Global Health
Nobel celebrations for mRNA scientists Karikó and Weissman
On 2nd October 2023 the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine 2023 was announced as jointly awarded to Drs Katalin Karikó and Drew Weissman
Gavi’s 2022 progress report: rebounds and challenges
In September 2023 Gavi announced the publication of its 2022 Annual Progress Report, which presents insights into a “year of recovery” for immunisation
CEPI and Global Affairs Canada collaborate on biosecurity
CEPI announced a “renewed collaboration” with Global Affairs Canada, comprising CAD 1 million in funding to “accelerate the development of vaccines
Report: investigating vaccine manufacturing in Africa
Before and during the COVID-19 pandemic that Africa’s demand for vaccines exceeds its local supply: 99% of vaccines administered on the continent are imported.
COVID-19 vaccines and unexpected vaginal bleeding
Although insufficient attention has been directed towards the effects of vaccination on menstrual experiences, a study published in Science Advances in 2023
Genomic surveillance strategies: WHO’s step-by-step guide
In September 2023 WHO shared Considerations for developing a national genomic surveillance strategy or action plan for pathogens with pandemic and epidemic potential to support countries in the development of genomic surveillance strategies. This publication seeks to...
“A New Species of Trouble”: pandemic preparation in Africa
In September 2023 the Pandemic Centre at Brown University School of Public Health shared a publication that emphasises the importance of “identification, attribution, and consequence management” of pathogen releases in Africa. The report offers a “roadmap” for the...
Tuberculosis goals: leaders reaffirm “collective commitment”
At the United Nations General Assembly high-level meeting on tuberculosis world leaders approved a political declaration “reaffirming their collective commitment” to end the infectious disease by 2030. In a move recognised by WHO, Member States committed to “urgently...
UK government announces health security package at UNGA
The UK’s International Development Minister Andrew Mitchell and Health Minister Will Quince announced investments in “ground-breaking research and development” at the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) 78th session in September 2023. The government describes these...
WHO “welcomes” UNGA landmark pandemic declaration
At the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) 78th session in September 2023 a “landmark declaration” was adopted on pandemic prevention, preparedness, and response. This was the General Assembly’s first ever high-level meeting on the subject, which WHO welcomed....
Report: how can the EU improve its vaccine industry appeal?
A study carried out by Charles River Associates (CRA) for Vaccines Europe (VE) in June 2023 investigates the state of the vaccines industry in the European Union (EU). The goal of the study was to “identify the factors affecting vaccine investment” throughout the...
WHO urges health commitment at 78th UN General Assembly
Next week, from 18th to 26th September 2023, the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) will take place in New York and virtually. This is the 78th event of this kind at a time described by the UN as defined by “unprecedented setbacks on global progress”. WHO has...
IVI and CEPI announce renewed vaccine collaboration
In September 2023 the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI) and the International Vaccine Institute (IVI) announced a “renewed collaboration” to “accelerate the development of vaccines against emerging infectious diseases”. This was marked by a...
Partners approach human trials for drug overdose vaccines
A partnership involving a team at the University of Montana, funded by NIH, suggests that it is “nearing human trials” for vaccines designed to prevent fentanyl and heroin drug overdoses. Expecting to begin testing in humans in early 2024, the researchers will target...
Misled America: KFF study tracks vaccine misinformation
In August 2023 KFF shared the results of its Health Misinformation Tracking Poll Pilot as part of a wider effort provide accurate information to guide health policy in the US. This examines the public’s media use and trust in sources of health information and measures...
UK announces £210 million AMR investment from aid budget
The UK Department of Health and Social Care announced in August 2023 that it was supporting “state-of-the-art laboratories”, “cutting-edge” disease surveillance, and a “bigger global workforce” to tackle antimicrobial resistance (AMR). Through funding of up to £210...
Bovine TB: cattle pathway planning already underway
In August 2023 Farmers Weekly reported on discussions to develop a pathway for approval of the export of cattle vaccinated with the “much-anticipated” bovine TB vaccine. The discussions are taking place two years before the vaccine is schedule to be deployed. The...
The threat of the unknown: what is “Disease X”?
In August 2023 the announcement of the newly unveiled Vaccine Development and Evaluation Centre in the UK provoked consternation on social media. Repeated reference to the threat of “Disease X” was identified and questioned. Disease X is the term used to describe the...
International partnership targets parasitic worms in sheep
In August 2023 Moredun Research Institute announced that it is leading an international partnership with the University of Glasgow and the University of New England to develop an effective vaccine for on-farm worm control. This project will also include colleagues at...
Study: how effective are seasonal flu vaccines?
A study in Vaccines special issue Vaccines against Influenza virus presents a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials (RCTs) and test-negative designs (TNDs) to assess the vaccine effectiveness (VE) of seasonal influenza vaccines (SIVs) for...
