The Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI) has disclosed that a significant amount of over $250 million has been invested to develop Lassa fever vaccine to combat a highly infectious and often deadly virus prevalent in West Africa.
It said the substantial investment will support the development of a Lassa fever vaccine and fund research programmes, including the Enable 1.5 programme, aimed at understanding the true burden of the disease in Nigeria.
The CEPI’s Director of Epidemiology and Data Science, Gabrielle Breugelmans, while disclosing this on Wednesday at the ENABLE 1.5 Study Launch in Abuja, assured that the CEPI committed to protecting the people of West Africa from the threat of Lassa fever.”
She said, “We have invested more than $250 million in the development of a Lassa fever vaccine through all the different activities, meaning investment in the vaccine trials, but also in the Enable research programme to really get that critical data.
“Our investment of over $250 million demonstrates our dedication to addressing this neglected infectious disease and ensuring that vulnerable communities have access to effective vaccines.”
The Enable 1.5 programme will focus on gathering critical data on Lassa fever’s impact in Nigeria, including its effects on children under two years old, who were previously excluded from studies.
“By including young children in our research, we can better understand the true extent of Lassa fever’s reach and develop more effective strategies to combat it,” Dr. Saville added.
“CEPI’s efforts will focus on vaccine development and trials, research programmes such as the Enable 1.5 programme, and capacity building for healthcare systems in affected regions to effectively address the disease.” She said.
Similarly, the Director General of the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, Dr. Jide Idris, said Nigeria has hope in combating Lassa fever with the launch of the ENABLE 1.5 research study.
The DG, who was represented by the Director of Planning Research and Statistics, Dr. Sikiru Badaru, said the expanded investigation represents key progress in Nigeria’s battle against Lassa fever.
He said, “We are improving our capacity to identify and recognise cases while preparing for future vaccine development by examining the disease’s symptoms and its connection to other infections.”
“The results of this work are vital for forming health practices and promoting the health of populations in Nigeria and West Africa.
“Our global partners and local communities are assisting us in making strides towards lessening the impact of Lassa fever and getting ready for a future that can block its life-threatening effects.”
He also explained that to better understand Lassa fever, the ENABLE 1.5 study investigates the virus’s epidemiology, seroepidemiology, and molecular epidemiology.
“This research has identified the strains circulating in Nigeria, Sierra Leone, and Liberia, revealing the possibility of a candidate vaccine potent enough to map various strains.”
“Healthcare workers, especially doctors and nurses, are most exposed to Lassa fever, while rural areas and villages are most affected.”
“The collaboration between CEPI, the Nigerian Centre for Disease Control, and local health facilities is crucial, and the tertiary health facilities, including specialist hospitals and federal medical centres, participate in the study.”
“The development of a Lassa fever vaccine brings hope for a future without this disease. Continuous research and collaboration are crucial to overcoming this deadly virus,” He added.
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