Strategic considerations on developing a CHIKV vaccine and ensuring equitable access for countries in need
Neil George Cherian, Alison A. Bettis, Arminder Deol, Arun Kumar, José Luis Di Fábio, Amol Chaudhari, Solomon Abebe Yimer, Raafat Fahim, Timothy P. Endy
Abstract
Chikungunya is an arboviral disease caused by the chikungunya virus (CHIKV) afflicting tropical and sub-tropical countries worldwide. It has been identified as a priority pathogen by the Coalition for Epidemics Preparedness Innovations (CEPI) and as an emerging infectious disease (EID) necessitating further action as soon as possible by the World Health Organization (WHO). Recent studies suggest that disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) due to CHIKV infection are as high as 106,089 DALYs lost globally. Significant progress has been made in the development of several vaccines, aimed at preventing CHIKV infections. This perspective article summarizes CEPI's efforts and strategic considerations for developing a CHIKV vaccine and ensuring equitable access for CHIKV endemic countries.