Rapid response platforms, particularly the messenger RNA (mRNA) platform, have changed the landscape of vaccine development, enabling the rapid response to the COVID-19 pandemic, said Dr Anthony Fauci, director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) on Monday. Fauci, speaking at the opening of the Global Vaccine and Immunization Research Forum (GVIRF), […] Continue reading ->
More than a year into the world’s largest global health emergency, health diplomats have fought hard to ensure that every country across the globe secures access to lifesaving coronavirus health products, including vaccines, treatments, and diagnostics.   That has not happened yet, given that 80% of countries that are now rolling out vaccines are either high-income […] Continue reading ->
Despite Friday’s commitment by G-7 countries to donate another US$ 4.3 billion to a global COVID vaccine campaign, World Health Organization Director General, Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus has accused high-income nations of still undermining equitable vaccine rollout by “doing deals” with manufacturers that deplete supplies available to the COVAX global vaccine facility.  Speaking at the […] Continue reading ->
After donating over 6 million Covid vaccines to more than 13 countries, the Indian government suggested the creation of a regional pandemic platform for preparedness and medical emergencies with its 10 neighbouring countries. At a meeting with health officials, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi proposed creating “a special visa scheme” for doctors and nurses to […] Continue reading ->
The United States is donating an additional US$2 billion to the COVAX facility over the next two years to facilitate the equitable distribution of COVID-19 vaccines to low- and middle-income countries, while the pharma company Novavax will provide a total of 1.1 billion doses of its vaccine to COVAX – a gesture that could increase […] Continue reading ->
The World Health Organization is set to deploy over 100 experts to Guinea – to respond to a widening circle of Ebola virus cases in a country that was also at the epicenter of the historic 2013-2016 West African Ebola outbreak, officials said at twin press events in Brazzaville and Geneva on Thursday.      […] Continue reading ->
The WHO head of the international expert mission to China to investigate the origins of the SARS-CoV2 virus, told a press briefing Thursday that the international expert group is not seriously considering the Chinese theory that the virus outbreak in Wuhan, first infected Wuhan residents through imported frozen foods.  The theory that imported frozen foods […] Continue reading ->
MOMBASA, KENYA – Africa’s ports are vulnerable to crime and corruption. Now they’re set to be the main thoroughfare for COVID vaccines entering the continent. Here’s why we need a better strategy to curb potential counterfeits coming through. Black-green tears of moss streak the facades of once-white buildings. The city is a maze of narrow […] Continue reading ->