“Much stronger surveillance” of deadly H5N1 and other avian influenza strains in both domestic and wild animals is needed both in The United States as well as globally so as to head off pandemic risks from variants that could mutate to infect humans more directly.  A senior World Health Organization official, Dr Maria Van Kerkkove, […] Continue reading ->
There is an urgent need for Africa to develop local manufacturing capabilities for Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (APIs) so as to reduce reliance on imports, enhance healthcare outcomes, and stimulate economic growth. But innovative technologies and international partnerships can help stimulate African pharma growth, revolutionize API production, and ensure self-sufficiency across the continent in a post-pandemic […] Continue reading ->
BERLIN — The World Health Organization is kicking off its first European “investment round” Monday at the World Health Summit, seeking to secure backing for its $11.1 billion four-year strategic plan. The Berlin summit, a marquee event on the global health calendar, draws thousands of health leaders, researchers, and advocacy groups. On the agenda: pandemic […] Continue reading ->
The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) will sign an official memorandum of understanding with its Japanese counterpart next month, the director of Europe’s largest public health agency announced Wednesday. “Next month I will sign a cooperation agreement with the Japanese Center for Disease Control,” said Pamela Rendi-Wagner, who took over the agency […] Continue reading ->
The mpox outbreak – characterised by the all-too-familiar lack of vaccines for Africa – provided added impetus to the global negotiations for a pandemic agreement, which resumed at the World Health Organization (WHO) headquarters in Geneva on Monday.  Ethiopia, speaking for Africa, said that mpox, recently declared a public health emergency of international concern, “calls […] Continue reading ->
As climate change drives disease outbreaks, the world remains ill-prepared for another pandemic – lacking in collaborative surveillance, diagnostic tools and finance, speakers told the Global Pandemic Preparedness Summit (GPPS) in Brazil. The two-day summit, attended by a global who’s who of pandemic experts, aimed to “reinvigorate the momentum for pandemic preparedness and response” – […] Continue reading ->