Rift Valley Fever Outbreak Sparks Rapid Vaccine Production by Oxford and Serum Institute

Rift Valley Fever Outbreak Sparks Rapid Vaccine Production by Oxford and Serum Institute

As Rift Valley fever spreads in parts of West Africa, global health groups are moving fast to stay ahead of the outbreak. The Serum Institute of India, the world’s largest vaccine maker, has teamed up with the University of Oxford and epidemic preparedness organisation CEPI to build the biggest emergency stockpile yet of a Rift Valley fever vaccine still under testing.

Under the deal, up to 100,000 doses of the experimental ChAdOx1 RVF vaccine will be produced. Around 10,000 doses are expected to be used soon in clinical trials in outbreak-hit areas to check how safe and effective the vaccine is, while the rest will be kept ready for future emergencies. In a sign of how urgent the response is, the Serum Institute managed to produce and label 12,000 doses in just over two weeks.

The partnership is backed by CEPI, which is funding the project with up to $3.5 million. Health leaders say the rapid turnaround shows how lessons from COVID-19 are being applied to new threats — acting early, collaborating globally, and preparing before outbreaks spiral out of control.

Rift Valley fever mainly affects animals but can infect humans through mosquito bites or contact with infected livestock. While many people experience mild illness, severe cases can lead to bleeding, brain inflammation, and death. The disease also hits farmers hard, as outbreaks can wipe out livestock and livelihoods.

Scientists believe the ChAdOx1 RVF vaccine is one of the most promising candidates so far. New trials could build on earlier studies in Kenya and bring the world closer to the first approved vaccine for the disease.

The latest outbreak has already recorded more than 610 cases and 47 deaths in Senegal and Mauritania, highlighting why health experts say having vaccines ready — even before full approval — can make a life-saving difference.