A global initiative led by the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI) and the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) has committed over $250 million to advance vaccine research against Lassa fever, a deadly viral disease prevalent in West Africa.
Since 2017, CEPI has spearheaded efforts to find a vaccine, and on Wednesday, the organization officially launched the Enable 1.5 cohort study in Abuja. This groundbreaking research initiative will explore Lassa fever’s incidence, symptoms, and co-infections with malaria across Nigeria, Sierra Leone, and Liberia. The study, which is set to begin in October in Nigeria’s Edo, Ondo, and Ebonyi states, is expected to include 5,000 healthy participants, including children and infants.
CEPI’s Director of Epidemiology, Gabrielle Breugelmans, emphasized that understanding the variations in Lassa fever symptoms will enhance diagnosis and preparedness for future outbreaks, ultimately supporting the development of an effective vaccine.
NCDC Director-General, Jide Idris, described the study as crucial for improving Nigeria’s ability to identify and control Lassa fever cases, thus preparing the nation for future vaccine deployment. Lassa fever has been a persistent health challenge in Nigeria since its first identification in 1969, with over 1,000 confirmed cases and 170 deaths recorded this year alone.
This new research collaboration aims to bring the world closer to a vaccine, which could significantly mitigate the annual outbreaks that plague West Africa.
