TETFund Urges Fast-Tracking of Lassa Fever Vaccine Research

TETFund's Executive Secretary, Sonni Echono, called on Nigerian researchers to accelerate efforts in developing the nation's first indigenous Lassa fever vaccine during a report reception in Abuja. This initiative is part of a TETFund-sponsored research project conducted by the Federal University of Health Sciences Otukpo (FUHSO).

Echono stressed the importance of translating research findings into practical solutions to mitigate the burden of Lassa fever, which remains a significant infectious disease in Nigeria. He pledged to present the research findings to the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) and the Federal Ministry of Health to support policy decisions that could lead to the establishment of a vaccine development center.

FUHSO's Vice Chancellor, Prof. Francis Uba, received a N250 million TETFund mega research grant four years ago for the Lassa fever study, led by principal investigator Prof. Joseph Okopi. The study revealed that Benue State has the highest prevalence of Lassa fever antibodies among five surveyed states, identifying poor housing and rodent infestation as major risk factors.