The Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI) announced it has invested more than $250 million in Lassa fever research since 2017 to develop a vaccine against the deadly disease.
Gabriel Brugelmans, Director of Epidemiology and Data Science at CEPI, disclosed this on Wednesday at the launch of the Enable 1.5 Cohort Study in Abuja.
Enable 1.5 is a major research initiative aimed at assessing the incidence, symptoms, and co-infection of Lassa fever and malaria in West Africa.
The new study, led by the Nigeria Center for Disease Control (NCDC), CEPI and other partners, will begin in October at designated locations in Edo, Ondo and Ebonyi states, followed by Sierra Leone and Liberia in the coming weeks. It is planned that .
“Through deeper investigation of changes in Lassa fever symptoms and how it compares to other infectious diseases prevalent in the community, we can improve diagnosis, strengthen outbreak preparedness, and inform future vaccine development.” We will have valuable insights to offer,” the statement reads in part.
investment, new study
Mr. Bruegelmans emphasized CEPI’s comprehensive investments over the years.
“This means not only investing in vaccine trials, but also investing in Enable research programs to actually get the critical data,” she said, adding that the Enable 1.5 study includes Nigeria, Sierra Leone and Sierra Leone. It added that 5,000 healthy people, including children and infants from across the country, are expected to participate. Liberia.
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CEPI CEO Richard Hatchett emphasized the importance of understanding the true incidence of Lassa fever in order to determine future responses⁰⁰⁰⁰⁰⁰⁰⁰⁰.
“Incomplete detection of Lassa fever cases hinders 50,000 people’s understanding of the true incidence of this disease and impacts resource allocation,” Hatchett said.
NCDC DG gave a lecture
In a speech, Jade Idris, director of the Nigeria Center for Disease Control (NCDC), hailed the study as an important step in Nigeria’s fight against Lassa fever.
“This research will improve our ability to identify and recognize cases, and prepare for future vaccine development by examining disease symptoms and associations with other infectious diseases,” he said. Ta.
“The results of this study are essential to establishing healthy practices and promoting population health in Nigeria and West Africa.
“Our global partners and local communities are helping us move forward to reduce the impact of Lassa fever and prepare for a future where its life-threatening effects can be stopped.”
Elsie Ilori, Nigeria’s Enable National Project Coordinator, also said the launch of the Lassa Fever extension study was “an important step in the ongoing effort to understand and combat this terrible disease”.
“Through deeper investigation of changes in Lassa fever symptoms and how it compares to other infectious diseases prevalent in the region, we can improve diagnosis, strengthen outbreak preparedness, and inform future vaccine development.” We will have valuable insights to offer,” Mrs. Ilori said.
Lassa fever in Nigeria
Lassa fever was first identified in Nigeria in 1969 and remains a significant public health challenge in West Africa, causing periodic outbreaks.
As of September 15, NCDC data shows a total of 1,005 cases and 170 deaths from Lassa fever in the country in 2024.
In 2024, 28 states recorded at least one case in 128 local government areas (LGAs).
67% of all confirmed Lassa fever cases were reported from Ondo, Edo and Bauchi, and 33% from the 25 states with confirmed Lassa fever cases.
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