The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) has highlighted ongoing efforts to develop a vaccine for Lassa fever.
The disease, an acute viral hemorrhagic disease endemic in West Africa, is largely driven by poverty-related conditions, including poor housing, lack of rodent-proof food storage, and poor sanitation.
The Director of Science and Innovation at Africa CDC, Dr Mosoka Papa Fallah, disclosed this during the bi-weekly high-level regional news conference on Thursday.
Fallah explained that high mutation rates in viruses made permanent cures difficult and limited market incentives slow the development of treatments for diseases concentrated in smaller regions.
The director noted that ribavirin has been used for Lassa fever for decades, but side effects and limited effectiveness highlight the urgent need for a vaccine.
“Several countries and institutions, including The Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI), and the Advancing Clinical Trials Excellence in Africa (AVAREF) have collaborated to develop candidate vaccines, and Phase 1 trials have been successfully conducted in Liberia.
“The Phase 2A trials are now starting in Nigeria,” he said.
He emphasised that the initiative represented a regional, collaborative approach, with African governments and partners contributing funding and expertise to advance vaccine development.
“Whenever we have a successful vaccine, it is a breakthrough in public health, and this regional strategy is designed to ensure long-term success,” he said.
Nigeria has recorded at least 165 confirmed Lassa fever cases and 31 deaths over the past five weeks.
Among those infected are nine are health workers, highlighting the risk to medical staff.
In Kano State, a recent outbreak caused one death and two infections but has now been brought under control.
The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) is urging strict infection prevention and control measures in healthcare settings to protect workers.
Some states are also enforcing sanitation rules for food handlers to reduce rodent-related transmission.
Lassa fever is primarily spread through contact with rodents and can also be transmitted between humans when precautions are not followed. Cases typically peak during the dry season, from November to April. (NAN)
