Scientists map research gaps between West Africa and a lassa fever vaccine

A new study published in the International Journal of Infectious Diseases has produced the first structured research agenda specifically designed to guide how governments in West Africa should prepare for a Lassa fever vaccine, before one is even licensed.

Lassa fever kills up to one in five people it hospitalises. Pregnant women face fatality rates above 30%, with foetal loss in up to 75% of cases. Modelling suggests approximately 897,700 cases occur annually across West Africa, though most go undetected. No licensed vaccine currently exists, though one may become available after 2030.

The study, led by researchers at MMGH Consulting, Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI) and the West African Health Organization (WAHO), used a structured methodology called Child Health and Nutrition Research Initiative (CHNRI) to survey 235 experts, with a majority from Nigeria and over half from government agencies — on which research questions must be answered before countries can make sound decisions about introducing a Lassa vaccine. Thirteen questions emerged as top priorities, covering four areas: who should be vaccinated, how the vaccine performs in vulnerable populations, its economic value, and whether communities will accept it.

The highest-ranked question was how to identify target groups for vaccination, followed by understanding which comorbidities increase the risk of severe disease, and quantifying the economic burden of Lassa fever in high-burden countries. Communication strategies to drive vaccine acceptance ranked fourth, a signal that demand-side readiness is considered as urgent as clinical evidence.

The paper makes a pointed case for urgency. The RTS,S malaria vaccine took nearly a decade to move from market authorisation to national introduction. Lassa fever, the authors argue, cannot afford the same delay, and the only way to avoid it is to start generating the right evidence now, while vaccine development is still ongoing.

WAHO has committed to embedding the agenda in a regional research and development plan, with funding bodies and national governments urged to align investments accordingly.

Read the full study at the International Journal of Infectious Diseases: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijid.2026.108787

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