Eight African countries have launched a pioneering HIV vaccine research initiative under the "Bringing Innovation to Clinical and Laboratory Research to End HIV in Africa through New Vaccine Technology" (BRILLIANT) program. With a $45 million grant from the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), the initiative aims to accelerate HIV vaccine development through cutting-edge science and technology as part of the HIV Vaccine Innovation, Science, and Technology Acceleration in Africa (HIV-VISTA) program.  

The BRILLIANT consortium involves Nigeria, South Africa, Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania, Zimbabwe, Zambia, and Mozambique in a collaborative effort to combat the HIV epidemic. Nigeria, the only West African country in the program, will serve as a key site for the continent's first HIV vaccine trial in the region.  

Speaking in Abuja, the Director-General of Nigeria's National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA), Dr. Temitope Ilori, highlighted the significance of the initiative. "This five-year research effort represents a critical step toward developing an effective HIV vaccine," Dr. Ilori stated. "It aligns with our national goal to eradicate HIV and demonstrates Nigeria’s leadership in the global fight against the virus."  

Dr. Ilori noted that the vaccine could transform public health outcomes, particularly among young populations, as part of broader efforts to achieve the Federal Ministry of Health’s goal of ending HIV by 2030.  

Prof. Alash’le Abimiku, Executive Director of the International Research Centre of Excellence at IHVN and Principal Investigator for BRILLIANT in Nigeria, emphasized the program’s importance for Africa. “This trial represents Africa’s proactive stance against an epidemic that has disproportionately affected us,” Prof. Abimiku said. “By employing innovative technologies like mRNA, we are building Africa’s capacity for scientific solutions that address the needs of our communities.”  

Sub-Saharan Africa bears the brunt of the global HIV epidemic, accounting for over 70% of cases worldwide. To address this, the BRILLIANT program integrates local communities into the research process to ensure accessibility and equity in future vaccines.  

The initiative also prioritizes the development of Africa’s research and manufacturing capabilities, moving the continent beyond its traditional role as a testing ground. “This positions Africa as a partner in global health solutions,” Prof. Abimiku added. She credited earlier programs, such as the Nigerian-Canadian Collaboration on AIDS Vaccine (NICCAV), for laying the groundwork for conducting vaccine trials in Nigeria.  

Dr. Leo Zekeng, UNAIDS Country Director, lauded the USAID-funded program for its role in addressing global health inequities. “This project supports Africa’s scientific empowerment and aligns with our shared goal to end AIDS by 2030,” Dr. Zekeng said.  

By combining cutting-edge research, technological innovation, and robust community engagement, the BRILLIANT consortium exemplifies a bold, integrated approach to tackling one of Africa’s most pressing public health challenges.  

 

Article by Jed Mwangi

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https://nannews.ng/2024/11/08/nigeria-7-others-begin-african-led-hiv-vaccine-initiative/