Conference Abstract | Volume 8, Abstract ELIC2025223 (Poster 002)| Published: 23 Jul 2025
Oscar Lambert1,&, Obed Atsu-Ofori1, Sadat Ibrahim1, Ellis Owusu-Dabo1, Yaw Adu-Sarkodie1, Michael Owusu-Ansah1, Derick Kimathi2, Mohamadou Siribie2, Uchenna Simon Ezenkwa2, Armel Zemsi3, Ahmed Cherno Futa3, Mohammed Yisa3
1KNUST-IVI Collaborative Centre, Agogo, Ghana, 2International Vaccine Institute, Seoul, South Korea, 3MRC Unit The Gambia at the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine (LSHTM), Fajara, The Gambia
&Corresponding author: Oscar Lambert, KNUST-IVI Collaborative Centre, Agogo, Ghana, Email: oscarlambert126@gmail.com
Received: 26 Mar 2025, Accepted: 09 Jul 2025, Published: 23 Jul 2025
Domain: Vaccinology, Viral Haemorrhagic Fevers
Keywords: Lassa Fever; Site Feasibility; Vaccine Trials; West Africa; Hub-and-Spokes Model
©Oscar Lambert et al Journal of Interventional Epidemiology and Public Health (ISSN: 2664-2824). This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution International 4.0 License (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
Cite this article: Oscar Lambert et al. Assessing and prioritizing clinical trial sites for phase 3 Lassa fever vaccine trials in West Africa: A regional site assessment initiative. Journal of Interventional Epidemiology and Public Health. 2025;8 (Conf Proc 5):00145. https://doi.org/JIEPH-CONFPRO5-00145
A comprehensive desk review of clinical research registries and networks was first conducted to generate a preliminary list of potential trial sites, refined through national stakeholder consultations. Subsequently, site assessments were conducted using a structured Site Feasibility Assessment Questionnaire and an epidemiology module. Sites were scored on key domains (infrastructure, staffing, accessibility, engagement, past experience), using a weighted scale and qualitative inputs. Finally, findings were reviewed and validated during a regional workshop. Designated national hubs and spokes were selected based on their composite score.
Between September 2024 to February 2025, 36 sites were assessed. Preliminary results show diverse capabilities across countries. High-scoring sites based on their composite score were designated as hubs, while sites located in priority epidemiological areas with key feasibility gaps related to equipment, infrastructure, human resource and quality management systems were classified as spokes, warranting targeted support for trial readiness.
ARC-WA initiative has successfully generated a prioritised list of sites to support Phase 3 Lassa fever vaccine studies. This evidence-based framework will now guide targeted validation and capacity strengthening efforts. The hub-and-spokes model enhances scalability, promotes equitable site inclusion, and responsiveness for future vaccine trials in West Africa.
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