# Training and Research on Arboviruses and Zoonoses In Nigeria and Sierra Leone (TRAIN)

> **NIH NIH D43** · UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS MED BR GALVESTON · 2022 · $252,400

## Abstract

ABSTRACT
Emerging viral diseases comprise several of the greatest global risks to human health, and West Africa is a
source and epicenter for several. These include arthropod-borne viruses (arboviruses), such as chikungunya,
Zika, and yellow fever with African origin and both ancient and recent histories of spread to Asia and the Americas
to initiate massive epidemics. Dengue also increasingly recognized in Africa as a major public health problem.
Zoonotic African hemorrhagic viruses also caused unprecedented outbreaks during the past decade. In 2014,
the first West African epidemic of hemorrhagic fever attributed to Ebola virus spread to several countries
including Sierra Leone, representing by far the most devastating filoviral outbreak on record with over 11,000
fatalities. Lassa virus, causing an estimated 100,000-300,000 hemorrhagic fever cases in Africa annually,
produced an unprecedented 2018-2019 epidemic in Nigeria. The mechanisms whereby these zoonotic viruses
emerge remain obscure along with understanding of their true disease burden and varied clinical disease and
sequelae outcomes. To address these challenges, we will develop a new generation of West African scientists
to predict, prevent and contain emerging viral diseases through multidisciplinary scientific and public health
training. Leveraging our West African Center for Emerging Infectious Diseases (WAC-EID, NIAID U01AI151801),
outstanding research leaders in West Africa, and the exceptional breadth of expertise in emerging viral diseases
at the University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB), we will provide multidisciplinary training for young scientists
from two leading universities: Njala University in Sierra Leone and Jos University in Nigeria. The aims of Training
and Research on Arboviruses and Zoonoses In Nigeria and Sierra Leone (TRAIN) include: 1. Provide general
on-site training at Njala and Jos Universities to Master’s/PhD students enrolled in the local graduate programs;
2. Provide specialized training at UTMB on the most advanced methods and techniques for expertise transfer to
Sierra Leone and Nigeria; 3. Provide on-site research training at Njala and Jos Universities to ensure successful
local implementation of the program, which will include education of laboratory technicians/managers among
others; 4. Integrate trainees into the WAC-EID’s research programs to gain hands-on experience in surveillance
activities, diagnostics and data management. Five trainees per year will participate in short-, medium-, and long-
term training phases at UTMB and in W. Africa. Training activities will include didactic courses, online modules,
field training, molecular/virological techniques including the study of animal models and pathogenesis, biosafety
training, and lab management education. Upon the completion of our training program, these young scientists
will play critical roles in surveillance to better understand the circulation of emerging viruses in the region,
mechanisms of...

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10461490
- **Project number:** 1D43TW012246-01
- **Recipient organization:** UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS MED BR GALVESTON
- **Principal Investigator:** Nathan Yakubu Shehu
- **Activity code:** D43 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2022
- **Award amount:** $252,400
- **Award type:** 1
- **Project period:** 2022-03-01 → 2027-02-28

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10461490

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10461490, Training and Research on Arboviruses and Zoonoses In Nigeria and Sierra Leone (TRAIN) (1D43TW012246-01). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-24 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10461490. Licensed CC0.

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