Nigeria Joins Historic Study to Lead Africa’s HIV Vaccine Research Revolution

In a pivotal moment for HIV research, Nigeria has taken center stage in the groundbreaking BRILLIANT project, an Africa-led initiative to develop a continent-specific HIV vaccine.

 

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At a press conference in Abuja, the Executive Director of the International Research Center of Excellence at the Institute of Human Virology Nigeria (IHVN), Professor Alash’le Abimiku, shared key insights into the ambitious project and Nigeria’s unique role in it.

“The BRILLIANT study, fully titled “BRinging Innovation to cLinical and Laboratory research to end HIV In Africa through New vaccine Technology,” is a USAID-funded effort led by Africa’s top scientists”. With renowned researchers from South Africa, Tanzania, Zimbabwe, and other countries involved, the project aims to produce a new HIV vaccine developed by and for Africans, with Nigeria as the sole West African site”. She said.

 

 

Prof. Abimiku described this initiative as transformative for Africa’s public health landscape. “Africa cannot continue to be just a testing ground. This project allows us to develop a solution for our people,” she stated, emphasizing that the BRILLIANT study not only brings hope for an effective vaccine but also positions Africa as a leader in the global fight against HIV.

“The HIV Vaccine Innovation, Science, and Technology Acceleration in Africa (HIV-VISTA) project launched as part of BRILLIANT focuses on advancing vaccine research for HIV strains common to West Africa”.

“With a high prevalence of unique HIV subtypes like subtype G and recombinant CRF02, Nigeria’s involvement is seen as crucial for creating an effective vaccine tailored to its population.

The Director-General of the National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA),Dr. Temitope Ilori, underscored the importance of this milestone.

“We are proud to be part of a consortium that empowers African scientists and reflects our commitment to advancing Nigeria’s health security,” Dr. Ilori remarked.

 

 

He emphasized that while Nigeria has made strides in managing HIV, the country still needs a powerful tool like an effective vaccine to curb the virus completely.

“With support from the Nigerian Ministry of Health, the BRILLIANT study represents a significant shift toward local control in HIV research. Traditionally, African countries have relied on external facilities for laboratory assays and testing, but the BRILLIANT project marks a change by building local capacities.

“We’re conducting the research here, within Nigeria’s own labs,” Prof. Abimiku highlighted, reinforcing Africa’s emerging independence in managing its health data and resources.

USAID’s backing of BRILLIANT reflects the agency’s faith in Africa’s ability to drive its own solutions. “The involvement of African researchers and local stakeholders ensures this project respects and meets community needs,” Prof. Abimiku said, acknowledging the role of civil society in shaping the research to address local concerns effectively.

 

 

The USAID’s Project Manager-Specialist in Supply Chain, Victor Obianiri, praised Nigeria’s sustained efforts in the HIV response, particularly through increased access to antiretrovirals via PEPFAR and the Global Fund.

He noted that while these efforts have significantly improved the quality of life for people living with HIV, an effective vaccine remains essential to ending the epidemic. “This project could transform HIV prevention strategies across Africa,” Obianiri stated.

As one of eight African countries involved, Nigeria is making a bold statement on the importance of regional collaboration in public health. Dr. Ilori concluded by saying, “Our role in the BRILLIANT study is a proud step for Nigeria and Africa. Together, we are laying the foundation for an Africa-led solution to a global challenge.”

With BRILLIANT marking a new era in African-led HIV vaccine research, the continent’s researchers are closer than ever to changing the course of HIV and saving millions of lives.

The UNAIDS Country Director, Dr Leo Zekeng, spoke about the BRILLIANT study and building capacity for HIV research in Nigeria and the continent. He encouraged engaging the community to create awareness of HIV vaccines and similar research that continues to break HIV transmission rates.