrhagic fever outbreaks to identify successful intervention strategies and areas for improvement.
  3. Leveraging Epidemiological Modeling and Digital Tools: Using real-time data analytics, geospatial mapping, and AI-driven predictive models to improve early warning systems and epidemic forecasting.
  4. Enhancing Rapid response Capacity for Outbreak Containment: Strengthening emergency response teams, ensuring timely resource mobilization, and improving inter-agency coordination during outbreaks.

Pillar 4: Technological Innovations in Epidemic Control

Harnessing digital tools and technological advancements to improve prevention, detection, and response for Lassa Fever and emerging infectious diseases.

Themes

  1. AI, Big Data, and Machine Learning for Epidemic Intelligence: Exploring how emerging technologies enhance surveillance, predictive modelling, and outbreak management.
  2. Next-Generation Diagnostics and Digital health Solutions: Assessing the role of AI-assisted diagnostics, telemedicine, mobile health and/or digital platforms in outbreak control. Technology-Driven Supply Chain and Logistics Management: Leveraging digital tracking systems and automated inventory management for efficient distribution of medical supplies, diagnostics, and personal protective equipment.
  3. Enhancing Outbreak Communication through Digital Platforms: Utilizing social media analytics, digital risk communication, and community engagement tools to improve response coordination.

Pillar 5: Community Engagement and Social Science Approaches

Empowering communities to drive disease prevention, awareness and response for Lassa Fever and other viral hemorrhagic fevers.

Themes

  1. Strengthening Community-Based Surveillance and Early Detection: Training local health workers and community network to enhance early outbreak warnings and risk communication.
  2. Behavioral and Social Science Research in Disease Prevention: Understanding community perceptions, misinformation trends and socioeconomic impacts to design effective community-based solutions.
  3. Addressing Misinformation, Vaccine Hesitancy, and Cultural Barriers: Developing culturally tailored communication strategies, engaging traditional and religious leaders, and countering health-related misinformation through media.
  4. Building Community Resilience Against Epidemics: Empowering local communities with knowledge resources and sustainable health interventions to prevent outbreaks and enhance preparedness.

Pillar 6: Policy, Governance, and Sustainable Financing for Epidemic Preparedness

Integrating Lassa Fever preparedness into national policies and securing financial support.

Themes

  1. Embedding Epidemic Preparedness in National Health Policies: Aligning preparedness strategies with universal health coverage and global health security frameworks.
  2. Strengthening Regulatory and Ethical Frameworks for Epidemic Control: Establishing guidelines for biosafety, research ethics, and emergency vaccine or drug approvals.
  3. Sustainable Financing for Epidemic Preparedness: Identifying innovative financing mechanisms, domestic resource mobilization strategies, donor coordination efforts to ensure long-term funding for response activities.
  4. Regional and Global Collaboration for Policy and Funding: Strengthening intergovernmental collaborations, leveraging international funding mechanisms, and integrating Lassa Fever response into broader global health security efforts.

Abstract Structure

Title(maximum 25 words)

The title should be informative yet concise, avoiding subtitles where possible. Use sentence case, capitalizing only proper nouns and scientific names (e.g., Plasmodium falciparum). Do not use abbreviations or acronyms in the title.

Pillar and Sub-theme

Introduction/Background

Provide the scientific context, rationale and public health significance of the study. Given the diverse background of reviewers and attendees, avoid assumptions about prior knowledge of the topic. Clearly articulate the importance of the study and the key questions it aims to answer. Include:
  • A brief description of the topic and its relevance to public health
  • Research questions or study hypothesis (if applicable)
  • Study Objectives

Methods

Outline the methodology used in the study, ensuring clarity and replicability. Essential details include:
  • Study design
  • Study setting
  • Study population
  • Eligibility criteria and case definitions (if any)
  • Sample size and sampling methods
  • Data management and analysis processes

Results

Present the key findings (both positive and negative) of the study in alignment with the stated objectives. Ensure that:
  • Absolute numbers, percentages, rates and ratios are provided where applicable.
  • The section does not include a discussion of results.
  • Data is included, as abstracts are standalone citable documents.
Statements such as “Data will be discussed” should be avoided. If analyses are ongoing, indicate that results are preliminary.

Conclusion:

Be concise and avoid repeating data from the results. This section may include:
  • Interpretation of key findings and their implications for public health.
  • Recommended public health actions that have been or should implemented because of the study.
Note: Changes cannot be made to the final abstract after submission. However, if significant changes occur after the abstract submission, they should be highlighted during the presentation.

Word count and Formatting:

  • Abstracts should not exceed 350 words (excluding title, keywords, authors and affiliations).
  • Left-aligned text.
  • Font: Times New Roman, 1.5 spacing.
  • Subheadings in bold, followed by a colon.
  • No tables, figures, or images.
  • Use only standard or widely recognized abbreviations, ensuring the full term is written at first mention.
  • Italicize scientific names.

Authors

  • First Author: Provide the first name, initials of the middle name (if applicable), and the last name (e.g., David W. Meyers).
  • Co-Authors: List each co-author in order of contribution by typing their first and middle names as initials followed by their last name in full (e.g., W. Grisham, M. S. Pollock)
  • Affiliations: Include the organizational affiliations of the first author and all co-authors
  • Corresponding Author: Indicate with an asterisk* and provide their email address and telephone number, plus their alternate contacts.

Keywords

Please include 4 – 6 keywords that reflect the core topics of the study. Use terms listed in the Medical Subject Headings (MeSH) www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/mesh

Evaluation criteria

  1. Title (5%)
    • Reflects the content of the abstract.
    • Concise, informative, and engaging.
  2. Background and Objectives (15%)
    • Clearly defines the problem or research question.
    • Provides context and justification for the study.
    • States specific and well-defined objectives.
  3. Methods (20%)
    • Describes the study design, population, data collection, and analysis methods.
    • Demonstrates appropriate and rigorous methodology.
    • Addresses ethical considerations, if applicable.
  4. Results (25%)
    • Presents key findings in a structured manner.
    • Uses relevant data, statistics, or qualitative findings to support conclusions.
    • Results align with the study objectives.
  5. Conclusion and Implications (20%)
    • Summarizes key findings and their significance.
    • Highlights implications for research, policy, or practice.
    • Provides a clear and impactful takeaway message.
  6. Clarity, Organization, and Adherence to Guidelines (10%)
    • Logical flow of information.
    • Free from grammatical and typographical errors.
    • Adheres to word limits and formatting guidelines.
  7. Relevance and Impact (5%)
    • The topic is timely, significant, and contributes to the field.
    • Demonstrates potential for real-world application or advancement of knowledge.

Key Dates

  • Call Date

    24th March 2025

  • Submission Deadline

    24th May 2025

  • Notification of Acceptance

  • Confirmation of Acceptance

  • Abstract Portal

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Contact Us

  • info@lfic2025.org
  • West African Health Organization | 01 BP 153 Bobo-Dioulasso 01 / Burkina Faso

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