
Dr Richard Hatchett, CEO of the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI), outlined the role of public-private partnerships and local and government leadership in the efforts to combat Lassa fever.
Speaking ahead of a significant meeting organised by the West African Health Organisation (WAHO), Dr. Hatchett emphasised that collaboration between governments, private industry, and local communities is essential in ensuring the successful development, procurement, and distribution of a vaccine for Lassa fever.
During an ARISE NEWS interview on Thursday, Dr Hatchett noted that CEPI, since its inception, has been deeply involved in supporting the development of vaccines for Lassa fever, with promising advances now being made.
He explained, “The vaccines are maturing.
“What will be important is to help the communities that we’re trying to serve understand the vaccine, understand the clinical trials, make sure that the countries are prepared to receive and introduce the vaccines.”
He stressed that beyond the science, it is vital to address the logistical challenges surrounding procurement, manufacturing, and the sustainability of vaccine production, all of which will be addressed in the meeting.
Lassa fever, which was first identified in Nigeria in 1969, has long been a significant public health threat. The disease, caused by the Lassa fever virus, spreads through exposure to the urine and droppings of infected rats. Despite its long history, Dr Hatchett pointed out that it wasn’t until 2019 that the first major conference on Lassa fever was held.
“Lassa is kind of a classic example of what we would call a neglected disease,” he explained. “There had been very few commercial drivers for big multinational pharmaceutical companies to develop a vaccine.”
Dr. Hatchett further stressed the importance of continued collaboration between the public and private sectors, stating, “Once we have a technical success and we demonstrate that we have a vaccine that works, that vaccine has to be manufactured, and it has to be sustained for the long term,” he said. “I think that’s going to take public-private partnerships. It’s going to take local leadership and government leadership to ensure that the vaccines are procured; that they are used rationally; that they are introduced appropriately for the populations that need them; and that we can ensure that they continue to be manufactured over time so that those populations can continue to have access.”
The forthcoming Lassa Coalition Governing Entity (LGE) meeting, set to take place today, is a significant step forward in this endeavour. Dr Hatchett praised the Nigerian government for its exemplary efforts in surveillance and data collection, which he described as “the best in the world.” He highlighted the role of Nigeria’s Centre for Disease Control (CDC) in leading the charge on Lassa fever surveillance, noting the ongoing epidemiological studies that have made local communities aware of the imminent arrival of a vaccine.
The challenges facing the vaccine’s development and deployment are multifaceted. Dr Hatchett acknowledged that while several vaccines are in development, questions around cost and manufacturing are still to be fully resolved.
He stated, “There are several vaccines under development… CEPI, right now, is supporting a portfolio of three different vaccines. The one that’s in phase two clinical trials is the most advanced and very promising, but it depends on which vaccine shows success and how it’s manufactured that will determine issues like cost, but we would view this as a public health vaccine.”
He explained that while some issues regarding the cost are still being worked out, there is a collective commitment to ensuring that the vaccine reaches the populations affected by the disease, without allowing cost to become an obstacle. Also, he highlighted the broader public health impact of Lassa fever, noting the severe consequences for survivors, with as many as a quarter of those infected suffering hearing loss which he described as a “lifelong, devastating consequence of the disease.”
The Lassa Coalition, established by WAHO in partnership with the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, is a pioneering effort to ensure that safe and effective vaccines are made available across the region. The coalition’s primary goal is to provide equitable protection against Lassa fever, addressing not only the immediate threat of the disease but also laying the foundation for sustainable public health infrastructure in West Africa.
The inaugural meeting of the Lassa Coalition Governing Entity represents a significant milestone in the global fight against Lassa fever, underscoring the commitment of West Africa to lead the charge in this critical health initiative. With the support of CEPI and other key stakeholders, the coalition aims to tackle the disease head-on, ensuring that the populations most affected by Lassa fever are given the protection they need.
Frances Ibiefo
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