Nigeria’s Institute of Human Virology, Nigeria (IHVN), announces that it has begun research efforts for a vaccine that will be effective against Lassa fever, a viral haemorrhagic illness that remains endemic in Nigeria and continues to pose a major public health challenge.
Alash’le Abimiku, executive director of the International Centre of Excellence at IHVN, disclosed while briefing the press on Wednesday in Abuja, on IHVN’s forthcoming scientific symposium, that the institute was already working with two groups on potential vaccine candidates.
“We’re very, very excited because the Lassa virus is problematic for Nigeria. Right now, we’re working with two groups for the potential of testing Lassa vaccines and to see whether we will be able to identify a vaccine that is effective against Lassa,” she said.