Centre, Hospital Launch Lassa Fever Vaccine Research

The Institute of Human Virology Nigeria (IHVN), through its International Research Centre of Excellence (IRCE), in collaboration with Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Teaching Hospital (ATBUTH), has launched a research project in Bauchi State to advance the development of an effective vaccine against Lassa fever and strengthen disease surveillance across Northern Nigeria.

The study, titled, “Identification and Immunologic Characterisation of Adult Lassa Fever Survivors in Nigeria,” is being conducted in partnership with the Centre for Vaccine Development and Global Health (CVD) at the University of Maryland School of Medicine.

Addressing journalists yesterday during the launch at ATBUTH, the Nigerian principal investigator and executive director of IHVN, Prof. Alash’le Abimiku, said the research would investigate the immune responses of Lassa fever survivors to better understand how they overcame the infection.

She explained that the study would also identify the five strains of the Lassa virus circulating in Northern Nigeria to ensure future vaccines provide protection against the variants affecting local populations.

According to her, although treatments exist to manage the disease, there is currently no approved vaccine or definitive cure for Lassa fever, making scientific research and preventive measures essential.

Abimiku said the initiative demonstrates IHVN’s commitment to strengthening local research capacity and ensuring that African scientists and communities play a central role in generating knowledge that addresses the continent’s health challenges.

She urged communities to adopt preventive measures by reducing contact with rodents, the primary carriers of the virus, and encouraged residents to seek medical attention immediately symptoms appear, stressing that early diagnosis and treatment significantly improve survival.

“This study represents an important step in our efforts to understand how communities can reduce behaviours and exposures that increase the risk of Lassa virus infection. By studying Lassa fever survivors, we are generating locally relevant evidence that will directly inform vaccine development and ultimately save lives,” she said.

Abimiku noted that despite Lassa fever remaining endemic in West Africa for decades and recording high fatality rates, significant gaps still exist in understanding how survivors develop natural immunity and how such knowledge can accelerate vaccine development.

She said the 12-month study would generate critical data to support ongoing and future Lassa fever vaccine trials while creating a repository of clinical information and biological samples for future scientific research.

The project, she added, will leverage world-class laboratory facilities, including IHVN’s ISO 15189:2022 accredited laboratory in Jos, its regional biorepository in Abuja, and ATBUTH’s Molecular Genetics and Infectious Disease Research Laboratory.

Abimiku also called for continuous training of healthcare workers to improve early detection and diagnosis of Lassa fever, particularly in patients presenting with multiple infections such as malaria.

She disclosed that the research collaboration would eventually be expanded to other northern states, including Gombe and Taraba, to strengthen regional preparedness and response to Lassa fever outbreaks.

In his remarks, the Chief Medical Director of ATBU-TH, Prof. Jibrin Bara Yusuf, described the study as timely, especially as Bauchi has witnessed an increase in Lassa fever cases.

He reaffirmed the hospital’s commitment to supporting research, training, capacity building and partnerships that improve healthcare delivery and scientific innovation.

Yusuf said ATBUTH possesses the clinical expertise and laboratory infrastructure required to contribute meaningfully to global efforts aimed at preventing and treating Lassa fever.

He noted that the institution has more than 80 PhD holders actively engaged in research, training and professional development, adding that the collaboration would strengthen institutional partnerships, enhance knowledge sharing and promote joint scientific research.

The CMD also expressed optimism that the partnership would improve community awareness on Lassa fever prevention while equipping healthcare workers with the skills needed for prompt diagnosis and intervention, ultimately contributing to the global quest for an effective Lassa fever vaccine.