Vaccine Research Service Capability

Organization Overview: Kano Independent Research Centre Trust (KIRCT) is the largest standalone biomedical research institute in terms of physical size in West Africa and as one of the largest in Africa. It is situated in Kano State, which is the most populous in Nigeria. Kano State isa hotspot for vaccine-preventable diseases, and being a commercial hub puts it in a strategic position that links its residents with people from nearby states and countries (e.g., the Niger Republic, Chad, etc.). KIRCT is a well-structured system with adequate infrastructure, a state-of-the-art genomic and molecular biology lab, a hospital complex, and trained personnel to ensure the safe, effective, and efficient administration of vaccines. The centre plays an important role at different stages of the vaccine value chain, from research & development (R&D) to post-vaccine monitoring/surveillance.

Genomics and Molecular Laboratory for Vaccine Research: Genomics plays an important role in developing, improving, and personalizing immunization strategies. It also helps to improve understanding of immune responses and management of vaccine-preventable diseases. KIRCT has a large, well-equipped Genomics and Molecular Biology Laboratory, which has infrastructure for molecular biology analysis (e.g., PCR, next-generation sequencing, genomic and epigenomic analyses, etc.) as well as a nascent biorepository. KIRCT is therefore, ready for vaccine-related basic science research collaboration with other researchers and scientists. It is rapidly evolving as a rallying point for genomics research in northern Nigeria.

Research and Development: KIRCT has expertise in vaccine research and development, including the basic research that involves understanding the pathogen, preclinical development to evaluate the potential of the vaccine before human trial, all phases of clinical trials, and expertise in research designs for vaccine preventable diseases, through surveillance and social science research.

Data Management and Analysis: We have experts who excel in data management and analysis, supporting evidence-based decision-making for public health initiatives and policy formation. We have the capability of using advanced techniques that will yield credible results to guide immunization campaigns and related interventions.

Vaccine Hesitancy: The issue of vaccine hesitancy is complex and context specific, varying across time, place and vaccines. In Kano, it is mainly influenced by factors such as misinformation, complacency, convenience and confidence. Community engagement is an important aspect of successful vaccination program. Our framework is based on trust and confidence building by engaging trusted messengers (e.g., community leaders, religious figures, and community healthcare workers) to address the issue of vaccine hesitancy, which is the main driver of poor vaccination uptake in the northern part of Nigeria. A good connection and relationship with community leaders, religious workers, mass media, the state and federal governments is one of the capacities the centre holds within the vaccine ecosystem and across the value chain.

Logistics: Maintenance of vaccine cold chain is another vital component of a successful immunization program, ensuring that vaccines remain potent, safe, and effective. With the issue of poor power supply and bad transportation networks in Nigeria, our centre has a 24-hour power supply to ensure a functional and reliable cold chain system, which is essential for storing vaccines at appropriate temperatures to maintain their potency, and proper logistics. Cold chain maintenance is therefore, paramount for effective delivery of immunization services.

Biobanking Infrastructure: Among the capabilities of the centre is the presence of a biobank for the collection, storage and analysis of samples to evaluate vaccine efficacy, and for post-vaccination surveillance, to monitor the safety and impact of the vaccine in the population.

Capacity Building and Training: KIRCT provides specialized training programs and workshops aimed at empowering local and international professionals in data management and analysis of “Bid Data” including disparate data of immunization programs using basic and advanced software programs, such as “R”, “SAS” and “Python”. We also have expertise in geospatial modelling which is important in assessing geographical patterns and trends of immunization rates and identification of clusters of “zero-dose” children.

Collaborations and Partnerships: KIRCT has had collaborations with the Federal Ministry of Health including training in the use of advanced evaluation tools to assess performance of national programs (e.g., NACA), and we are currently partnering with the immunization programs in Kano State to design, implement, improve and evaluate immunization activities in the State.

Policy Brief Capacity: Another capability of the centre is the ability to translate research into policy; to communicate to stakeholders, policymakers, and funders, guiding decision-making and resource allocation. This is possible for the centre through its connection at the state and federal level with stakeholders that include the legislators, and other relevant MDA(Ministries Departments and Agencies)

Storage Space: The centre possesses adequate storage space, which is sufficient and dedicated to the storage of vaccines separated from other medical supplies.  Well-ventilated, clean, and adequately sized rooms are available where vaccines can be administered in a comfortable, private, and safe environment. Kano State and KIRCT have agreed to utilize some of the space for immunization campaign activities.

Experienced Workers: KIRCT also has well-experienced healthcare workers, including doctors, nurses, and community health workers who are trained in vaccine handling and storage, administration, understanding the vaccination schedule, contraindications, and managing adverse effects if they occur. Our hospital on the KIRCT premises is well-equipped to handle vaccine-related adverse events.