Economy

    Global Consortium Launches GHS 78 Million Dengue Vaccine Project for Africa

    DENSTAR initiative aims for regulatory approval of new vaccine in sub-Saharan region.

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    Global Consortium Launches GHS 78 Million Dengue Vaccine Project for Africa
    A global research consortium has launched a €11.09 million project to speed up the development and approval of a new dengue vaccine for Africa. This initiative, called the Dengue Efficacy and Safety Trial in African Region (DENSTAR), began on June 1, 2026. It brings together top research groups from Africa, Europe, Asia, and North America. The project aims to generate crucial scientific evidence needed to license and widely distribute a next-generation dengue vaccine. The total funding for the four-year project is approximately GHS 78.09 million. Dengue fever is a serious viral illness spread by infected mosquitoes. It affects millions worldwide each year. Experts warn that changing weather patterns, growing cities, and more mosquito breeding grounds are increasing the risk of dengue outbreaks in Africa. DENSTAR will focus on evaluating a promising vaccine called DengiAll. This vaccine is designed to protect against all four types of dengue viruses. The project will help fill important knowledge gaps by testing its effectiveness, especially against Dengue Virus Serotype 4 (DENV-4). Results are expected to boost confidence in future vaccination programs. Dengue infections are becoming more common across sub-Saharan Africa. Pro Vice-Chancellor of KNUST, Professor Ellis Owusu-Dabo, highlighted this growing concern. He noted that dengue can range from mild to deadly. Climate change is a primary driver of this increase. KNUST, a key partner in the DENSTAR project, will be central to the scientific and clinical work. Their School of Public Health will lead parts of the research. The DENSTAR project has the potential to significantly impact public health across the continent. Professor Donata Medaglini, DENSTAR Coordinator, stated that the project unites global expertise in vaccine research and trials. She described it as a true public-private partnership. This collaboration aims to span critical gaps in dengue prevention. The goal is to get DengiAll approved for use in sub-Saharan Africa. Dr. Khalid Ali Syed from Panacea Biotec Limited noted the project's long-term benefits. These include reducing the overall burden of dengue and improving people's quality of life. The vaccine offers several advantages for widespread use in Africa. DengiAll requires only a single dose. It also does not need patients to be tested for prior infection before vaccination. Researchers also find it cost-effective to produce. This makes it suitable for large-scale distribution and technology transfer. The project also focuses on building research and clinical trial capacity within Africa. This will help strengthen the continent's ability to handle future health challenges. The European Union supports the project through its Global Health EDCTP3 Joint Undertaking programme.

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