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Lassa fever continues to pose a serious risk, especially during its peak season. In response, the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI) has partnered with Alice Equi Federal University Teaching Hospital to tackle the disease. The hospital recently established a clinical trial center, marking a key step toward developing a Lassa fever vaccine and improving outbreak preparedness.
Lassa Fever Remains a Deadly Threat as Vaccine Trials Begin
During a site visit, CEPI’s national coordinator, Sear, urged healthcare workers to remain vigilant. He emphasized that Lassa fever symptoms extend beyond fever and cautioned that many lives, including those of medical personnel, have already been lost. “We’re entering the peak season for Lassa, so we need to be careful. We must do more in terms of infection prevention and control. We do not want to lose anyone. It is too painful when someone very energetic and committed exposes themselves while trying to save lives. We need increased sensitization now,” he said.
Healthcare officials stress that early detection, strict infection prevention protocols, and public awareness are critical to reducing fatalities. The new clinical trial center aims to accelerate vaccine development, offering hope for long-term control of the disease. As Lassa fever cases continue to rise, the collaboration between CEPI and the teaching hospital highlights the urgent need for preparedness and proactive medical response.
SEPI Accelerates Lassa Fever Vaccine Development at AE Futa Clinical Center
SEPI leader Mandi has stressed the urgent need for a Lassa fever vaccine, highlighting its potential to save thousands of lives across West Africa. The disease continues to pose a severe threat, especially during the peak season, making vaccine development a public health priority. Alice Equi Federal University Teaching Hospital (AE Futa) now serves as a key clinical research site for SEPI’s ENABLE Lassa program. This initiative addresses critical knowledge gaps and ensures that clinical trials meet international standards. “Being one of the sites running this study, SEPI has always planned to continue more studies, including clinical trials and other major research. Such studies require proper infrastructure,” Mandi said.
Furthermore, the AE Futa clinical trial center represents a major step forward for regional healthcare research. The facility is equipped to conduct rigorous trials for vaccines and drugs, supporting both local and international scientific efforts. The center’s establishment underscores the importance of building robust infrastructure to support advanced clinical research. Experts note that such investments are crucial for strengthening Nigeria’s preparedness against Lassa fever and other infectious diseases.
Moreover, the urgency of vaccine development is amplified as the Lassa fever season peaks. Coordinated efforts among hospitals, research centers, and healthcare workers are essential to reduce fatalities and prevent widespread outbreaks. SEPI’s ENABLE Lassa program aims to accelerate vaccine availability while simultaneously improving public health strategies and awareness. As Nigeria and neighboring countries confront ongoing outbreaks, this collaborative approach demonstrates the vital role of research, innovation, and preparedness in combating deadly infectious diseases.
New AE Futa Clinical Trial Center Poised to Transform Lassa Fever Response
Professor Robinson, CMD of Alice Equi Federal University Teaching Hospital (AE Futa), described the new clinical trial center as a transformative development for both the hospital and the broader region. “This center is designed for clinical trials of vaccines, drugs, and any research undertaken locally or internationally. We are excited for the support we’ve received from SEPI and its partners. It is a 34-room facility equipped for vaccine trials and can enroll 15 participants per day,” he said. The facility is expected to strengthen Nigeria’s capacity to conduct advanced research and accelerate vaccine development for Lassa fever.
Furthermore, the new center provides a strategic platform for regional health initiatives. By hosting clinical trials locally, AE Futa can generate data that is directly relevant to West African populations. The collaboration with SEPI and international partners enhances infrastructure, training, and research capacity.
As the Lassa fever season reaches its peak, experts emphasize the urgent need for vigilance and preparedness. Hospitals, medical personnel, and research centers must coordinate closely to reduce fatalities and contain outbreaks. Investment in research, public health strategies, and vaccine trials remains the most effective approach to saving lives. This collaborative effort underscores the critical role of infrastructure, planning, and scientific innovation in protecting communities across Nigeria and West Africa from deadly infectious diseases.
