The Federal Government and the United States Agency for International Development, have launched the HIV-VISTA project, an innovative research initiative to develop an HIV vaccine specifically suited for Africa.
Nigeria is the only country in West Africa participating in this five-year project, which is led by African scientists and funded by USAID.
At a press briefing in Abuja, the Director General of the National Agency for the Control of AIDS, Dr. Temitope Ilori, expressed optimism about the project. She noted that while Nigeria has made strides in reducing HIV infections, the epidemic remains a challenge. “What Nigeria truly needs is new prevention tools, and an effective vaccine is essential to our efforts to eradicate HIV,” she stated.
Dr. Ilori also introduced the project as the “Brilliant Project,” saying it aims to bring clinical and laboratory research innovation to end HIV in Africa through advanced vaccine technology. “The HIV-VISTA study offers hope for a vaccine tailored to our population’s needs, making Nigeria’s involvement in this global initiative essential,” she added.
The Coordinator of PEPFAR in Nigeria, Dr. Fummi Adesanya, underscored the importance of partnership, saying, “We must join efforts to end HIV as a public health threat by 2030, but not alone—in partnership.”
Dr. Ezekiel James, representing UNAIDS Nigeria, highlighted the urgent need for a vaccine due to high infection rates. “In 2023, new infections reached 1.3 million, far from our 2025 target of 370,000. Any initiative toward a vaccine is a step closer to our goal,” he said.
Dr. Adebogola Bashorun from NASCAP commended the project as a significant step forward for Nigeria and Africa, contributing to a global effort driven by scientists worldwide.
