Saturday, December 21, 2024
12/21/2024
Following the first VHF (Viral Hemorrhagic Fever) outbreak in late 2014 in the form of Ebola Virus Disease (EVD), it became apparent that Sierra Leone lacked the capacity to conduct basic surveillance for high-consequence pathogens like Ebola, resulting in a significant death toll with regional and global health implications. The outbreak resulted in a collaborative agreement (CoAg) between the US Centers for Disease Control & Prevention with Njala University, with significant investments made in enhancing human and institutional capacity over a two year period to determine the potential zoonotic source of the outbreak. The initial capacity development led to training and the acquisition of key diagnostic equipment, field and laboratory supplies, and other logistical support to conduct high quality and consistent testing of samples of small mammals like fruit bats through the use of differential Real Time RT-PCR molecular diagnostics. This effort led to the co-detection of the Marburg Virus in Egyptian Rousette bats and the first discovery of the Angolan strain of the virus in fruit bats in Sierra Leone. The focus of this application is to sustain current institutional capacity at Njala University, to conduct surveillance for high-consequence pathogens (e.g. VHFs), Rabies and Monkey Pox in small mammals in complex ecosystems across Sierra Leone. The high quality surveillance is expected to last for 5 years, conducted during different seasons and for a minimum of 70 days utilizing safe and secure trapping measures to collect blood and tissue samples for detecting and monitoring the presence of these pathogens in species with potential for serving as reservoir hosts. All testing of samples will be done at Njala University within a week of completing trapping and results shared with CDC for confirmation and possible virus isolation and characterization in positive samples through a material transfer agreement (MTA). This application is envisaged to achieve 4 strategic objectives and corresponding activities to achieve both short-term and intermediate outcomes. The four strategic objectives include the following: (1) improve and sustain current staff capacity for safe trapping, secure collection and transportation of samples from bats, rodents and other small mammals, (2)improve and sustain current staff capacity for laboratory diagnostics and long-term curation of field samples for VHF, Lyssavirus and Poxvirus, (3) improve and strengthen current capacity among staff for the scientific analysis, interpretation and reporting of surveillance data, and (4) implement community sensitization activities to promote knowledge of safe and secure handling of selected zoonotic vectors. Some key activities to be undertaken will provide opportunities to retain already trained staff to support the surveillance activities and to support the training of new recruits in field surveillance and differential molecular diagnostic testing of samples within the shortest possible time (within a week of completing field sample collections)in collaboration with VSPB and the Rabies and Poxvirus Branch colleagues. In addition to several other proposed activities, community sensitization and awareness done in collaboration with some key government agencies through the use of technically sound materials and culturally acceptable media, will generate information to promote safe handling of zoonotic agents in situations of spillover or outbreak events. A total budget of $2,973,946.00 as been proposed for a period of 5 years to sustain the current workforce and train additional new workforce for safe and secure sample collection across complex ecosystems and during different seasons. The first year budget is estimated at $667,555.00, and summarized in the budget section of the proposal. Njala University will provide strong financial oversight, and support auditing by an organization conversant with US Federal Financial Management, regulations and reporting.
HHS’ Tracking Accountability in Government Grants System (TAGGS) website provides access to detailed descriptions of grants, loans, aggregated direct payments and other types of financial assistance awarded by the HHS Operating Divisions (OPDIVs) and the Office of the Secretary Staff Divisions (STAFFDIVs).