Lassa Fever in West Africa: The Emerging Role of Aerial Logistics in Epidemic Response

Lassa fever remains one of the most significant and persistent viral hemorrhagic fevers in West Africa. Despite over five decades of research and the availability of ribavirin, an antiviral with proven benefit when administered early, case fatality remains unacceptably high. The disease continues to expand geographically, with outbreaks becoming larger and more frequent. These challenges are compounded by limited diagnostic capacity, slow sample transport, and weak health systems. This review synthesizes evidence on the epidemiological transitions and control strategies for Lassa fever across West Africa from 2000–2024, emphasizing the emerging role of aerial logistics such as unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) or drones in epidemic preparedness, diagnostics, and supply-chain innovation. A narrative review approach was adopted. Peer-reviewed articles and grey literature published between 2000 and 2024 were retrieved from PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, WHO, AJOL and Africa CDC repositories. Data were thematically synthesized under three domains: epidemiological transitions, control and prevention strategies, and innovations in epidemic logistics. Evidence indicates increasing incidence, expanding endemic range, and persistent high case fatality across West Africa. Epidemiological transitions are driven by ecological changes, urbanization, improved surveillance and socio-economic vulnerabilities. Control strategies, spanning surveillance, therapeutics, community engagement and one health approaches, have yielded mixed success due to deep systemic constraints. Emerging technologies such as drone-based logistics demonstrate transformative potential in reducing diagnostic delays, improving access to life-saving therapeutics, and strengthening resilience of epidemic response systems. Lassa fever remains a growing challenge in West Africa, requiring enhanced, technology-integrated epidemic management. The integration of aerial logistics systems into national surveillance and response frameworks represents a promising frontier for accelerating diagnosis, treatment and public health interventions. Greater investment in genomics, vaccine research, health systems strengthening, and logistics innovation is urgently needed to mitigate the long-term burden of this re-emerging threat.