Monrovia

Researchers are conducting a Phase 2 randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled trial to assess the safety, tolerability, and immune responses of the rVSV94G-LASV-GPC vaccine in adults and children living in West Africa. This vaccine candidate has shown safety and protective effects against Lassa Fever in animals and was well tolerated in a previous Phase 1 trial. The study aims to expand safety and immune response data to include adults with HIV, older adults, and healthy children to prepare for a future efficacy trial in the region. Participants will receive one of two dosage levels of the rVSV94G-LASV-GPC vaccine or a placebo on Day 1. The study includes groups of adults, adolescents, and children divided into specific age strata. The trial evaluates vaccine safety and immune responses at multiple time points, including early periods of 14 and 28 days, and extended follow-up up to 7 months. The research will also examine vaccine shedding in saliva, urine, and possibly other bodily fluids in some participants. During the study, participants will be monitored closely with medical examinations, laboratory tests, and assessments of immune responses. HIV testing and counseling will be provided when applicable. Safety checks include blood tests, hearing exams, and screening for other infections. Participants are required to comply with contraception guidelines if sexually active and of childbearing potential. The total participation time includes follow-up visits over several months to ensure safety and gather detailed information on immune protection.

Researchers are evaluating how national medical oxygen strategies impact health systems and policy contexts in Africa and Asia. This study focuses on understanding the challenges and solutions related to medical oxygen access in six countries participating in the MOXY program: Uganda, Nigeria, Rwanda, Liberia, Lao PDR, and Cambodia. The research aims to inform national and global policy by involving stakeholders such as policymakers, implementers, and oxygen users, and by analyzing the costs and impacts of these strategies over four years. The study uses a mixed-methods approach with three embedded sub-studies: stakeholder analysis to understand the policy environment; policy-implementation gap analysis to examine differences between policy goals and actual practices; and comparative country case studies to identify unique challenges and solutions across different contexts. Researchers will employ co-design methods and annual stakeholder meetings to adapt the study to each country's needs. Participants, who are key informants from government, non-governmental agencies, professional groups, private sector, and civil society, will be interviewed at national, provincial, and local levels. Data collection includes interviews, policy reviews, program data, and surveys on facility readiness and clinical practices. The study will provide lessons and validated findings through national stakeholder dialogues and aims to improve medical oxygen service coverage and program implementation across countries.