Nigeria, along with seven other African nations, has launched a five-year research project to develop an effective HIV vaccine. Funded by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), this initiative partners with the BRILLIANT Consortium to push forward the “HIV Vaccine Innovation, Science, and Technology Acceleration in Africa” (HIV-VISTA) program. USAID awarded over $45 million to BRILLIANT through a competitive process to implement this significant project focused on ending HIV in Africa through new vaccine technologies.
The African countries participating in the initiative include Nigeria, South Africa, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Tanzania, Uganda, Kenya, and Mozambique. Speaking in Abuja, Temitope Ilori, the Director General of Nigeria’s National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA), emphasized the importance of this project, which aims to develop a vaccine specifically suited to Africa’s unique health challenges. According to Ilori, the project’s success could play a crucial role in the continent’s goal of eradicating HIV, a virus particularly widespread among young Africans.
Africa currently bears around 65% of the world’s HIV cases, affecting approximately 25.9 million people, with Nigeria accounting for 1.9 million of those cases, making it the fourth-highest HIV burden globally. Ilori highlighted that an effective vaccine, complementing existing prevention strategies, is vital to ending HIV in Nigeria. “Despite progress in reducing new infections, the epidemic continues, demonstrating the urgent need for new prevention tools. This vaccine research offers hope for a solution tailored to our population,” Ilori stated.
The project not only aims to develop an HIV vaccine but also seeks to mobilize African scientists to lead the process, strengthening Africa’s capabilities in medical research and development. Ilori explained that the BRILLIANT consortium’s mission aligns with NACA’s public health goals and reflects USAID’s “Collaborate, Learn, and Adapt” framework. NACA’s involvement in this collaboration signifies Nigeria’s commitment to both national interests and global health goals.
Dr. Alash’le Abimiku, Executive Director of the International Research Centre of Excellence at the Institute of Human Virology Nigeria and Nigeria’s Principal Investigator in this project, noted that the HIV-VISTA program will conduct all vaccine development activities within Sub-Saharan Africa. According to Dr. Abimiku, these efforts are focused on building research capacity in Africa, with funding applied directly to African research initiatives instead of being channeled back to the U.S. "This collaboration aims to empower African institutions, develop partnerships with the private sector, and generate resources for a more sustainable system for HIV vaccine development,” she said.
The HIV-VISTA program is a promising step forward in HIV prevention and vaccine research tailored to the African context, with Nigeria’s involvement underscoring its dedication to ending the HIV epidemic across the continent. This initiative is expected to strengthen local health systems and bring new hope to millions affected by HIV throughout Sub-Saharan Africa.
Health
Cholera Outbreak in Plateau State Claims One Life, Hospitalizes 60
A cholera outbreak in Kanam Local Government Area (LGA) of Plateau State has claimed one life and hospitalized about 60 others.
Measles Cases Surge by 20% in 2023, Highlighting Vaccine Gaps
A new study released on Thursday revealed a worrying rise in global measles cases, showing a 20% increase in 2023, with over 10 million reported cases.
WHO Warns of Alarming Diabetes Surge in Africa by 2045
The World Health Organization (WHO) has issued a warning that, without urgent action, the number of people living with diabetes in Africa could rise to 54 million by 2045, marking the highest projected increase globally.
Africa CDC Endorses First Locally Made Mpox Test from Morocco
In a move to strengthen Africa's health independence and improve outbreak response, the Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) has endorsed the continent's first locally developed Mpox test, created in Morocco.
Study Shows Global Diabetes Cases Have Doubled Since 1990 and that Over 800 million adults have diabetes
A recent study has revealed that over 800 million adults worldwide are living with diabetes, marking a significant increase in the global prevalence of the disease.
Global Health Experts Unite at WISH 2024 to Address Conflict and Equity in Healthcare
The seventh World Innovation Summit for Health (WISH) began on Wednesday in Doha, bringing together healthcare experts from around the world to discuss ways to make healthcare more accessible, equitable, and resilient.
SHA Appoints Robert Ingasira as Acting CEO Amid Elijah Wachira's Suspension
The Social Health Authority (SHA) has appointed Robert Ingasira as acting Chief Executive Officer following the suspension of Elijah Wachira, who previously held the role.
Government to Provide Free Dialysis for Kidney Patients Under NHIS Starting December 1
The government of Ghana is set to cover the cost of dialysis treatment for kidney patients under the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS), starting December 1, 2024.
Kenya Confirms Three New Mpox Cases, Raising National Total to 17
Kenya’s Ministry of Health has announced three new Mpox cases, marking the first confirmed infections in over a month.
Nigeria and Eight Other Countries Receive 899,000 Mpox Vaccine Doses to Combat Outbreaks
Nigeria, along with eight other African countries, has received a total of 899,000 Mpox vaccine doses as part of a coordinated effort to tackle the ongoing outbreaks.
Nigerian Government to Offer Free Cesarean Sections for All in Need
The Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare has announced that Nigerian women in need will now have access to free Cesarean sections (CS) as part of a new initiative aimed at reducing maternal mortality.
Ghana Faces 34,000 New HIV Cases as 2024 World AIDS Day Nears
Ghana has recorded 34,000 new HIV infections between January and the third quarter of 2024, according to recent data shared by health officials.
Kenya Set to Start Mpox Vaccination Campaign by December
Kenya is preparing to launch its Mpox vaccination program in December, aiming to protect those most at risk of the disease.
High Court Backs SRC's Standard Stipend Rates for Healthcare Interns
The High Court has upheld the directive issued by the Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC) that sets standard stipend rates for healthcare interns, dismissing five petitions that challenged the directive on grounds of discrimination and overreach.
Coast Healthcare Workers Demand Repeal of New Public Health Insurance Scheme
Healthcare workers in Kenya's Coast region are calling for an immediate halt to the newly launched Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF), claiming it has failed to deliver on its promises.