The Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) School of Public Health has joined an international research consortium under the DENSTAR project to advance the development and deployment of a new dengue vaccine in Africa.

The four-year initiative, which begins on 1 June, seeks to support the licensure and rollout of a tetravalent live-attenuated vaccine known as DengiAll, aimed at providing protection against all four dengue virus serotypes.

The project is funded by the Global Health European & Developing Countries Clinical Trials Partnership 3 Joint Undertaking, backed by the European Union, with more than €11 million allocated for research and clinical trials.

Dengue fever, a mosquito-borne disease, is increasingly seen as a public health threat in sub-Saharan Africa, driven by climate change, urbanisation and insecticide resistance.

While most cases are mild, severe infections can lead to haemorrhage, organ failure and death, with no specific antiviral treatment currently available.

The DENSTAR consortium brings together 10 institutions from nine countries, including universities, research institutes, pharmaceutical firms and global health organisations in Africa, Europe, Asia and North America.

It includes partners such as University of Siena, Johns Hopkins University, the International Vaccine Institute, and Panacea Biotec Limited, among others.

Phase I and III clinical trials will be conducted among healthy African adults and children to assess the safety and effectiveness of the vaccine. The project will also include Controlled Human Infection Model studies targeting dengue virus serotype 4.

Deputy Rector of the University of Siena and DENSTAR coordinator, Prof. Donata Medaglini, described the consortium as a major step forward in global vaccine research.

“DENSTAR is a unique consortium that concentrates international excellence in vaccine research, development, manufacture, and clinical trials,” she said.

“By uniting top experts from academia, industry, and non-profit organisations, we are forging a true public-private partnership to bridge critical gaps in dengue prevention.”

She added that improving access to an effective dengue vaccine in Africa would advance the right to healthy and productive lives.

Chief Scientific Officer of Panacea Biotec Limited, Dr. Khalid Ali Syed, said the project would have lasting public health benefits by reducing infections and easing pressure on health systems.

Professor Ellis Owusu-Dabo of KNUST, who is leading the scientific component of the project, said dengue infections are becoming more common in Africa and can be fatal in severe cases.

“Dengue infections can range from mild to potentially fatal in the most severe cases. It is becoming more common in sub-Saharan Africa,” he said.

He added that KNUST is honoured to host the Phase III clinical trial component, saying the project reflects the university’s growing role in global health research.

“The Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology is honoured to host the Phase III clinical trial component of the project,” he said, adding that the institution remains committed to generating evidence for safe vaccine use across Africa.