Zika Preparedness Latin American Network Adressing the urgent research gaps against the Zika virus and other emerging threats in Latin America (ZikaPLAN)

The ZikaPLAN initiative combines the strengths of 25 partners in Latin America, North America, Africa, Asia, and variouscentres in Europe to address the urgent research gaps (WP 1-8) in Zika, identifying short-and long term solutions (WP 9-10)and building a sustainable Latin-American EID Preparedness and Response capacity (WP 11-12).We will conduct clinical studies to further refine the full spectrum and risk factors of congenital Zika syndrome (includingneurodevelopmental milestones in the first 3 years of life), and delineate neurological complications associated with Zika dueto direct neuroinvasion and immune-mediated responses. Laboratory based research to unravel neurotropism, investigatethe role of sexual transmission, determinants of severe disease, and viral fitness will envelop the clinical studies.Burden of disease and modelling studies will assemble a wealth of data including a longitudinal cohort study of 17,000subjects aged 2-59 in 14 different geographic locations in Brazil over 3 years. Data driven vector control and vaccinemodelling as well as risk assessments on geographic spread of Zika will form the foundation for evidence-informed policies.The Platform for Diagnostics Innovation and Evaluation will develop novel ZIKV diagnostic tests in accordance with WHOTarget Product Profiles. Our global network of laboratory and clinical sites with well-characterized specimens is set out toaccelerate the evaluation of the performance of such tests.Based on qualitative research, we will develop supportive, actionable messages to affected communities, and develop novelpersonal protective measures. Our final objective is for the Zika outbreak response effort to grow into a sustainable Latin-American network for emerging infectious diseases research preparedness. To this end we will engage in capacity buildingin laboratory and clinical research, collaborate with existing networks to share knowledge and tackle regulatory and otherbottlenecks.

Project type:PhD project