The Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI) said it has invested more than $250 million in Lassa fever research since 2017 for the development of a vaccine against the deadly disease.
CEPI Director of Epidemiology and Data Science, Gabrielle Breugelmans, revealed this on Wednesday at the launch of the Enable 1.5 cohort study in Abuja.
Enable 1.5 is a major research initiative designed to evaluate the incidence, symptoms and co-infections of Lassa fever with malaria in West Africa.
The new research, led by the Nigeria Center for Disease Control (NCDC), CEPI and other partners, would begin in October at designated sites in Edo, Ondo and Ebonyi states, while it is planned to begin in Sierra Leone and Liberia in the coming weeks. .
“Through deeper investigations into variations in Lassa fever symptoms and their comparison to other prevalent infections in the region, we will gain valuable information that can improve diagnosis, increase outbreak preparedness, and inform future vaccine development. “reads part of the statement.
Investments, new study
Ms Breugelmans highlighted the extensive investment made by CEPI over the years.
“This means investing in vaccine trials, but also in the Enable research program to get really critical data,” he said, adding that the Enable 1.5 study will involve 5,000 healthy people, including children and babies, in Nigeria, Sierra Leone and Liberia.
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Richard Hatchett, CEO of CEPI, emphasized the importance of understanding the true incidence rate of Lassa fever to inform the future response ⁰⁰⁰⁰⁰⁰⁰⁰⁰.
“Incomplete detection of Lassa fever cases makes it difficult to fully understand the true incidence rate of the disease, which affects resource allocation,” Hatchett said.
The Director General of the NCDC speaks
In his remarks, the Director-General of the Nigeria Center for Disease Control (NCDC), Jide Idris, hailed the study as a vital step in Nigeria's fight against Lassa fever.
He said: “This research will improve our ability to identify and recognize cases, preparing us for future vaccine development by examining the symptoms of the disease and its connection to other infections.
“The results of this work are vital in shaping health practices and promoting the health of populations in Nigeria and West Africa.
“Our global partners and local communities are helping us move forward to lessen the impact of Lassa fever and prepare for a future that can block its potentially deadly effects.”
Also the national coordinator of the Enable project, Nigeria, Elsie Ilori, said that the inauguration of the expanded study on Lassa fever is “a key step in the ongoing efforts to understand and combat this terrible disease.”
“Through deeper investigations into variations in Lassa fever symptoms and their comparison to other prevalent infections in the region, we will gain valuable information that can improve diagnosis, increase outbreak preparedness, and inform future vaccine development. “said Mrs. Ilori.
Lassa fever in Nigeria
Lassa fever, first identified in Nigeria in 1969, remains a major public health challenge in West Africa, causing periodic outbreaks.
As of September 15, NCDC data shows that the country has recorded a total of 1,005 confirmed cases and 170 deaths from Lassa fever in 2024.
In total by 2024, 28 states have recorded at least one confirmed case in 128 local government areas (LGAs).
67 percent of all confirmed cases of Lassa fever were reported in Ondo, Edo and Bauchi, while 33 percent were reported in 25 states with confirmed cases of Lassa fever.