Kenya and Tanzania are embarking on major research projects worth Sh1.2 billion to deepen the understanding of Rift Valley Fever (RVF), a mosquito-borne disease that affects both humans and livestock. The initiatives aim to forecast outbreaks, accelerate vaccine trial planning, and improve preparedness across the region.
The studies will combine epidemiology with advanced computational modelling to predict how many people are likely to contract the disease in the coming years, and where outbreaks are most likely to occur. These projections will be essential for planning human vaccine trials, which require large numbers of participants and must be conducted where the virus is actively circulating.
RVF, first identified in Kenya’s Rift Valley in 1930, continues to trigger outbreaks across East Africa and beyond. Such outbreaks disrupt healthcare systems, threaten food security, and undermine livelihoods. The disease also poses a serious public health threat, as it can infect humans and in severe cases cause fatal illness.
Despite being classified as a priority disease by global health agencies, the true burden of RVF remains poorly understood. Its transmission dynamics between outbreaks are also unclear. Recent research has revealed hyperendemic regions where transmission has persisted for years, influenced by climatic variations and other environmental factors. These areas could serve as potential sites for large-scale vaccine efficacy trials.
The new projects will adopt a One Health approach, integrating data on humans, animals, and the environment to better understand how RVF spreads and spills over into human populations. By examining livestock movements, extreme weather events, and the effects of climate change factors that expand mosquito habitats the studies will provide critical insights into outbreak patterns and prevention strategies.
Importantly, the research will not only focus on vaccines but also on broader disease control strategies. Cross-sector collaboration involving human and animal health experts, vector biologists, and social scientists will ensure a comprehensive understanding of RVF. Findings, analytical tools, and early warning systems generated by the projects will be made publicly available, helping to strengthen surveillance and preparedness worldwide.
While livestock vaccines already exist, no vaccine has yet been licensed for human use. Current efforts are advancing several promising candidates, with hopes that the findings from East Africa will accelerate their development. By addressing knowledge gaps and using integrated approaches, the projects represent a critical step toward reducing the impact of RVF on health, food security, and livelihoods in the region.
