The Vaccination and Paediatric Microbiome Project (VPM) celebrated the completion of two-years of follow-up, a graduation ceremony recently held for the first VPM study recruits. The human microbiome is a fundamental contribution to infant and childhood development and immunity, Global health efforts are dedicated to the first 1000 days of life. It highlights the developmental origin of diseases and potential significance of investigating the human microbiome for better health. The VPM Project offers an opportunity to transform our understanding of the relationships that exist between microbes in infants. The study also aimed to compare the immunogenicity and safety of IPV when administered via different routes and using novel immunisation devices, and diseases of significance in paediatrics.

The MRC Unit in The Gambia, through Dr Martin Antonio, Head, Molecular Microbiology and Mycobacteriology secured the (VPM) Project funding from the Bill and Melinda Gates foundation. The main aim of the study is to determine the structure of the microbiome in early life and to evaluate the impact of Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccination (PCV) intervention on its development. For the Study, 120 babies and their mothers plus household contacts of less than 5 years old were recruited at birth. These study subjects were then followed up monthly for the first year and then every 3 months in the second year. The graduation ceremonies took place in the villages of Jalokoto, Gifanga and Batabut Kantora. These are the satellite villages of Sibanor, located in the Foni District of West Coast Region. The event was attended by Dr Martin Antonio, Dr Brenda Kwambana-Adams, Postdoctoral Molecular Microbiologist and VPM Study Coordinator, VPM laboratory, field staff and residents of the various communities. In appreciation, the MRC presented graduands from the study, with MRC participant certificates, T-shirts, plastic pans and toddler food.

The village Alkalos, expressed joy and appreciation for the decision taken by the MRC to conduct the VPM study in their respective communities. They thanked The Unit for their continued assistance, support in health matters and reaffirmed their commitment to supporting The Unit in future projects.

Thanking the Communities Dr Martin Antonio commended the communities for their participation in the project, he illuminated that the villagers should be very proud of what their children have achieved today. “The graduands have contributed to the provision of data which will be used in future vaccine development to eradicate lung and brain diseases, he said. He also reassured the communities that all MRC projects are approved by Gambia Government through the Joint Ethics Committee which looks after the rights, health and well-being of all study participants. Describing the significance of the study, Dr Antonio stated that the study may not have a direct benefit for these children, but it will significantly benefit the next generation. Dr Brenda Kwambana further explained the benefits of the study to children all over the world. She expressed gratitude to the communities, and their families. She said that “all the children are still in good health since recruited into the study and she hopes that the relationship with these communities continue to grow stronger”. Also speaking at the ceremony, Mr Ma Ansu Kinteh (Field Coordinator), expressed The Units appreciation towards the communities and their unwavering support for the past two years.