Abuja, Aug. 21, 2025(NAN) The West African Health Organisation (WAHO), has urged researchers and health professionals to strengthen communication skills, warning that discoveries risk stagnation if not effectively shared beyond laboratories.
Dr Melchior Aissi, WAHO’s Director-General, made this call on during a webinar themed “Communicating Science with Impact: Mastering the Art of Oral and Poster Presentations.”
The webinar is coming ahead of the International Lassa Fever Conference holding from Sept.8 to 12 in Abidjan, Cote D’Ivoire.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the rising threat of Lassa fever and other viral haemorrhagic fevers has exposed the weaknesses of fragmented, reactive responses limited to individual countries.
To ensure stronger protection for communities and resilient health systems across West Africa, experts insist that the region must embrace coordinated, long-term preparedness rather than depend solely on short-term emergency responses.
The second ECOWAS international conference on Lassa Fever provides a timely platform to align research priorities, exchange innovative approaches and commit to collective actions to save countless lives across West Africa.
Hosted by WAHO with partners, the event was anchored on six strategic pillars, underscoring the region’s united determination to protect health security and respond decisively to emerging infectious disease threats.
According to Aissi, while research underpins progress against diseases, particularly neglected tropical illnesses such as Lassa fever, effective scientific communication determines whether findings meaningfully influence health outcomes, policies and real change within West African communities.
“Our researchers produce outstanding work daily, but how many breakthroughs remain trapped in laboratories due to weak communication? How many innovations fail reaching communities who urgently require them?” he asked.
He explained that the webinar was created to equip young scientists and health professionals with skills to transform technical results into convincing messages capable of influencing policymakers, development partners and community stakeholders.
The D-G emphasised that mastering poster designs and oral presentations is fundamental at international conferences, adding that regional researchers must confidently showcase West African achievements at both continental and global platforms.
“Behind every impactful presentation lies potential for greater collaboration, mobilised resources and supportive health policies.
“That is why recognising, nurturing and sustaining effective scientific communication is critically important,” he stated firmly.
He disclosed that prizes for Best Oral Presentation, Best Poster and Best Young Researcher would be awarded at the conference to encourage scientific excellence and inspire communication-driven health innovations.
He urged participants to seize the training opportunity, share practical experiences and use the platform as a springboard towards building a visible, credible and influential West African scientific voice globally.
Also speaking, Dr Ermel Johnson, Public Health Physician and Policy Researcher, noted that mastering the art of effective slide design is crucial for researchers aiming to make lasting impressions at international conferences.
Johnson congratulated those whose abstracts were accepted for presentation at the conference, urging them to justify the organisers’ confidence and contribute meaningfully towards shaping future discourse on public health.
“Your slide reflects your image; it must complement, not replace, your spoken message. While you present, audiences simultaneously watch and listen. Both must align harmoniously to communicate effectively,” he stressed.
He emphasised that slides should present one idea each, use legible fonts, employ visual clarity, and highlight key results rather than overwhelming participants with text-heavy or unnecessarily complicated content.
Johnson further recommended that researchers adapt the IMRAD scientific style into a universal three-step approach: introduction, development and conclusion ensuring presentations remain accessible for both technical experts and lay audiences alike.
He explained that the introduction should establish context and define research questions, the body should present results simply, while conclusions should highlight main takeaways alongside broader policy and community implications.
“At that moment, you are not merely a scientist but the star of the session – representing your career, your institution, and even your country,” Johnson passionately emphasised.
“Every detail counts, from posture and voice to slides and concluding remarks. Communication, like performance, must inform, persuade, inspire, or even entertain, but ultimately leave a lasting impression,” he added.
He warned against distracting animations, poor colour contrasts, or overcrowded slides, instead recommending clear charts, consistent font styles, and purposeful images to effectively reinforce presentations without losing audience attention.
He encouraged participants to rehearse consistently, familiarise themselves with the presentation venue, strengthen vocal delivery, and ensure their appearance projects professionalism, seriousness, and respect for the audience.
“It would be tragic to invest months in research only to falter due to disorganised presentations or poor time management. Preparation and clarity are as crucial as research itself,” he warned.
NAN, recalls that a key outcome of the conference will be the development of a regional roadmap that prioritises research, enhances outbreak response capacity, and improves access to vaccines, therapeutics, and diagnostics, particularly in the ECOWAS region.
Among some of the featured speakers are: Professeur Mamadou SAMBA, Director General of Health and Public Hygiene, Côte d’Ivoire, who will share insights on early warning systems and intersectoral coordination.
Prof. Oyewale Tomori, renowned virologist and advocate for accountability in health systems, will speak on sustaining political will and scaling innovation.
Dr Adebayo Adewuyi, AFENET Liberia Country Team Lead, will offer perspectives on workforce development and surveillance capacity.
Prof. Nicolas Meda, senior research scientist and former WHO/UNAIDS policy expert, with deep expertise in epidemic preparedness.
Prof. Kofi Busia, highlighted the role of traditional medicine and indigenous knowledge in outbreak response.
With six strategic pillars, ranging from regional coordination to sustainable financing, the conference sets the stage for transformative public health action across borders.(NAN)
