The Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI) has intensified efforts to combat Lassa fever in West Africa, allocating $250 million toward vaccine development as Nigeria grapples with a surge in cases. Recent data from the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) reveals 484 suspected cases, including 143 confirmed infections and 18 fatalities across seven states in early 2025.
IAVI's vaccine candidate has reached a crucial milestone, advancing into Phase 2A clinical trials across Nigeria, Liberia, and Ghana. This development represents the first-ever Phase 2A trials for a Lassa fever vaccine, with plans for late-stage trials in Nigeria, Liberia, and Sierra Leone.
Strategic Partnerships and Governance
In a significant move to coordinate regional efforts, CEPI and the West African Health Organisation (WAHO) formalized their partnership in February 2024. The collaboration establishes a WAHO-led Lassa coalition, aimed at ensuring equitable access to safe and effective vaccines across affected populations.
Dr. Fatimah Saleh, Director of Surveillance and Epidemiology at NCDC, highlighted the organization's involvement in the Enable study since 2019, a multi-country epidemiological project tracking Lassa virus transmission patterns. The initiative gained additional momentum when Professor Muhammed Ali Pate, Nigeria's Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, launched the Lassa Vaccine Task Force in September 2023.
Infrastructure Development and Clinical Capacity
Dr. Abdu Mukhtar, National Coordinator of the Presidential Initiative for Unlocking the Healthcare Value Chain (PVAC), announced plans to establish 437 clinical trial centers in Nigeria by 2030. This ambitious initiative, in partnership with Purpose Africa through the Activate Africa initiative, aims to strengthen the country's health ecosystem and research capabilities.
Community Engagement and Communication Strategy
Mrs. Moji Makanjuola, Executive Director of the International Society of Media in Public Health, emphasized the critical role of strategic communications in promoting vaccine acceptance. "Limited awareness about Lassa fever risks persists in many communities across Nigeria. Simplifying information about the disease's dangers could increase vaccine acceptance," she stated.
Lessons from Past Epidemics
CEPI CEO Dr. Richard Hatchett drew parallels with the 2014 Ebola outbreak, noting that delayed vaccine availability led to significant human and economic losses. "If that vaccine had been available at the beginning of the epidemic, most of the 28,000 cases, most of the 11,000 deaths, and probably all of the over 50 billion dollars of economic losses would have been preventable," Hatchett explained.
Civil Society Organization Involvement
The recent CSO roundtable discussion in January 2025 identified key areas for civil society engagement, including:
- Building community trust through transparent communication
- Promoting government accountability in vaccine development
- Addressing logistical challenges in vaccine distribution
- Ensuring equitable access and affordable pricing
- Developing strategic communication campaigns
- Securing sustainable funding mechanisms
Professor Pate emphasized Nigeria's commitment, stating, "The fight against Lassa fever reflects our shared commitment to health security and equitable access to life-saving solutions. Nigeria is proud to contribute to vaccine research through epidemiological studies, clinical trials, and other activities hosted by our institutions."
