Lassa fever remains a significant public health challenge across West Africa, with thousands of cases reported annually, particularly in Nigeria, Sierra Leone, Liberia, and Guinea. To support efforts to advance research into the condition and accelerate its reduction and eventual eradication in the region, the three-day intensive training brought together Community Engagement teams from the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Teaching Hospital (ATBUTH) in Bauchi, Nigeria; the Federal Medical Centre (FMC) in Owo, Nigeria; and Phebe Hospital in Liberia. A critical component of the Advancing Research Capacity in West Africa (ARC-WA) project, funded by the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI), the training aimed to prepare these research sites for upcoming Lassa fever vaccine trials by enhancing their capacity to effectively engage with local communities. 

Isatou Njai Cham, Head of Communications and Engagement at MRCG at LSHTM and one of the trainers, emphasised the significance of community engagement in vaccine research. “Effective community engagement is not merely an ethical requirement but a cornerstone for successful vaccine trials,” she said. She further reiterated that a particular focus of the training was on navigating the complex contextual dynamics characteristic of the region. “By building trust and understanding between researchers and communities, we can ensure that research is responsive to local needs and conducted in a way that respects community values and priorities,” she stated. 

The training covered a comprehensive range of topics essential for effective community engagement. It was designed with highly interactive sessions, with case studies drawn from real experiences across West Africa. Participants gained insights not just on theoretical concepts but also on practical skills they could immediately apply in their local contexts. 

Usman Abdullahi Koli, Head of the Public Relations and Protocol Unit at ATBUTH, highlighted the practical value of the training. He emphasised the timeliness and foreseeable impact of equipping them with the right tools and appropriate strategies to effectively inform, involve, and build trust with their communities through this training. “The experience has significantly enhanced our ability to drive awareness, dispel myths, and ensure active participation in the upcoming clinical trial,” he said. 

For Catherine Nimely, the Field and Community Engagement Lead at The University of North Carolina Global Projects based in Phebe, Liberia, the training was an eye opener and an opportunity to immerse themselves in critical lessons to share with their colleagues back home. “Upon our return, we will work with our colleagues to reinforce stakeholder engagement, establish our community advisory board and work closely with them for a successful project implementation,” she said. 

Dr. Aro Adewale Johnson, a Community Engagement Team member at FMC Owo, praised the quality of the training experience, highlighting the in-depth understanding they gained from the different sessions. “The facilitators were highly resourceful, and the lessons learnt from the practical sessions will last a lifetime. Our interactions as participants were also highly valuable,” he added. 

This training represents an important step in MRCG at LSHTM's commitment to developing sustainable research capacity across West Africa. By strengthening community engagement capabilities at key research sites, the ARC-WA project aims to establish a foundation for ethically sound, community-centered research that addresses priority health challenges in the region.