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The Institute of Human Virology Nigeria (IHVN), through its International Research Center of Excellence (IRCE), has announced the launch of a research study to understand how Lassa fever survivors fight and overcome Lassa virus (LASV) infection.

The study, titled “Identification and Immunologic Characterization of Adult Lassa Fever Survivors in Nigeria”, is a collaboration between IHVN-IRCE, the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Teaching Hospital (ATBUTH) in Bauchi State, and the Center for Vaccine Development and Global Health (CVD) at the University of Maryland School of Medicine.

Despite being endemic in West Africa for several decades with high case fatality rates, critical gaps remain in our understanding of how natural infection confers immunity in those that survive Lassa Fever, and how vaccine development can benefit from such knowledge. This 12-month collaborative study will seek to generate deeper insight into natural immunity following infection. The data generated will serve as a critical reference point for ongoing and future Lassa fever vaccine trials.

This study will also work with communities to minimize known risk factors and establish a repository of clinical data and biological samples —  a valuable long-term scientific resource for the research community. This work will leverage ATBUTH’s and IHVN’s existing world-class laboratory infrastructure. The infrastructure includes its ISO 15189:2022 accredited laboratory in Jos, Plateau State (PLASVIREC), the Institute’s regional biorepository facility (I-HAB) located on the IHVN campus in Abuja and ATBUTH’s molecular diagnostic laboratory- Molecular Genetics and Infectious Disease Research Laboratory.

Speaking at the launch, Professor Alash’le Abimiku, the Nigerian Principal Investigator and Executive director of IHVN-IRCE stated: “This study represents an important step forward in our collective efforts to better work with communities to reduce behaviors and exposures that increase the risk of Lassa virus infection. By studying Lassa fever survivors in Nigeria, we are generating locally grounded evidence that will directly inform vaccine development and ultimately save lives.”

The research reflects IHVN’s enduring commitment to advancing health through science, strengthening in-country research capacity, and ensuring that African populations are active participants in and beneficiaries of the knowledge generated through research.

Prof. Yusuf Bara Jibril, the Chief Medical Officer of ATBUTH highlighted the importance of this study for communities like his in Bauchi that have experienced a surge of Lassa fever cases since November 2026: “Our communities need to be sensitized about Lassa fever and how to protect themselves from getting infected. A Lassa fever vaccine is even more relevant and important now and we as a teaching hospital for the state will continue to partner to make this a reality for our people”.

Dr. Suleiman Yusuf, the Lead Collaborator at ATBUTH commented: “Bauchi State has the clinical and laboratory infrastructure to contribute to knowledge that will lead to prevention and treatment of Lassa Fever. In addition, my institution has a long-term relationship with communities to ensure that knowledge on how to prevent Lassa fever transmission is sustained in each community and that health workers recognize clinical symptoms of Lassa for prompt intervention.”

“We are excited to collaborate with colleagues in Nigeria and contribute to global efforts to develop effective vaccines against Lassa fever” says Dr. Justin Ortiz, Professor at the University of Maryland School of Medicine Center for Vaccine Development and Global Health in Baltimore, USA, and a Co-investigator of the study.

“Studying the natural immune responses of Lassa fever survivors may help identify immune pathways and markers associated with recovery and protection following infection. These findings can provide important scientific context for ongoing efforts to design and evaluate future Lassa fever vaccines” says Matthias J. Schnell, PhD, Director of the Jefferson Center for Vaccines and Pandemic Preparedness at Thomas Jefferson University. Dr. Schnell is the Principal Investigator of the parent NIH contract and the Inventor of a Lassa fever vaccine candidate.

Lassa fever remains one of the most significant and persistent public health threats in Nigeria and the rest of West Africa where it is endemic. It is a zoonotic disease caused by the Lassa virus, an Old World arenavirus whose primary host is the rat referred to as Mastomys natalensis.  Transmission to humans occurs primarily through contact with food or household items contaminated by rodent urine or feces.

The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) has already reported a case fatality rate of 25.1% in the year 2026 with outbreaks across 21 of Nigeria’s 37 states and 85% of cases concentrated in Bauchi, Ondo, Taraba, Benue, and Edo states. There is currently no licensed vaccine for Lassa fever although there are several efforts including that by CEPI to find an effective vaccine against Lassa.

IHVN Supports Global Fund High-Level Visit to Strengthen Nigeria’s Health Systems

The Institute of Human Virology, Nigeria (IHVN), in its role as a Principal Recipient of the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria, joined the Government of Nigeria and key stakeholders for a high-level visit by the Executive Director of the Global Fund, Mr. Peter Sands, to Kwara, Ogun, and Lagos States.

The strategic visit showcased the impact of Global Fund investments in strengthening Nigeria’s response to HIV, Tuberculosis (TB), Malaria, and resilient health systems while reinforcing state ownership and sustainable healthcare delivery.

Kwara State: Advancing State-Led Health Ownership

The visit commenced in Kwara State, where the delegation was received by His Excellency, Mallam AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, CON, Governor of Kwara State and Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum, alongside Her Excellency, Ambassador Prof. Olufolake AbdulRazaq, First Lady of Kwara State, and the Honourable Commissioner for Health, Dr. Amina Ahmed El-Imam.

The engagement highlighted the state’s commitment to strengthening health systems through strategic partnerships with the Federal Government, the Global Fund, IHVN, and other implementing partners.

Speaking during the visit, IHVN Director Special Projects, Dr. Aderonke Agbaje, reaffirmed the Institute’s longstanding partnership with the Government of Nigeria.

“IHVN has been implementing Global Fund grants under the leadership of the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare for almost 18 years. Under the current GC7 grant, we serve as the Principal Recipient for comprehensive HIV services and TB/HIV integration, supporting communities and the private sector while linking them with government health structures and services.”

Dr. Agbaje also expressed appreciation to Mr. Peter Sands and Global Fund Portfolio Manager/Country Team Lead for Nigeria, Dr. John-Thomas Nouboussi, for their leadership in advancing patient-centred service delivery.

Ogun State: Strengthening Integrated Healthcare and Supply Chain Systems

The delegation proceeded to Ogun State, where they visited the State Hospital, Ijaye, Abeokuta, to observe progress in integrated service delivery for HIV, TB, malaria, and Prevention of Mother-to-Child Transmission (PMTCT).

The visit also featured the commissioning of the Pharma Grade Medical Warehouse under the Ogun State Drug and Health Commodities Management Agency (OGDHCMA) by Governor Dapo Abiodun. The state-of-the-art warehouse is expected to strengthen commodity supply chains, reduce stock-outs, and improve the timely distribution of medicines and diagnostic commodities across Ogun State’s 20 Local Government Areas.

During a high-level stakeholders’ meeting at the Government House, participants reaffirmed their commitment to sustainable healthcare financing, counterpart funding, and stronger state ownership of health programmes.

Governor Abiodun noted that over 30,000 residents living with HIV in Ogun State are currently receiving free antiretroviral therapy, counselling, and support services.

Commending the progress made, Mr. Peter Sands said:

“What we’re seeing in Ogun is the power of integration and local ownership. Investments in HIV, TB, and malaria are stronger when they work together, and this warehouse will help ensure no one is left behind.”

Lagos State: Boosting Genomic Surveillance and Health Security

The final leg of the visit took the delegation to Lagos State where Mr. Peter Sands, senior government officials, development partners including IHVN toured the NCDC Multi-omics core facility at the Central Public Health Laboratory (CPHL), Yaba. The facility houses several high throughput cutting edge multi-omics platforms critical for positioning Nigeria to close the gap in genomics and other omics sciences research areas including non-communicable and Infectious Diseases with potential applications in precision health systems for humans while supporting better animal and crop breeding programs.

The laboratory represents a significant investment in Nigeria’s laboratory capacity and will strengthen genomic surveillance, disease outbreak preparedness, and national health security. The upgrade of the facility to the state-of-the-art multi-omics laboratory was made possible through global fund investments and is currently being managed by the Nigeria Center for Disease Control.

Director-General of the National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA), Dr. Temitope Ilori, described the facility as a transformative investment for Nigeria and sub-Saharan Africa.

“This is one of the most advanced laboratory investments in Nigeria and sub-Saharan Africa. It will significantly enhance research, diagnostics, and evidence-based public health interventions nationwide.”

She noted that the facility will strengthen HIV drug resistance monitoring, TB and malaria surveillance, and broader disease diagnostics, including cancer research.

Strengthening Partnerships for Greater Impact

The high-level visit reaffirmed the strong collaboration between the Government of Nigeria, the Global Fund, IHVN, and other partners in delivering sustainable, high-quality health services across the country.

As preparations begin for the next Global Fund grant cycle (GC8), IHVN remains committed to translating global investments into measurable health outcomes by strengthening health systems, expanding access to quality HIV, TB, and malaria services, and supporting Nigeria’s journey toward improved health security and universal health coverage.