Category: vaccine

MIL-OSI Russia: Scientific Symposium at the Polytechnic: New Technologies in Medicine and Physiology

MILES AXLE Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

Source: Peter the Great St Petersburg Polytechnic University – Peter the Great St Petersburg Polytechnic University –

On October 10 and 11, the Polytechnic University hosted a scientific symposium entitled “New Technologies in Preventive Medicine and Physiology”. The event was organized by Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University, the St. Petersburg Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences with the participation of the Preventive Medicine Section of the Medical Sciences Department of the Russian Academy of Sciences and the Physiological Sciences Department of the Russian Academy of Sciences.

The symposium, dedicated to new technologies in preventive medicine and physiology, was held as part of the events for the 125th anniversary of the founding of SPbPU. The participants were members of the Russian Academy of Sciences, leading experts in the field of immunology, virology, physiology, brain sciences, as well as young scientists, postgraduates and senior students of SPbPU.

It is a great honor for us that such an event is held at the Polytechnic University. This means that our university is a significant part of the process of forming advanced scientific thought in the field of life sciences in the Russian Federation. Any high-quality research requires a serious material and technical base, constant continuity, and development of educational programs. To achieve maximum efficiency, we must concentrate our knowledge, transmit it, and combine efforts at events like our symposium, – the first vice-rector of SPbPU Vitaly Sergeev opened the event.

After this, the event participants were greeted by the guests of honor.

We are facing extremely serious tasks that can only be solved by consolidating all our efforts. The areas that we are discussing at the symposium are priorities. This is the development of mRNA drugs, the creation of vaccines, genetically engineered biological drugs, medicines, and many others. I am confident that today’s event will be another contribution to the development of science not only in St. Petersburg, but also in our country, – emphasized the head of the Rheumatology Research Laboratory, Academician of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Honored Scientist of the Russian Federation, Chief Scientific Secretary of the Presidium of the North-West Branch of the Russian Academy of Medical Sciences Vadim Mazurov.

Polytechnic University has already become a bit like home for me. For many years, we have been cooperating with the university in two areas. Firstly, this is the educational level: we give online lectures to students. Secondly, we have close scientific cooperation in the field of microRNA, as well as in the creation of vaccines, primarily subunit, recombinant ones. The symposium presents reports on various topics, but all of them are related to the most pressing medical and biological problems, – noted the scientific director of the I. I. Mechnikov Research Institute of Vaccines and Serums, academician of the Russian Academy of Sciences, head of the preventive medicine section of the Department of Medical Sciences of the Russian Academy of Sciences Vitaly Zverev.

Words of gratitude to the Polytechnic University for holding the symposium were expressed by Academician of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Advisor to the Russian Academy of Sciences Yuri Natochin.

The first report was given by the Director of the Institute of Biomedical Systems and Biotechnology, Professor of the Russian Academy of Sciences Andrey Vasin. He spoke about the development of “life sciences” at the Polytechnic and the contribution of Polytechnic scientists to the development of these sciences.

Andrey Vasin presented the main areas of scientific activity of the Institute of Biomedical Systems and Biotechnology and its structural divisions, in particular the Laboratory of Molecular Neurodegeneration under the direction of Ilya Bezprozvanny, the Research Complex “Nanobiotechnology”, the Research Laboratory “Polymer Materials for Tissue Engineering and Transplantology”, the Laboratory of Nano- and Microencapsulation of Biologically Active Substances.

Yuri Natochin spoke about the problems of stabilizing the physicochemical parameters of blood, Vitaly Zverev spoke about vaccination. Academician of the Russian Academy of Sciences Sergei Seredenin spoke about the report “Pharmacological regulation of Sigma1R chaperone”. Director of the Pasteur Research Institute of Epidemiology and Microbiology of Rospotrebnadzor, Academician of the Russian Academy of Sciences Areg Totolyan spoke about COVID-19 and the development of infectious immunology.

A joint work dedicated to new technologies for the prevention of infections associated with the provision of medical care was presented by the head of the Department of Epidemiology and Evidence-Based Medicine of the First Moscow State Medical University named after I. M. Sechenov, Academician of the Russian Academy of Sciences Nikolay Briko, an employee of the Kemerovo State Medical University of the Ministry of Health of Russia Elena Brusnina and the director of the Central Research Institute of Epidemiology of Rospotrebnadzor, Academician of the Russian Academy of Sciences Vasily Akimkin.

The report “Natural technologies for controlling the activity of neural networks in the long-term range” was presented by the Director of the Institute of Higher Nervous Activity and Neurophysiology of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Academician of the Russian Academy of Sciences Pavel Balaban.

Director of the Federal Center for Brain and Neurotechnology of the Federal Medical and Biological Agency of Russia Vsevolod Belousov spoke about oxidative stress in neurodegenerative diseases.

On the second day of the symposium, visiting sessions of the Bureau of the Section of Preventive Medicine of the Department of Medical Sciences of the Russian Academy of Sciences and the Bureau of the Department of Physiological Sciences of the Russian Academy of Sciences were held.

Research in the field of life sciences began at the Polytechnic University back in the 1960s, when the Physics and Mechanics Department began training personnel in the field of “Biophysics”. Our university has become a real forge of personnel for domestic molecular biology, physiology, biophysics, virology and even medicine. Many Polytechnic graduates have been successfully working in the leading scientific institutes of our country for half a century and head some of them. A number of graduates are members of the departments of medical, physiological and medical sciences of the Russian Academy of Sciences. As part of the research conducted at the Polytechnic University, we collaborate with leading Russian and foreign research teams. I am very glad that we were able to gather such a large number of leading scientists of our country in the field of physiology and preventive medicine at the university. I would also like to note that we held two visiting Bureaus – the Department of Physiology of the Russian Academy of Sciences and the section of preventive medicine of the Department of Medical Sciences of the Russian Academy of Sciences, – Andrey Vasin summed up.

Please note: This information is raw content directly from the source of the information. It is exactly what the source states and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

Please note; This information is raw content directly from the information source. It is accurate to what the source is stating and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

http://www.spbstu.ru/media/nevs/science_and_innovations/scientific-symposium-at-polytechnic-new-technologies-in-medicine-and-physiology/

MIL OSI Russia News –

January 23, 2025
MIL-OSI Australia: Public health warning: viral gastroenteritis on the rise

Source: New South Wales Health – State Government

NSW Health is encouraging the community to stay on alert for symptoms of gastroenteritis, with testing and hospital data showing a significant rise in cases in recent weeks across the state.
The increase is being driven by two pathogens which commonly cause vomiting and diarrhoea, rotavirus and norovirus. Rotavirus can be particularly severe in young children. Norovirus is common cause of outbreaks are common in residential aged care facilities, schools and child care centres.
The latest testing data shows rotavirus notifications are at some of their highest levels in recent years.
Director of NSW Health’s One Health branch Keira Glasgow said it’s important to reduce the spread of gastro before schools return next week.
“Last week, there were more than 2,700 presentations to NSW emergency departments with symptoms of gastroenteritis. Presentations were particularly high in children who are under five years of age,” Ms Glasgow said.
“The message to the community is clear – simple measures can help stop the spread of gastro. Maintaining good hand hygiene and keeping children at home when they are unwell will give us a good chance to slow the spread.”
Viruses are spread from the vomit or stool (faeces) of an infected person. This can occur through close contact with unwashed hands, touching contaminated surfaces, when cleaning up body fluids, sharing of contaminated objects, consuming contaminated food or drink, and occasionally inhaling airborne particles when people vomit.
Viral gastroenteritis symptoms include nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, fever, abdominal pain, headache and muscle aches. They can take up to three days to develop and usually last between one or two days, and sometimes longer.
Advice for parents and caregivers includes:

Immunisation to prevent rotavirus infection is recommended and part of the childhood immunisation schedule. Immunisation is free for children under six months of age. The vaccine is given as two oral doses, at six weeks and four months of age, with completion of the course by 24 weeks of age.
The main treatment for viral gastroenteritis is to rest and drink plenty of fluids. Most people recover without complications but more urgent care may need to be sought for infants, people with suppressed immune systems, and the elderly, who may experience more serious illness.
View more information on how to prevent the spread of gastroenteritis.

MIL OSI News –

January 23, 2025
MIL-OSI United Kingdom: VDEC Pre-clinical team helps to develop organ-on-a-chip to protect human health
Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

Scientists at VDEC use ‘organ-on-a-chip’ models to study infections and immune responses, aiming to improve vaccine testing and reduce reliance on animal research.
Executive summary

Scientists are constantly trying to improve the use and efficiency of models in research. As such, they are exploring a move away from traditional tissue or whole-body models. This move is proving to be a successful route to protecting human health against a variety of pathogens.

Target

The Pre-clinical team at UKHSA’s Vaccine Development and Evaluation Centre (VDEC) has developed an expanding capability in the use of microphysiological systems (MPS), an example of this are the ‘organ-on-a-chip’ models.

Essentially, we can grow a range of different cell types in 3D structures that represent tissues and mimic human organs in miniature chambers supplied with very small volumes of growth medium (a substitute for human blood). Although we started out simply by infecting these systems with various strains of pathogens, we are now developing the ability to introduce parts of the human immune system as well so that we can model and understand how our bodies fight infectious disease and how we can enhance or supplement that protection.

Aims

Understanding the correlates of protection for new and emerging coronaviruses is at the forefront of science strategy around the world. The pandemic potential of coronaviruses such as Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) and Middle Eastern Respiratory Syndrome (MERS-CoV) has been proven in recent years. Understanding how they evolve, and impact humans is of utmost importance. Once we can understand how this works, we are then able to (or we then have another method to) test the efficacy of vaccines against evolving variants.

One model that highlights the importance of developing such systems is the adaptation of human alveolus MPS. The SARS-CoV-2 infection model described here (1) replicates the breathing-like stretch observed in lung epithelial cells and other biochemical characteristics of SARS-CoV-2 infection, allowing this to be used as a successful model of infection in live human tissue.

Options

An additional future benefit of this cutting-edge research is that it should help to reduce our reliance on animal research. Although that is a long-term view, it may also be possible that by increasing the complexity of the MPS models and analytical tools we use to interrogate them, we may one day be able to replace some aspects of animal research in medical research.

Outcome

Working alongside the teams that are developing and testing the MPS technology are teams using established challenge models, allowing direct comparison of human tissue replicating a whole organ system. The team at VDEC currently have 2 human lung-on-chip models. The first, a human bronchial airway and the second, human alveolus. Both models have been infected with SARS-CoV-2 in order to investigate the effect of this virus against various lung tissue types. A ‘non-breathing’ lung-on-chip alveolus model has also successfully been infected with SARS-CoV-2 and SARS-CoV, allowing characterisation of the differences between severe coronavirus infections.

Future work

Leading on from the success of the SARS-CoV-2 MPS, further work to develop a MPS model that can rival the current ‘gold standard’ MERS model is currently being carried out by the team at VDEC. This could provide clear evidence that MPS models are equally as effective as current models, refining the process of challenge studies across the board. We are working to extend the range of tissue types available for testing, for example working with brain and gut (2), as well as lung tissue to investigate movement of virus from organ to organ or to study difficult-to-study syndromes like long COVID or premature ageing.

The team is also pivoting transcriptomics, whole genome sequencing as well as sophisticated histopathological techniques to analyse these tiny samples. This means we will be able to detect small changes in the biochemistry, microbiology, and immunology of infected human cells very early on in the infection process to help us test new ways to protect humans. We have begun countermeasure testing antiviral drugs but intend to include vaccines testing as well using MPS technology, with a view to provide an alternate approach to certain aspects of human clinical trials. MPS-based technologies could allow detection of uniquely human issues with vaccine or therapeutic candidates ahead of human clinical trials, which could add an early ‘go’ or ‘no-go’ step as well as saving money downstream.

The use of MPS technology also allows our scientists to study infections from a new standpoint, as various environmental or immunological elements can be added or removed to investigate their impact. An example of this is that lung tissue can be infected with SARS-CoV-2 in the presence of individual immune cell populations to help us reveal and understand the significance of their roles in disease and recovery.

At VDEC we are at the forefront of this exciting technology, pushing its potential to the limits of human disease research and therapeutics for the benefit of public health.

Download this case study as a PDF

References

Šuligoj, Tanja and Coombes, Naomi S and Booth, Catherine and Savva, George M and Bewley, Kevin R and Funnell, Simon GP and Juge, Nathalie. ‘Modelling SARS-CoV-2 infection in a human alveolus microphysiological system’. Access Microbiology (2024). 6:9.

Jones EJ, Skinner BM, Parker A, Baldwin LR, Greenman J, Carding SR and Funnell SGP. ‘An in vitro multi-organ microphysiological system (MPS) to investigate the gut-to-brain translocation of neurotoxins’. Biomicrofluidics (2024). Sep 13;18(5):054105. doi: 10.1063/5.0200459. PMID: 39280192; PMCID: PMC11401645.

Updates to this page

Published 11 October 2024
MIL OSI United Kingdom –
January 23, 2025
MIL-OSI Canada: Manitobans Encouraged to get Updated Flu and Covid-19 Vaccines
Source: Government of Canada regional news

October 10, 2024

Manitobans Encouraged to get Updated Flu and Covid-19 Vaccines

Manitoba Health, Seniors and Long-Term Care advises that respiratory virus season is here and all Manitobans six months of age and older are encouraged to get their free influenza (flu) and COVID-19 vaccines, which are currently available at many medical clinics, access centres, pharmacies serving high-risk populations, vaccine clinics, nursing stations and through public health. COVID-19 vaccines will be widely available starting Oct. 15.

Flu and COVID-19 vaccines are especially recommended for those at higher risk of infection or severe disease, along with their caregivers and close contacts.

Those at increased risk of severe disease include:
- people 65 years of age and older;
- residents of personal care homes or long-term care facilities;
- pregnant people;
- children from six months of age until they turn five years old;
- Indigenous people; and
- individuals with chronic health conditions.
Influenza and COVID-19 can cause infections of the nose, throat, airways and lungs. These infections are spread through the air when someone who is sick talks, coughs or sneezes. They can also be spread through direct contact with secretions such as saliva or if a person touches an object that can carry and spread disease, including doorknobs or toys, and then touches their mouth, nose or eyes before washing their hands.

Public health recommends all Manitobans take personal health measures including:
- staying home when sick until they feel better and no longer have a fever;
- washing hands or using hand sanitizer regularly;
- covering coughs and sneezes;
- wearing a mask in indoor spaces can be considered as an extra layer of protection; and
- cleaning and disinfecting surfaces and objects that are frequently touched by many people.
Information and resources regarding the vaccine-preventable respiratory diseases, including resources for prevention, treatment and care of affected individuals in Manitoba, is provided at http://www.manitoba.ca/vaccine. The website also features a vaccine provider map to help people find a location close to them. For Public Health-run clinics, book appointments online at https://patient.petal-health.com/ or call 1-844-MAN-VACC (1- 844-626-8222) Monday to Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

– 30 –

MIL OSI Canada News –
January 23, 2025
MIL-OSI Australia: Anthrax vaccine protects sheep and cattle

Source: New South Wales Department of Primary Industries

10 Oct 2024

Livestock producers who manage properties where anthrax has occurred or nearby properties have been reminded to vaccinate their cattle and sheep against anthrax, even though there are no current anthrax cases.

NSW Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) and Local Land Services (LLS) advise annual anthrax vaccination on these high-risk properties.

NSW DPIRD senior veterinary officer, Amanda Walker, said vaccination is a preventative measure against anthrax, the spores of which can lie dormant in the soil for decades.

“Vaccination effectively prevents anthrax from occurring and helps break the cycle of spore production, reducing cases of this unpredictable and serious disease that can kill stock of any age or class with no warning,” Dr Walker said.

“If vaccination is continued over time spores in the environment will die, reducing the risk of anthrax occurring in the future.”

“Producers should contact their LLS district vet to obtain specific advice for their properties.”

In the past, most anthrax cases have occurred in areas bordered by Bourke and Moree in the north, to Albury and Deniliquin in the south.

LLS veterinarian, Scott Ison, said the disease is caused by the bacterium, Bacillus anthracis, and affected stock often show few or no signs of ill health before they die.

“Farmers can apply to use the vaccine through their LLS district veterinarian and once authorised, they can place an order for the vaccine with their local rural supplier or private veterinarian,” Dr Ison said.

“Farmers should suspect anthrax if animals die suddenly, as in many cases there may be no other signs. The disease may begin in a flock or herd with the deaths of single animals over a few days before increasing to dramatic losses in a very short time.”

Anthrax is listed as prohibited matter under the NSW Biosecurity Act 2015 and is a notifiable disease in NSW.

Anyone who suspects anthrax must report it immediately by calling the Emergency Animal Disease Hotline, 1800 675 888.

More information about preventing anthrax is available on the NSW DPIRD website or from LLS, 1300 795 299.

Media contact: pi.media@dpird.nsw.gov.au

MIL OSI News –

January 23, 2025
MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – Mpox vaccines – P-001626/2024(ASW)

Source: European Parliament

In 2022, the Commission purchased 334,540 doses of the MVA-BN vaccine (called Jynneos in the United States and Imvanex in the EU) and donated those to the Member States to respond to the global outbreak of mpox in Europe.

The Commission also concluded framework contracts under the Joint Procurement Agreement (JPA) that allow participating countries to purchase up to 2 million doses of vaccine until the end of 2024 and 10 million courses of the therapeutic Tecovirimat SIGA until mid-2026.

The Commission is currently in discussions with the JPA participant countries and the manufacturer Bavarian Nordic to conclude a new vaccine framework contract.

Imvanex is the only vaccine authorised at Union level for adult immunisation against mpox. The European Commission issued a decision extending the indication of use for Imvanex to include adolescents from 12 to 17 years of age on 19 September 2024. Tecovirimat SIGA is the only medicine authorised at EU level for treatment of mpox in adults and children weighing at least 13 kg.

Following the World Health Organisation (WHO) declaration of a Public Health Emergency of International Concern on 14 August 2024, the Commission donated 215 420 vaccine doses to Africa via the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention. To date, 200 000 of these doses have been delivered to the Democratic Republic of Congo.

The Commission is also coordinating the response by the EU and Member States in a Team Europe approach where Member States have so far committed to donating approximately 360 000 additional doses to Africa as soon as an agreement is reached on allocation and acceptance of these doses by recipient countries.

Last updated: 9 October 2024

MIL OSI Europe News –

January 23, 2025
MIL-OSI New Zealand: Plunket to help increase childhood vaccination rates

Source: New Zealand Government

Health Minister Dr Shane Reti and Associate Health Minister Casey Costello have announced a pilot to increase childhood immunisations, by training the Whānau Āwhina Plunket workforce as vaccinators in locations where vaccine coverage is particularly low.

The Government is investing up to $1 million for Health New Zealand to partner with Whānau Āwhina Plunket to train its workforce and establish immunisation services at up to 27 sites across the country.

Dr Reti says this is an important step in reducing the barriers to getting children immunised, helping to achieve the Government’s target of 95 per cent of children being fully vaccinated at 24 months.

“A key part of our plan to increase childhood immunisations is expanding the workforce able to deliver vaccinations, including midwives and pharmacies, so people can access vaccinations wherever they go to get healthcare,” Dr Reti says.

“With existing clinical infrastructure and professional networks, Whānau Āwhina Plunket is perfectly placed to put this funding to use and start vaccinating children very soon. For example Whangārei, the first site, expects to be able to deliver childhood immunisations by the end of 2024.”

Ms Costello, in her capacity as Associate Health Minister for maternity health, says Whānau Āwhina Plunket nurses are specialist health professionals who play an essential part in supporting women and families in the first days and weeks of a new baby’s life.

“Plunket is already supporting whānau to make informed decisions around immunisation, alongside the other services they provide to parents and families around the birth of their child,” says Ms Costello.

“The pilot will allow for Plunket to deliver vaccinations alongside in-clinic Well Child visits, at dedicated immunisation clinics, at community events and eventually in homes.

“It’s natural step for Plunket to work alongside colleagues and partners, including Hauora Māori partners, Pacific providers, general practice and pharmacists to make it easy for parents to get their children vaccinated.”

This initiative to boost the vaccination workforce is in addition to the $50 million investment over two years for Hauora Māori providers to deliver additional vaccinations, and thereby lift immunisation rates.

MIL OSI New Zealand News –

January 23, 2025
MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Free flu vaccinations available to 2 and 3 year olds

Source: City of Wolverhampton

As in previous years, they are being delivered via GP surgeries. Parents or guardians who have not yet received a letter or text from their GP inviting them for a vaccination are encouraged to contact their surgery as soon as possible to arrange an appointment.

For the majority of children, the vaccination will be given via a nasal spray, not a needle. For children who require a pork gelatine free alternative, or who are unable to have the nasal spray for medical reasons, an injectable vaccination is available on request.

John Denley, Wolverhampton’s Director of Public Health, said: “Flu can be deadly and is easily spread by children and adults.

“The free vaccine is the best way to protect your children and other family members, particularly more vulnerable relatives like grandparents or those with underlying health conditions, from becoming ill because of flu.”

Meanwhile, free flu vaccinations are being offered to children in local schools again this autumn. This year, all children from Reception to Year 11 are eligible for the vaccination and, as is the case for 2 and 3 year olds, the majority of pupils will receive the nasal spray, with an injectable vaccination is available.

Children who are home educated are also eligible and will be able to book an appointment at upcoming community catch up clinics from the end of October in various locations around Wolverhampton and the Black Country. For details, please call Vaccination UK on 01902 200077.

To find out more about the flu vaccine for children, read the answers to frequently asked questions and enjoy the 4 exciting Flu Fighters stories for children, Flu Fighters Versus Chilly, Achy and Snotty, Flu Fighters in The Battle of Planet Bogey, Flu Fighters in Close Encounters of the Germed Kind and Flu Fighters on a Vacc-tastic Voyage, please visit Flu.

MIL OSI United Kingdom –

January 23, 2025
MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Keynote address for the Honorable Minister of Health Official Handover of the Vaccine Van

Source: Government of Western Samoa

Share this:

25th September, 2024; Pharmaceutical Warehouse @ 12noon

Lau Susuga le Ta’ita’i o le Sauniga; Rev. Saaga Tuiletufuga

Australian High Commissioner to Samoa – H.E Will Robinson

and the Australian Department of Foreign and Trade in Samoa

UNICEF Chief of Field Office in Samoa – Ms. Khin Moe Aye and

the UNICEF office in Samoa

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Samoa has been making steady progress in terms of reaching all

eligible children with the vaccines as per the National

Immunisation Schedule. There has been successful roll out of 4

lifesaving childhood vaccines in the last 3 years like Rotavirus

vaccine, Pneumococcal Vaccine, HPV vaccine and Typhoid vaccine

to protect our children respectively from Diarrhoea, Pneumonia,

Cervical cancer and Typhoid fever. This year the coverage for the 2

doses of Measles vaccine has been quite encouraging for Samoa.

The coverage of first dose of Measles has reached 91% for the first time in the last 5 years after the Measles outbreak and the 2nd dose of Measles vaccine is around 64%. I am confident that our

Immunization Program or EPI team will be able to reach the

missed children in the remaining months of this year to achieve a

good coverage for the year through our continuous and existing

outreach vaccinations.

The new vaccine introduction initiative, Post-Measles Outbreak

recovery plan and COVID-19 Pandemic, brought in a C-change to

the immunization domain of Samoa. There are significant

developments in Cold Chain, capacity building of health workers,

documentation and reporting to strengthen the Health System

with regards to Immunization with technical support from UNICEF.

The transportation and distribution of vaccines in the country was

identified as a gap. Now with this new vehicle procured with the

funding support from Australian Government, transportation of

vaccines will be faster, which means a boost in efficient and timely

vaccine supply of vaccines and logistics to the healthcare facilities.

The vehicle is also covered to protect vaccines against

unfavourable weather conditions. Though this vehicle will have

priority for vaccines, it may be considered to accommodate the

pharmaceutical supplies for distribution to the health facilities

across the country to improve the cost efficiency.

We are immensely grateful to Australian Government for their

timely support and also to UNICEF for their able technical guidance

and support for strengthening our Health system to get equipped

to provide quality services in a cost-effective way.

SOIFUA MA IA MANUIA!

Lauga a le Afioga le Minisita o le Soifua Maloloina

Tatala Aloaia le Tauaaoina o le Ta’avale mo le tufaina/kilivaina o Tui Puipui ma Vailaau

Lau Susuga le Ta’ita’i le Sauniga – Rev. Saaga Tuiletufuga

Lau Susuga le Komisina Maualuga o Ausetalia i Samoa, H.E

Will Robinson

Lau Susuga le Sui o le Ofisa o le Faalapotopotoga o le UNICEF i

Samoa – Khin Moe Aye

Le paia o le aofia ua potopoto,

Ua molimauina e tusa ai ma fa’amaumauga lata mai, le alualu i

luma o taumafaiga a Samoa, e ala i le to’atele o alo ma fanau ua

fa’atino o latou tui puipui fa’aauau. I totonu o le 3 tausaga talu ai,

na fa’amauina le lelei o le faatinoina o nisi o tui Puipui fou na

fa’amanuiaina ai lo tatou atunu’u mo le puipuiga o alo ma fanau

mai le tele o fa’ama’i.

O nei tui Puipui e aofia ai tui e puipuia mai fa’ama’i e pei o le

manava tatā, o fa’ama’i e aofia ai le nimonia, o le fa’ama’i o le

taifoi, faapea ma tui puipui mo alo ma fanau teine e puipuia mai

nisi o Kanesa o tama’ita’i.

O le tausaga lenei, e fa’alototeleina lava le auaunaga, ona o le

maoa’e o le tulaga ua o’o iai le fa’atinoga o tui Puipui o le Misela.

O le tui muamua lava o le Misela (MR1) e 91% le faitau aofa’i o alo

ma fanau e agava’a na faia tui Puipui. Ao le tui lona lua o le Misela (MR2) e 64%. O lo’o mafanafana lava, o le a fa’aauau le una’i a le aufaigaluega ina ia ausia le 90-100% o le tui puipui lenei o le Misela i nai masina o totoe o lenei tausaga.

O le o’o mai o nisi o tui Puipui fou e faaopoopo i tui Puipui fa’aauau a le fanau e puipuia mai fa’ama’i e pei ona ou ta’ua, o

taumafaiga o le una’i o le faia o tui ina ua mae’a le pipisi o le

Misela, faapea ma le KOVITI-19 o ni matati’a sili ia mo le

Polokalame o Tui Puipui mo Samoa. Ua si’itia fo’i le tulaga o le

mata’itūina o le mālūlū ma le vevela talafeagai e teu malu ai tui

Puipui, aemaise le taimi e feavea’i ma kiliva ai i tua i falema’i ma

nofoaga o lo’o faatino ai tūiga.

O lo’o fa’aauau pea a’oa’oga mo le si’itia o le silafia o tausi soifua

i le fa’atinoga o tui Puipui. E le gata i lea a’o le si’itia o le silafia e

fa’aleleia atili ai fa’amaumauga e ala i metotia fa’aona-po-nei. O

le naunautaiga o nei taumafaiga uma, ina ia mautinoa e faia uma

tui Puipui o alo ma fanau faapea ma tagata matutua e agava’a. Ia

mafai ai ona puipuia mai le tele o fa’ama’i pipisi. E le galo Afia i si

ona vao, ma e faafetai ai le lagolago a le Faalapotopotoga o le

UNICEF faapea ma le Polokalame mo Tui Puipui Fou o lo’o

faatupeina e le ADB mo nei taumafaiga.

A’o le meaalofa o le a tau’aaoina nei, e pei ona iai le ta’avale

faapitoa mo le kilivaina o tui Puipui, o se foa’i sili lea ua

fa’aopoopo e unaia ai le auaunaga o tūiga. E le gata ina ia mautinoa e vave ona taunu’u le tufaina ma le kilivaina o Tui Puipui mana’omia mo falema’i uma. Ae faapea fo’i ma le puipuia mai o nei vailaau ma tui mai le vevela ma vave ona fa’aleaogāinaai.

O lenei foa’i o le a fesoasoani tele, e le na’o le fa’aaogaina mo Tui

Puipui, ae mo le kilivaina o nisi o vailaau mo’omia i tua i falema’i

fa’aitūmalo ma nofoaga mamao o lo’o faatinoina ai le auaunaga

fa’asoifua maloloina.

O le agaga fa’agae’etia mai le Malo o Samoa e tauala atu le

Matagaluega o le Soifua Maloloina, e fa’afetaia ai le Malo o

Ausetalia faapea ma le Faalapotopotoga o le UNICEF mo lenei

foa’i, ina ia si’itia le auaunaga mo le mamalu o le atunu’u.

Ia fa’aauau ai pea le tatou galulue fa’atasi aua se Samoa

maloloina mo nei ma le lumana’i.

SOIFUA MA IA MANUIA

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October 8, 2024

MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

January 23, 2025
MIL-OSI Canada: Respiratory virus immunizations now available
Source: Government of Canada regional news

Eligible Albertans are now able to book their immunization appointments through the Alberta Vaccine Booking System, calling Health Link at 811 for pharmacy or AHS clinic appointments, or by directly contacting a nearby pharmacy. Albertans are encouraged to speak with their primary care provider for guidance on immunizations and what options are best for individuals and families.

COVID-19 and influenza immunization appointments can be booked as of today for openings available to the general public starting October 15. Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) immunization appointments can now be booked for openings beginning on October 21.

“As fall approaches, it’s important to plan ahead against circulating respiratory viruses. I strongly encourage everyone to consult with their local pharmacist, doctor or health care provider to make informed decisions about their health and ensure they’re well-prepared for the season.”

Adriana LaGrange, Minister of Health

“Adding an extra layer of protection this fall is the best way to guard against the illnesses that typically arise during the fall and winter months. The respiratory virus vaccines that will be offered this fall are specifically designed to offer strong defense against the strains of these viruses that are expected to circulate this season.”

Dr. Mark Joffe, chief medical officer of health

New this year, in addition to influenza and COVID-19 immunizations, residents of continuing care homes and senior supportive living accommodations that are 60 years of age and older will have access to publicly funded Abrysvo vaccine to protect them from RSV through the Alberta Outreach Program.

Seniors living in the community who are 75 years of age and older will also have access to a limited supply of provincially funded Abrysvo vaccine. For those not eligible through the provincially funded vaccine program, vaccines will be available for purchase.

Quick facts
- For more information on respiratory viruses, visit the www.alberta.ca/respiratory-illness.
- The COVID-19 and influenza vaccines can be given to an individual on the same day.
- RSV vaccine must be given either two weeks prior to or two weeks after COVID-19 and/or influenza immunization vaccines.
Related information
- Alberta vaccine booking system
MIL OSI Canada News –
January 23, 2025
MIL-Evening Report: One of science’s greatest achievements: how the rapid development of COVID vaccines prepares us for future pandemics

Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Paul Griffin, Professor, Infectious Diseases and Microbiology, The University of Queensland

Since COVID was first reported in December 2019, there have been more than 775 million recorded infections and more than 7 million deaths from the disease. This makes COVID the seventh-deadliest pandemic in recorded history.

Factors including climate change, disruption of animal habitats, poverty and global travel mean we’re only likely to see more pandemics in the future.

It’s impossible to predict exactly when the next pandemic will happen, or what it will be. But experts around the world are working to prepare for this inevitable “disease X”.

One of the cornerstones of being prepared for the next pandemic is being in the best possible position to design and deploy a suitable vaccine. To this end, scientists and researchers can learn a lot from COVID vaccine development.

A look back

After SARS-CoV-2 (the virus that causes COVID) was discovered, vaccine development moved very quickly. In February 2020 the first batch of vaccines was completed (from Moderna) and the first clinical trials began in March.

An mRNA vaccine from Pfizer/BioNTech was the first to be approved, on December 2 2020 in the United Kingdom. Approvals for this and other vaccines, including shots developed by Moderna (another mRNA vaccine) and Oxford/AstraZeneca (a viral vector vaccine), followed elsewhere soon afterwards.

Previously the fastest vaccine developed took around four years (for mumps in the 1960s). Had COVID vaccines taken this long it would mean we would only just be rolling them out this year.

An estimated 13.72 billion COVID vaccine doses have now been administered, with more than 70% of the world’s population having received at least one dose.

The rapid development and rollout of COVID vaccines is likely to be one of the greatest achievements of medical science ever. It also means we are in a much better position to respond to future emerging pathogens.

New vaccine technology

A lot of work over many years prepared us to develop COVID vaccines as quickly as we did. This included developing new platforms such as viral vector and mRNA vaccines that can be adapted quickly to new pathogens.

While scientists had been working on mRNA vaccines for decades before the COVID pandemic, the COVID shots from Pfizer/BioNTech and Moderna were the first mRNA vaccines to be approved for human use.

These vaccines work by giving our body instructions (the “m” in mRNA stands for messenger) to make SARS-CoV-2 spike proteins. These are proteins on the surface of the virus which it uses to attach to our cells. This means when we encounter SARS-CoV-2, our immune system is poised to respond.

This technology will almost certainly be used to protect against other diseases, and could potentially help with a future pandemic.

In the meantime, scientists are working to improve mRNA technology even further. For example, “self-amplifying RNA” has the potential to enhance immune responses at lower doses compared with conventional mRNA.

mRNA vaccines teach our bodies to make SARS-CoV-2’s spike protein.
Kateryna Kon/Shutterstock

While our current COVID vaccines are safe and very effective at protecting against severe disease, they’re not perfect. We may never be able to achieve a “perfect” vaccine, but some additional properties we’d like to see in future COVID vaccines include being better at reducing transmission, lasting longer, and needing to be updated less often as new variants emerge.

Even now there are many COVID vaccines in clinical trials. So hopefully, COVID vaccines that improve on the initial shots will be available relatively soon.

Other desirable attributes include vaccines we can administer by alternate routes to needles. For COVID and other diseases such as influenza, we’re seeing significant developments locally and internationally on vaccines than can be administered via skin patches, through the nose, and even orally.

Some challenges

Developing vaccines for COVID was a huge challenge, but one that can mostly be judged a success. Research has estimated COVID vaccines saved 14.4 million lives across 185 countries in just their first year.

However, the story of COVID vaccination has also had many other challenges, and arguably a number of failures.

First, the distribution of vaccines was not equitable. Analysis of the initial rollout suggested nearly 80% of eligible people in high-income countries were vaccinated, compared with just over 10% in low-income nations.

Supply of vaccines was an issue in many parts of the world, so expanding local capacity to enable more rapid production and distribution of vaccines will be important for the next pandemic.

Further, adverse events linked to COVID vaccines, such as rare blood clots after the AstraZeneca vaccine, affected perceptions of vaccine safety. While every serious adverse event is significant, these incidents were very rare.

However, these issues exacerbated other challenges that hampered vaccine uptake, including the spread of misinformation.

Misinformation remains a problem now and will probably still be prevalent whenever we face the next pandemic. Addressing this challenge involves understanding what’s deterring people from getting vaccinated, then informing and educating, addressing misinformation both about vaccination and the risks of the disease itself.

Restoring and building trust in public health authorities also needs to continue to be a focus. Trust in governments and health authorities declined during the COVID pandemic, and evidence shows lower trust is associated with lower vaccine uptake.

The COVID vaccine rollout faced a variety of challenges.
Yuganov Konstantin/Shutterstock

Ongoing preparation

There’s no doubt our recent experience with COVID, particularly the rapid development of multiple safe and effective vaccines, has put us in a better position for the next pandemic.

This didn’t happen by accident. There was a lot of preparation even before COVID was first discovered that facilitated this. Organisations like the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI) have been supporting research to develop vaccines rapidly to respond to a new threat for some time.

CEPI has an ongoing program that aims to be able to develop a vaccine against a new threat, or disease X, in just 100 days. While COVID vaccines have been a huge achievement, work continues in the hope we will be able to develop a vaccine even faster next time.

This article is part of a series on the next pandemic.

Paul Griffin is a director and scientific advisory board member of the immunisation coalition. He has served on Medical Advisory Boards including for AstraZeneca, GSK, MSD, Moderna, Biocelect/Novavax, Seqirus and Pfizer and has received speaker honoraria including from Seqirus, Novartis, Gilead, Sanofi, MSD and Janssen.

– ref. One of science’s greatest achievements: how the rapid development of COVID vaccines prepares us for future pandemics – https://theconversation.com/one-of-sciences-greatest-achievements-how-the-rapid-development-of-covid-vaccines-prepares-us-for-future-pandemics-228787

MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

January 23, 2025
MIL-OSI Australia: ‘Beat the bite’ helps youngsters stay mosquito safe
Source: New South Wales Premiere

Published: 4 October 2024

Released by: Minister for Health

Thousands of children can help their families ‘Beat the Bite’ with the statewide distribution of books that help teach the importance of mosquito bite prevention.
‘Jack & Angie – Beat the Bite’ is an entertaining story about two youngsters who love playing in and exploring the great outdoors while staying safe from mosquito bites.

More than 77,000 books have been printed and are being delivered to schools, early childhood and education centres and local councils across NSW, with 430 public and independent schools, 103 early childhood and education centres, 66 councils already having opted in to receive books. Other services such as Aboriginal health and immunisation services, scouts and guides across NSW have also ordered books.

The statewide distribution is an expansion of a popular Murrumbidgee Local Health District (MLHD) initiative which saw more than 43,000 books distributed across Murrumbidgee, Southern and Western NSW.

Mosquitoes can transmit diseases that are spread to humans through mosquito bites. In NSW they can carry viruses such as Japanese encephalitis (JE), Murray Valley encephalitis (MVE), Ross River, and Barmah Forest virus.

These viruses may cause symptoms ranging from tiredness, rash, headache, and sore and swollen joints to rare but severe symptoms of seizures and loss of consciousness.

Protective measures to avoid bites, include:
- Wear light, loose-fitting long-sleeved shirts, long pants and covered footwear and socks
- Avoid being outdoors at dawn and dusk
- Apply repellent to all areas of exposed skin, especially those that contain DEET, picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus which are the most effective against mosquitoes
- Reapply repellent regularly, particularly after swimming. Always apply sunscreen first and then apply repellent
- Use insecticide sprays, vapour dispensing units and mosquito coils to repel mosquitos. Mosquito coils should only be used outside.
A vaccine is available to protect against Japanese encephalitis virus, which is available for free to those at greatest risk of exposure. For more information on eligibility visit https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/jevaccine

Services interested in receiving ‘Jack & Angie – Beat the Bite’ can contact the Surveillance and Risk Unit, Environmental Health Branch at HSSG-EHBSurveillance@health.nsw.gov.au

Quotes attributable to Minister for Health, Ryan Park:

“This is a fun and informative way of helping youngsters understand the risk mosquitoes pose and ways to protect themselves and their families.

“The best way to avoid infection by mosquito borne diseases is to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes, and this creative children’s book explains to children and their families four simple steps to take to stay bite free; spray up, cover up, screen up and clean up.

“Through this story, we hope children can encourage their families, peers, and even the community to take simple actions to protect themselves from mosquito-borne diseases.”

Quotes attributable to MLHD Senior Environment Officer and Author, Tony Burns:

“I am really excited that Jack and Angie are going to be helping spread the message about mosquito bite prevention to a much wider audience.

“We know mosquitoes can transmit a range of diseases, so we want to make sure as many people as possible get this important message. We’re keen to see youngsters get the message early, so they can develop good habits around taking precautions against mosquito bites.”
MIL OSI News –
January 23, 2025
MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: CE, principal officials get flu jab

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

Chief Executive John Lee today led Principal Officials to receive the seasonal influenza vaccination (SIV) and called on the public to get vaccinated early for better protection before the winter flu season.

Mr Lee and some of the officials also received the COVID-19 booster jab at the same time.

The Chief Executive said it is the best time to receive the SIV for effective protection in the coming year against the influenza strains predicted by the World Health Organization in preparation for the impending winter and summer influenza seasons.

He noted that through the concerted efforts of various stakeholders in the community under the Government’s leadership, 1.87 million doses were administered under various government vaccination programmes in the 2023-24 season – a record high 20% increase from the 2022-23 season.

“I hope the vaccination rate in this season can reach even greater heights so as to build a more robust protection barrier in society to safeguard citizens’ health.”

Mr Lee added that high-risk priority groups should also receive an additional COVID-19 booster six months after the last dose or COVID-19 infection, whichever is later, to enhance protection and reduce the risks of serious complications and death.

Secretary for Health Prof Lo Chung-mau, who had earlier received the SIV and COVID-19 vaccination, was also present to show his support.

Prof Lo said: “Various SIV programmes commenced on September 26 to provide free or subsidised SIV for eligible people. I urge members of the public to act now and receive the SIV in October.”

Special arrangements were made under the Seasonal Influenza Vaccination School Outreach Programme this year, wherein kindergartens and childcare centres can choose both injectable inactivated influenza vaccines and live attenuated influenza vaccines (LAIV) (ie nasal vaccines) for the same or different outreach vaccination activities.

Additionally, a pilot scheme was rolled out in which LAIV will be provided for the first time to primary and secondary schools that had indicated earlier this year their preference for arranging LAIV for their students.

To offer greater convenience for receiving the SIV this year, the Government specifically designated additional vaccination venues for citizens’ selection.

MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

January 23, 2025
MIL-OSI: Global mRNA Cancer Vaccine Clinical Trial FDA Approval Market Size Future Opportunity Companies Insight
Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

Delhi, Oct. 04, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Global mRNA Cancer Vaccines Clinical Trials and Market Future Outlook 2024 Report Highlights:
- mRNA Cancer Vaccines In Clinical Trials: > 60 Vaccines
- Highest Phase Of Clinical Trials: Phase III ( 2 Vaccine)
- mRNA Cancer Vaccine Clinical Trials Insight By Company, Country, Indication and Phase
- First Commercial mRNA Vaccine Approval Expected By 2029
- US and China Dominating mRNA Cancer Vaccines Clinical Trials: > 45 Vaccines
- mRNA Vaccines For Skin Cancer Dominating Trials: > 10 Vaccines
Download Report:

https://www.kuickresearch.com/report-mrna-cancer-vaccine-rnca-vaccine-mrna-cancer-vaccine-market-fda-approved-mrna-cancer-vaccine-mrna-cancer-vaccine-clinical-trials-mrna-cancer-vaccines

In the ever evolving landscape of pharmaceuticals, mRNA vaccines have emerged as a captivating and progressive area of research and development, and the dynamic nature of this market segment at present offers numerous opportunities, most of which remains to be explored. Researchers believe mRNA cancer vaccines hold great promise in revolutionizing cancer treatment. As a result, the market is witnessing a surge in research and development efforts dedicated to harnessing the potential of mRNA technology to target various types of cancers.

In recent years, mRNA technology has garnered significant attention for its potential to target cancer cells with precision and trigger potent immune response. This has led to a surge in both academic and industry efforts to harness the power of mRNA for cancer immunotherapy. Consequently, positive strides have been made in clinical trials, showing the safety and efficacy of mRNA-based vaccines in certain cancer indications, mainly those that have had their respective biomarkers identified.

The convergence of technological advancements and groundbreaking research has created a fertile environment for mRNA vaccine development for cancer indications. Conventional treatment modalities often come with limitations and side effects, which has opened the door for mRNA vaccines, which hold the promise of targeted and personalized therapies. The ability to tailor vaccines to an individual’s genetic makeup and specific cancer type has immense potential to revolutionize cancer treatment outcomes, which give mRNA cancer vaccines a commercial edge over available immunotherapy approaches.

However, in this growing dynamic realm of mRNA cancer vaccines, the availability of comprehensive data remains a challenge that companies and academia are diligently addressing. While some companies, like Moderna, have encountered mixed results and reviews for their cancer vaccines, this is a testament to the complex nature of cancer therapeutics research.

the current market opportunities for mRNA vaccine development in cancer treatment are a testament to the synergy between scientific research and innovation. Continuous insights illuminate the path forward, highlighting the conjunction of technological breakthroughs, favorable regulatory pathways, and a relentless pursuit of improved patient outcomes. As we navigate through the intricate landscape, the contributions from pharmaceutical companies, academia, regulatory agencies, and patients are poised to shape the trajectory of this burgeoning market, ushering in an era of tailored, effective and transformative cancer therapies.

Table of Contents

1. mRNA Vaccines as Next Generation Cancer Immunotherapy

2. Global mRNA Cancer Vaccine Clinical Trials Insight By Company, Country, Indication & Phase

3. Global Cancer mRNA Vaccines Clinical Pipeline Overview

4. Global mRNA Cancer Vaccines Market Overview

5. Global mRNA Cancer Vaccines Market Trends by Country

6. Global mRNA Cancer Vaccines Clinical Landscape by Indication

7. Global mRNA Cancer Vaccines Market Collaborations, Deals & Investments

8. Proprietary Technologies & Methodologies for mRNA Cancer Vaccine Development

9. Competitive Landscape

The MIL Network –
January 23, 2025
MIL-OSI NGOs: One year of war without rules leaves Gaza shattered News Oct 02, 2024

Source: Doctors Without Borders –

NEW YORK/JERUSALEM, October 2, 2024 — One year into the escalation of war in Gaza, the medical and humanitarian situation is catastrophic, said Doctors Without Borders/Medecins Sans Frontieres (MSF). Israel’s all-out war and punishing siege have destroyed Gaza’s already fragile health system, repeatedly displaced people who have been forced into smaller and smaller areas, and choked off access to desperately needed food, water, and medicines.

On October 7, 2023, Hamas militants launched a horrific attack inside Israel, leaving 1,200 people dead and taking 251 people as hostages. In response, the Israeli military launched an assault on Gaza that has so far killed more than 41,500 people, wounded 96,000, and displaced approximately 1.9 million people. Violence has since surged in the West Bank, in Lebanon, and across the region.

Widespread destruction in Gaza following Israel bombardments on October 9, 2023.
Palestine 2023 © MSF

“This has been a year of unrelenting horror and violence against civilians, with no end in sight,” said Avril Benoît, chief executive officer of MSF USA. “As this conflict spreads across the region, we repeat our urgent call for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza. This is the only way to stop the spiraling violence and bring lifesaving care to people who are struggling to survive.”

Medical needs of Palestinians in Gaza

Palestinians in Gaza are suffering from war wounds, infectious diseases, malnutrition, and mental trauma while living in overcrowded and inhumane conditions. MSF medical staff have treated patients on a daily basis with wounds caused by bombings. People have extensive burns, crushed bones, and amputated limbs—all of which require intensive and long-term care that is not possible under current conditions. Since the escalation of war last October, MSF teams have treated more than 27,500 patients for violence-related injuries, with more than 80 percent of the wounds linked to shelling.

Our teams have been forced to perform surgeries without anesthesia, witness children die on hospital floors due to a lack of resources, and even treat their own colleagues and family members. Meanwhile, the health care system in Gaza has been systematically dismantled by Israeli forces.
Dr. Amber Alayyan, MSF medical program manager

“Israeli bombardments of densely populated areas have repeatedly caused injuries on a massive scale,” said Dr. Amber Alayyan, MSF medical program manager. “Our teams have been forced to perform surgeries without anesthesia, witness children die on hospital floors due to a lack of resources, and even treat their own colleagues and family members. Meanwhile, the health care system in Gaza has been systematically dismantled by Israeli forces.”

Well before October 7, MSF was already treating people in Gaza suffering from the effects of Israel’s 17-year occupation, blockade, and recurrent attacks. Teams have cared for patients with life-altering physical injuries, severe burns, and mental health conditions.

Attacks on health care leave few medical options

As medical needs are growing exponentially, people’s options for care are shrinking. Israeli forces have committed widespread and systematic attacks on Gaza’s health care system and other vital civilian infrastructure. The health care system is now on the edge of collapse. Today, only 17 out of 36 hospitals are partially functional. Warring parties have conducted hostilities near medical facilities, endangering patients, caretakers, and medical staff. Six MSF colleagues have been killed. From October 2023, staff and patients from MSF have had to leave 14 different health structures, due to serious incidents and ongoing fighting. Each time a medical facility is evacuated, thousands of people lose access to lifesaving medical care. This will have consequences on people’s health, not just in the immediate term, but in the weeks and months to come.

Destruction at Nasser Hospital following Israeli forces’ siege of the facility earlier this year. Palestine 2024 © Ben Milpas/MSF

The lack of access to health care is compounded by the lack of humanitarian and medical supplies in Gaza. Israeli authorities have routinely imposed unclear, unpredictable criteria for authorizing the entry of supplies. Once supplies cross into the Gaza Strip, they often do not make it to their destination, due to an absence of safe and accessible roads, ongoing fighting, and looting of food and basic items. The first step in addressing this is for Israel to open vital land borders to ensure massive humanitarian and medical aid can reach those in need. The blockade on Gaza must end.

Displaced Palestinian children fill buckets from water during an MSF water distribution in Rafah’s Al Shaboura neighborhood. Water has been extremely scarce in Gaza since the start of the war due to Israel’s tightening of its blockade and restrictions.
Palestine 2024 © MSF

The US has a responsibility to ensure its support is not used to harm civilians

“For one year, Israel’s allies have continued to provide their military support to Israel, as children are killed en masse, tanks fire on deconflicted shelters, and fighter jets bomb so-called humanitarian zones,” said Chris Lockyear, MSF’s secretary general. “This has been accompanied by a consistent public narrative dehumanizing people in Gaza and failing to distinguish between military targets and civilian lives. The only way to stop the killing is with an immediate and sustained ceasefire.”

Israel and Hamas, supported by their respective allies, have failed time and time again to implement a sustained ceasefire in Gaza. While the US led efforts in June to secure passage of a ceasefire resolution by the UN Security Council, it has vetoed previous resolutions brought by other Council members and continues to provide arms to Israel. Israel must immediately stop the indiscriminate killing of civilians in Gaza and urgently facilitate the delivery of aid to alleviate suffering inside the Strip—and its allies must demand they do so. Under international norms and laws, civilians must be protected from violence and have the right to access humanitarian assistance, especially medical care.

As a leading ally of Israel, the US has a particular responsibility to ensure that its support is not used to kill and maim civilians, attack hospitals and health workers, and block the delivery of humanitarian aid in Gaza.
Avril Benoît, chief executive officer of MSF USA

“The US remains the leading provider of military and financial support to Israel, fueling the destruction of Gaza and the resulting humanitarian crisis,” Benoît said. “As a leading ally of Israel, the US has a particular responsibility to ensure that its support is not used to kill and maim civilians, attack hospitals and health workers, and block the delivery of humanitarian aid in Gaza.”

In Gaza, MSF is currently running medical activities in two hospitals, Al-Aqsa and Nasser Hospitals, eight health care facilities, and two field hospitals in Deir al-Balah. Field hospitals cannot replace the health care system that Israel has dismantled in Gaza. Since the beginning of the war, MSF teams have offered surgical support, wound care, physiotherapy, maternity and pediatric care, primary health care, vaccination, mental health services, and water distribution.

We speak out. Get updates.

MIL OSI NGO –

January 23, 2025
MIL-OSI New Zealand: Positive progress on Government health targets

Source: New Zealand Government

Health Minister Dr Shane Reti welcomes new data from Health New Zealand, saying it demonstrates encouraging progress against the Government’s health targets.

Health New Zealand’s quarterly report for the quarter to 30 June will be used as the baseline for reporting against the Government’s five health targets, which came into effect on 1 July.

“The latest report shows that while there’s still work to do, and I acknowledge that quarter by quarter we will expect variation, Health New Zealand is already making progress on four out of the five health targets,” says Dr Reti.

“This clearly demonstrates the value and the need for targets in the health system, as we’re seeing stabilisation of numbers that have fallen in the absence of a clear focus on performance over the last six years.”

The greatest improvements have been made in reducing wait times for cancer treatment, first assessments and elective treatment.

“I’m pleased to see positive progress made against our cancer treatment waiting time target, which is now sitting at 83.5 per cent, compared to 82.7 per cent in the previous quarter.

“As the system prepares to implement new cancer treatments coming online from 1 October, starting with Keytruda, I expect New Zealanders’ access to cancer treatment to improve even more in the coming months.

“We continue to see small improvements in the time that people are spending in the emergency departments, with 71.2 per cent of patients admitted, discharged or transferred from an ED within six hours, compared to 70.1 per cent in the previous quarter.

“Over 61 per cent of patients received planned care within four months. In real terms, this means 1,519 fewer people waiting for surgery.

“However, while people are waiting less time for treatment, they’re still waiting too long to be assessed, with only a small improvement in the wait times for a first specialist assessment.”

While Health New Zealand’s data shows improvements in some areas, it also highlights the need for a strong and sustained focus on improving the public services New Zealanders rely on, particularly health care.

“We know we have more work to do, particularly to boost childhood immunisations,” says Dr Reti.

“Too many Kiwi kids are getting ill with vaccine-preventable diseases. This latest report shows that 76.5 per cent of children were immunised at 24 months, compared to 77.2 per cent in the previous quarter.

“This reduction partially reflects an increase in the accuracy of Health New Zealand’s reporting. With the move to the Aotearoa Immunisation Register, we now have a more accurate picture of eligible New Zealanders and where each of them is in their vaccination schedule.

“The Government has already invested $50 million over two years to boost immunisations and is working to expand the vaccinator workforce, so people can get immunised wherever they go to access healthcare – through a midwife, at participating pharmacies or at community events.

“Recently, we released our plan to implement the health targets, and we are working hard to turn around the significant financial issues at Health New Zealand.

“Our health targets are ambitious and this is not something that we can turn around overnight. However, today’s results are promising and I am confident that New Zealanders will see a real difference in access to quality healthcare.”

MIL OSI New Zealand News –

January 23, 2025
MIL-OSI New Zealand: Four new laws to tackle crime passed in Q3
Source: New Zealand Government

New Zealanders will be safer as a result of the Government’s crackdown on crime which includes tougher laws for offenders and gangs delivered as part of the Quarter Three (Q3) Action Plan, Prime Minister Christopher Luxon says.

“I’m proud to say we have delivered on 39 of the 40 actions in our Q3 Action Plan, which had a particularly strong focus on restoring law and order,” Mr Luxon says.

“Every New Zealander deserves to feel safe in their homes, businesses and communities, but in recent years that feeling has turned to fear for too many.

“That is why our Government promised to restore law and order, and our Q3 plan has driven significant progress toward that with the passing of four new laws that crack down on criminal activity and support offenders to turn their lives around.”

The four new law and order bills passed as part of the Q3 Action Plan are:
- Gangs Legislation Amendment Bill – to give Police tough powers to go after gangs by restricting their ability to associate and banning gang patches in public.
- Firearms Prohibition Orders Legislation Amendment Bill – to give Police more power to get guns out of the hands of criminals.
- Corrections Amendment Bill – to increase access to effective rehabilitation for prisoners on remand.
- Courts (Remote Participation) Amendment Bill – to improve efficiency in the courts and increase access to justice.
“We have also introduced major sentencing reforms that will ensure criminals receive tougher sentences that reflect the harm they cause to their fellow Kiwis,” Mr Luxon says.

“Alongside actions to restore law and order, the Q3 plan also saw progress toward rebuilding the economy and delivering better public services.”

Actions the Government has taken this quarter include:
- Passed the Local Water Done Well Bill to replace Three Waters.
- Signed the new speed limit rule to reverse blanket speed limit reductions.
- Introduced legislation to eliminate barriers to overseas building products being used in New Zealand.
- Opened the $1.2 billion Regional Infrastructure Fund for applications to help reduce New Zealand’s infrastructure deficit.
- Released a plan for achieving the Government’s five health targets, including faster cancer treatment and improved immunisation for children.
- Released a draft of the new primary schools’ English and Maths curriculum for sector and public consultation.
- Introduced the Stepped Attendance Response (STAR) system to get kids back into the classroom.
The one action that has only been partially completed is the publication of an updated health workforce plan. The mental health workforce plan has been published, however the Government appointed a Commissioner to replace the board of Health NZ in July and the national health workforce plan will now be considered by Cabinet in quarter four, prior to publication.

“Our Government is getting New Zealand back on track, with clear plans to deliver on the core priorities that Kiwis elected us on – rebuilding the economy, restoring law and order, and delivering better public services.”

MIL OSI New Zealand News –
January 23, 2025
MIL-OSI Translation: A new preventive treatment against bronchiolitis in babies will be available from mid-October in the canton

MIL OSI Translation. Government of the Republic of France statements from French to English –

Source: Canton of Neuchatel Switzerland

09/30/2024

This fall, babies will be able to benefit from a new preventive medication against acute bronchiolitis. This viral respiratory disease can cause serious complications, particularly in infants under 3 months old. This treatment is recommended by the Neuchâtel Health Authorities and the Neuchâtel Pediatric Society. It will be offered by pediatricians and at the maternity ward of the Neuchâtel Hospital Network.

Preventive treatment for acute bronchiolitis will be available for babies from mid-October in the canton of Neuchâtel. It will offer them effective protection to get through the winter period. Indeed, each year in Switzerland, nearly 3,000 children under 12 months are hospitalized due to complications caused by this viral respiratory infection. Infants under 3 months are particularly likely to develop severe complications.

The Neuchâtel Health Authorities and the Neuchâtel Pediatric Society strongly recommend this new preventive medication. For infants born between April 2024 and September 2024, treatment should be carried out from mid-October by the child’s pediatrician. For those born between October 2024 and March 2025, it will be offered directly at the maternity ward of the Neuchâtel Hospital Network (RHNe). It is also indicated for certain children under 2 years of age with a chronic illness.

Swissmedic has authorised the marketing of this new treatment (immunisation with a specific antibody) in December 2023. The latter allows an 80% reduction in severe bronchiolitis and offers protection for at least five months. It is reimbursed by compulsory health insurance (AOS).

Simple preventive measures

In order to avoid contamination of babies, simple preventive measures are recommended for those around them:

Further information is available athttp://www.ne.ch/bronchiolitis.

BodyRight

EDITOR’S NOTE: This article is a translation. Apologies should the grammar and/or sentence structure not be perfect.

MIL Translation OSI

January 23, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Gosar Introduces Legislation to Sue Big Pharma for Vaccine Injuries

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Paul A Gosar DDS (AZ-04)

Washington, D.C.  — Congressman Paul A. Gosar, D.D.S. (AZ-09), issued the following statement after introducing H.R. 9828, the End the Vaccine Carveout Act, a bill that would strip vaccine manufacturers of their unjust liability shields. This carveout has resulted in hundreds of billions of dollars in profits for Big Pharma while leaving tens of thousands of people without the ability to seek legal justice and compensation for injuries caused by vaccines.

“Although federal bureaucrats and Big Pharma insist that vaccines are safe, there is an unfortunate lack of science regarding the safety of vaccines.  For example, a review of 12,000 scientific papers by the Institute of Medicine published in 2012 found that 98% of injuries studied were either caused by or may have been caused by a vaccine. Another government study found that while vaccines caused injuries in 10 percent of cases, only one percent get reported, meaning those injured by vaccines are vastly undercounted.

Furthermore, according to the Center for Disease Control’s Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System, nearly 20,000 Americans were reported as having been killed to date by a COVID-19 vaccine, equating to one death for every 14,000 people vaccinated, much higher than the one in a million deaths that is normally cited for dangerous vaccines.

Government bureaucrats and scientists responsible for approving vaccines are in bed with Big Pharma, often owning pharmaceutical stocks, serving as consultants and receiving lucrative contracts from pharmaceutical companies that pressure them to produce favorable results which is in direct violation of federal law.

Worse, many scientists and researchers in government agencies develop patents for vaccines that are approved by the very agencies they work for, creating a conflict of interest and raising serious questions about the impartiality of their decisions.

Under current law, it is nearly impossible to hold vaccine manufacturers liable for injuries caused by vaccines due to a 1986 law that unfairly created a special immunity carveout for Big Pharma, making it very difficult for vaccine-injured victims to win in a court of law.

My legislation strips away current immunity provisions unfairly shielding Big Pharma from the harms caused by their products and allows those injured by vaccines to pursue a civil lawsuit in state or federal court. Big Pharma doesn’t deserve a get-out-of-jail-free card for injuries caused by their harmful vaccines,” concluded Congressman Gosar.

Children’s Health Defense Founder and Chairman of the Board on Leave Robert F. Kennedy Jr, said: “The four American vaccine makers are criminal enterprises that have paid tens of billions in criminal penalties over the past decade. By freeing them from liability for negligence, the 1986 statute removed any incentive for these companies to make safe products. If we want safe and effective vaccines, we need to end the liability shield.”

Children’s Health Defense President Mary Holland added: “Thank you to Congressman Gosar for introducing this historic and urgently needed legislation. For over 35 years, parents of children injured and killed by government-recommended vaccines have been left with no meaningful redress — only a complex, sham compensation program that pits grieving families against the government, while Big Pharma enjoys no liability. During that same time, chronic health conditions in children – autism, ADHD, severe allergies, asthma – have skyrocketed. This legislation will help to end Big Pharma’s reign over government. The corrupt public-private partnership of the 1986 National Childhood Vaccine Injury Act has suppressed science, stacked the deck against families, subverted the democratic marketplace of checks and balances, and removed citizens’ rights to a trial by jury. Americans deserve better.”

Background:

In 1986, Congress passed the National Childhood Vaccine Injury Act (NVCIA), which shields vaccine manufacturers from the harm caused by their products, making it almost impossible for a person injured by a vaccine to win in court. The plaintiff must prove that the vaccine manufacturer deliberately “[withheld] information relating to the safety or efficacy of the vaccine,” engaged in “criminal or illegal activity relating to the safety and effectiveness of vaccines,” or “by clear and convincing evidence… failed to exercise due care.” Satisfying these requirements is practically an impossibility.

The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and the National Institutes of Health (NIH) are tasked with approving vaccines. Sadly, there exists a massive conflict of interest, since the scientists who work at these agencies license the patents to vaccine manufacturers and, in so doing, earn up to $150,000 in royalties. Furthermore, voting members on the boards that advise the CDC and the NIH owned stocks in vaccine manufacturers, engaged in contract work for vaccine manufacturers, and received grants from vaccine manufacturers.

Current cosponsors (30):

Representatives Andy Biggs, Lauren Boebert, Josh Brecheen, Tim Burchett, Eric Burlison, Mike Collins, Eli Crane, Warren Davidson, Byron Donalds, Matt Gaetz, Bob Good, Marjorie Taylor Greene, Harriet Hageman, Andy Harris, Clay Higgins, Ronny Jackson, Anna Paulina Luna, Nancy Mace, Thomas Massie, Mary E. Miller, Cory Mills, Barry Moore, Troy E. Nehls, Ralph Norman, Andy Ogles, Bill Posey, Chip Roy, Keith Self, Victoria Spartz, Randy K. Weber Sr.

Outside Group Support:

American Family Project, Children’s Health Defense, React19

MIL OSI USA News –

January 23, 2025
MIL-OSI Global: South Africa has a good childhood vaccination system – what’s stopping it from being great
Source: The Conversation – Africa – By Susan Goldstein, Associate Professor in the SAMRC Centre for Health Economics and Decision Science – PRICELESS SA (Priority Cost Effective Lessons in Systems Strengthening South Africa), University of the Witwatersrand

The two public health interventions that have had the greatest impact on the world’s health are clean water and vaccines. Professors Susan Goldstein and Haroon Saloojee assess South Africa’s child vaccination programme.

Why are childhood vaccinations so important? What are some essential ones?

A recent study published in The Lancet estimated that since 1974, 154 million lives have been saved by immunisation, most of them children.

A 2016 study of low- and middle-income countries found that for every dollar invested in vaccines, the return on investment was estimated to be US$44, considering broader social and economic benefits.

Childhood vaccines are most effective when they are administered to children at the right age, and with the recommended dosage, as children are susceptible to certain diseases at certain ages.

As an example, polio occurs most frequently in children below the age of five. Five doses of polio vaccinations are recommended, starting at birth.

As the most contagious and fast-moving of the vaccine-preventable diseases, measles is often described as the “canary in the coalmine”: a warning of other disease outbreaks that might spring up where there are gaps in vaccination coverage.

How does South Africa fare?

A case study done in 2011/2012 found South Africa spent US$131 million on basic child vaccine procurement, less than 1%-1.5% of public health expenditure and comparable to Latin American countries known for early vaccine adoption. In 2023 new vaccines were included in the routine Expanded Programme on Immunisation to the value of US$194 million.

We do spend appropriately on vaccines.

South Africa has an excellent immunisation schedule with protection offered against 11 diseases.

According to the District Health Barometer, national coverage for children under one year was 82.2% in 2022/3.

In 2019, a national household immunisation survey, the first such survey done in two decades, provided the most detailed picture of South Africa’s vaccination programme that we have. The survey screened almost 2 million households and found 84% of babies had received all their shots by the time they turned one.

Although these rates may seem good, they fall short of the 90% target set by the United Nations. They are also lower than in several other sub-Saharan countries, as this graph shows.

A greater concern, however, is the disparity at the district level. For instance, Sekhukhune in Limpopo province had a coverage rate of just 53%, meaning almost one in two children were not fully immunised. Ten other districts had coverage rates below 75%, meaning that at least a quarter of the children were not fully protected.

What is preventing the country from achieving the 90% target?

In the national survey the main reasons for children not being fully immunised were related to the health service:
- the vaccine was out of stock (29%)
- the child was ill and not offered a vaccine (12%)
- caregivers did not know that the child was due for immunisation (19%)
- the caregiver forgot that the child had a scheduled immunisation visit (6%)
- there was no-one to take the child to the clinic (9%).
Other factors include:
- negative interactions with healthcare workers – these can deter caregivers from taking children for their vaccines
- waiting times
- the dynamics within families – for example, adolescent mothers and elderly caregivers might have difficulty getting children to clinics.
Vaccine refusal by parents for religious or other reasons existed, but this was infrequent (3%).

What needs to be done?

To protect children better, Unicef’s Immunization Agenda 2030 recommends a “people-centred” approach:
- ensuring all healthcare workers are skilled at administering inoculations, and not missing opportunities to vaccinate a child whenever they visit a health service
- avoiding vaccine shortages by electronically linking central pharmacies to facilities
- listening to communities to understand their attitudes towards vaccines and their experiences with health workers at clinics, both good and bad.
In South Africa districts with low coverage warrant special attention, such as increasing access to immunisation services. This could mean opening clinics on weekends or evenings so that working parents could bring their children to be vaccinated.

Vaccinations are the safest method to protect children from life-threatening diseases. We need to ensure that every child gets them.

The authors do not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and have disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

– ref. South Africa has a good childhood vaccination system – what’s stopping it from being great – https://theconversation.com/south-africa-has-a-good-childhood-vaccination-system-whats-stopping-it-from-being-great-237336
MIL OSI – Global Reports –
January 23, 2025
MIL-OSI Africa: South Africa has a good childhood vaccination system – what’s stopping it from being great
Source: The Conversation – Africa – By Susan Goldstein, Associate Professor in the SAMRC Centre for Health Economics and Decision Science – PRICELESS SA (Priority Cost Effective Lessons in Systems Strengthening South Africa), University of the Witwatersrand

The two public health interventions that have had the greatest impact on the world’s health are clean water and vaccines. Professors Susan Goldstein and Haroon Saloojee assess South Africa’s child vaccination programme.

Why are childhood vaccinations so important? What are some essential ones?

A recent study published in The Lancet estimated that since 1974, 154 million lives have been saved by immunisation, most of them children.

A 2016 study of low- and middle-income countries found that for every dollar invested in vaccines, the return on investment was estimated to be US$44, considering broader social and economic benefits.

Childhood vaccines are most effective when they are administered to children at the right age, and with the recommended dosage, as children are susceptible to certain diseases at certain ages.

As an example, polio occurs most frequently in children below the age of five. Five doses of polio vaccinations are recommended, starting at birth.

As the most contagious and fast-moving of the vaccine-preventable diseases, measles is often described as the “canary in the coalmine”: a warning of other disease outbreaks that might spring up where there are gaps in vaccination coverage.

How does South Africa fare?

A case study done in 2011/2012 found South Africa spent US$131 million on basic child vaccine procurement, less than 1%-1.5% of public health expenditure and comparable to Latin American countries known for early vaccine adoption. In 2023 new vaccines were included in the routine Expanded Programme on Immunisation to the value of US$194 million.

We do spend appropriately on vaccines.

South Africa has an excellent immunisation schedule with protection offered against 11 diseases.

According to the District Health Barometer, national coverage for children under one year was 82.2% in 2022/3.

National immunisation coverage for children under 1 year. District Health Barometer.

In 2019, a national household immunisation survey, the first such survey done in two decades, provided the most detailed picture of South Africa’s vaccination programme that we have. The survey screened almost 2 million households and found 84% of babies had received all their shots by the time they turned one.

Although these rates may seem good, they fall short of the 90% target set by the United Nations. They are also lower than in several other sub-Saharan countries, as this graph shows.

South African vaccine coverage of one-year-olds compared to other sub-Saharan countries. Unicef 2023

A greater concern, however, is the disparity at the district level. For instance, Sekhukhune in Limpopo province had a coverage rate of just 53%, meaning almost one in two children were not fully immunised. Ten other districts had coverage rates below 75%, meaning that at least a quarter of the children were not fully protected.

What is preventing the country from achieving the 90% target?

In the national survey the main reasons for children not being fully immunised were related to the health service:
- the vaccine was out of stock (29%)
- the child was ill and not offered a vaccine (12%)
- caregivers did not know that the child was due for immunisation (19%)
- the caregiver forgot that the child had a scheduled immunisation visit (6%)
- there was no-one to take the child to the clinic (9%).
Other factors include:
- negative interactions with healthcare workers – these can deter caregivers from taking children for their vaccines
- waiting times
- the dynamics within families – for example, adolescent mothers and elderly caregivers might have difficulty getting children to clinics.
Vaccine refusal by parents for religious or other reasons existed, but this was infrequent (3%).

What needs to be done?

To protect children better, Unicef’s Immunization Agenda 2030 recommends a “people-centred” approach:
- ensuring all healthcare workers are skilled at administering inoculations, and not missing opportunities to vaccinate a child whenever they visit a health service
- avoiding vaccine shortages by electronically linking central pharmacies to facilities
- listening to communities to understand their attitudes towards vaccines and their experiences with health workers at clinics, both good and bad.
In South Africa districts with low coverage warrant special attention, such as increasing access to immunisation services. This could mean opening clinics on weekends or evenings so that working parents could bring their children to be vaccinated.

Vaccinations are the safest method to protect children from life-threatening diseases. We need to ensure that every child gets them.

– South Africa has a good childhood vaccination system – what’s stopping it from being great
– https://theconversation.com/south-africa-has-a-good-childhood-vaccination-system-whats-stopping-it-from-being-great-237336

MIL OSI Africa –
January 23, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: NCDHHS Livestream Fireside Chat and Tele-Town Hall: Understanding Seasonal Vaccines and Respiratory Health In North Carolina
Source: US State of North Carolina

Headline: NCDHHS Livestream Fireside Chat and Tele-Town Hall: Understanding Seasonal Vaccines and Respiratory Health In North Carolina

NCDHHS Livestream Fireside Chat and Tele-Town Hall: Understanding Seasonal Vaccines and Respiratory Health In North Carolina
rmbeck
Wed, 09/25/2024 – 15:35
The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services will host a live fireside chat and tele-town hall on Thursday, Oct. 3, from 6 to 7 p.m., to discuss how seasonal vaccines, including flu, COVID-19 and RSV, help protect communities against severe illness, hospitalization and long-term health complications. The event will be moderated by Elizabeth Cuervo Tilson, M.D., NCDHHS’ State Health Director and Chief Medical Officer.

The 2024-2025 respiratory virus season is here and everyone ages 6 months and up is due for their flu shot and COVID-19 vaccine. Seasonal vaccines are the best to way to prevent people from experiencing severe cases of flu and COVID-19, especially for those who are at a higher risk of complications from the viruses. This includes people who are under 5, 65 and older, pregnant and/or living with chronic medical conditions. Last year, 95% of people in the United States hospitalized due to COVID-19 had not had the most recent COVID vaccine , and people who skipped their flu shot were twice as likely to need medical help for the flu.

Fireside chat and tele-town hall panelists will discuss the following:
- How to get your seasonal flu and COVID-19 vaccines
- What to know about RSV protection, including respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) vaccines
- Ways to find a health provider near you and access care
- Steps to protect yourself and your household against seasonal illness
- How to access free vaccines for children
During the 2023-2024 respiratory season, North Carolina experienced its highest number of pediatric flu deaths (16) since public health reporting began in 2004, with 81% of the flu deaths occurring in children who did not get a flu shot last year.

In addition to flu and COVID-19 vaccines, RSV vaccines are also now available for older adults and those who are pregnant. Some babies and children under two may also need to receive an immunization to help build protection against RSV. It’s important for individuals of all ages to be up to date on all recommended vaccines before enjoying seasonal activities, sporting events or celebrations with loved ones.

Everyone should test for COVID-19 right away if they feel sick or have symptoms to help prevent the virus from spreading to others around them. Free, at-home COVID-19 tests are available at more than 300 local organizations statewide. To find free tests near you visit MySpot.nc.gov/tests.

The fireside chat will stream live from the NCDHHS Facebook and YouTube accounts, where viewers can submit questions. The event also includes a tele-town hall, which invites people by phone to listen in and submit questions. People can dial into the event by calling 855-756-7520 Ext. 111990#.

Visit MySpot.nc.gov for information, guidance and resources on seasonal vaccines and how they support respiratory health.

El Departamento de Salud y Servicios Humanos de Carolina del Norte (NCDHHS) presentará un “Fireside Chat”, una conversación virtual y telefónica en vivo el jueves 3 de octubre, de 6 a 7 p.m., para hablar sobre cómo las vacunas estacionales, incluidas las de la gripe (influenza), el COVID-19 y el virus respiratorio sincitial (VRS), ayudan a proteger a las comunidades contra enfermedades graves, hospitalizaciones y complicaciones de salud a largo plazo. El evento será moderado por la Dra. Elizabeth Cuervo Tilson, directora de Salud del Estado y jefa médica del NCDHHS.

La temporada de virus respiratorios de 2024 a 2025 ha comenzado, y todas las personas de 6 meses en adelante deben vacunarse contra la gripe y el COVID-19. Las vacunas estacionales son la mejor manera de prevenir casos graves de gripe y COVID-19, especialmente para quienes tienen mayor riesgo de complicaciones por los virus. Esto incluye a personas menores de 5 años, mayores de 65 años, personas embarazadas y/o con condiciones médicas crónicas. El año pasado, el 95% de las personas hospitalizadas en los Estados Unidos debido al COVID-19 no habían recibido la vacuna más reciente contra el COVID-19, y las personas que no se vacunaron contra la gripe tuvieron el doble de probabilidades de necesitar atención médica por la gripe.

Los panelistas del evento virtual y telefónico hablarán sobre los siguientes temas:

•    Cómo recibir las vacunas estacionales contra la gripe (influenza) y el COVID-19
•    Lo que necesitas saber sobre la protección contra el VRS, incluidas las vacunas
•    Maneras de encontrar un proveedor de salud cercano y acceder a atención médica
•    Pasos para protegerse y proteger a sus familiares contra las enfermedades estacionales
•    Cómo acceder a vacunas gratuitas para niños

Durante la temporada de virus respiratoria de 2023-2024, Carolina del Norte experimentó el mayor número de muertes pediátricas por gripe (16) desde que se comenzó a reportar públicamente en 2004, con el 81 % de las muertes ocurridas en niños que no recibieron la vacuna contra la gripe el año pasado.

Además de las vacunas contra la gripe y el COVID-19, las vacunas contra el VRS también están disponibles ahora para adultos mayores y personas embarazadas. Algunos bebés y niños menores de dos años también pueden necesitar recibir una inmunización para ayudar a desarrollar protección contra el VRS. Es importante que personas de todas las edades estén al día con todas las vacunas recomendadas antes de disfrutar de actividades estacionales, eventos deportivos o celebraciones con seres queridos.

Todos deben hacerse la prueba de COVID-19 de inmediato si se sienten enfermos o tienen síntomas, para ayudar a prevenir la propagación del virus a otras personas. Pruebas caseras gratuitas de COVID-19 están disponibles en más de 300 organizaciones locales en todo el estado. Para encontrar pruebas gratuitas cerca de usted, visite Vacunate.nc.gov/pruebas.

El evento virtual será transmitido en vivo desde las cuentas de Facebook y YouTube del NCDHHS, donde los espectadores pueden enviar preguntas. El evento incluirá una opción de telecomunicación, que invita a las personas a escuchar y enviar preguntas por teléfono. Los participantes también pueden llamar al evento al 855-756-7520 Ext. 111990#.

Visite Vacunate.nc.gov para obtener información, orientación y recursos sobre las vacunas estacionales y cómo apoyan la salud respiratoria.
Sep 26, 2024

MIL OSI USA News –
January 23, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: HARRISBURG – Shapiro Administration to Encourage Pennsylvanians to Get Updated Vaccines as Respiratory Virus Season Begins

Source: US State of Pennsylvania

September 27, 2024 – Harrisburg, PA

ADVISORY – HARRISBURG – Shapiro Administration to Encourage Pennsylvanians to Get Updated Vaccines as Respiratory Virus Season Begins

Pennsylvania Department of Health Secretary Dr. Debra Bogen and Pennsylvania Insurance Department Commissioner Michael Humphreys will join area pharmacists at the See-Right Pharmacy in Harrisburg to stress the importance of getting their annual vaccinations against COVID-19, flu and RSV to safeguard their health as respiratory virus season begins.

The vaccinations are updated to protect against severe illness from new virus variants circulating in Pennsylvania, and the United States. Health care providers recommend flu and COVID-19 vaccinations for people six months of age and older; older adults and pregnant women are encouraged to get RSV vaccinations.

Vaccinations are especially important for high-risk groups including people 65 and older, people with certain medical conditions, and people at a higher risk of developing complications from respiratory illness.

WHO:
Department of Health Secretary Dr. Debra Bogen
Pennsylvania Insurance Department Commissioner Michael Humphreys
Victoria Elliott, RPh, MBA, CAE, CEO of PA Pharmacists Association
Paul Bowers, PharmD, Pharmacy Manager at See-Right Pharmacy

WHEN:
September 27, 2024; 1:00 PM

WHERE:
See-Right Pharmacy
2647 North 6th Street
Harrisburg, PA 17110

VISUALS:
Secretary Bogen and Commissioner Humphreys will receive the updated COVID-19 vaccine as part of the event.

MEDIA RSVP: Media interested in attending must RSVP with the name of the reporter and photojournalist to ra-dhpressoffice@pa.gov.

MEDIA CONTACT:
Mark O’Neill, ra-dhpressoffice@pa.gov
Diego Sandino, Insurance, ra-in-press@pa.gov

MIL OSI USA News –

January 22, 2025
MIL-OSI Global: Airdropping vaccines to eliminate canine rabies in Texas – two scientists explain the decades of research behind its success

Source: The Conversation – USA – By Rodney E. Rohde, Regents’ Professor & Chair, Medical Laboratory Science, Texas State University

Rabies is a fatal disease for both animals and people. CDC/Barbara Andrews

Rabies is a deadly disease. Without vaccination, a rabies infection is nearly 100% fatal once someone develops symptoms. Texas has experienced two rabies epidemics in animals since 1988: one involving coyotes and dogs in south Texas, and the other involving gray foxes in west central Texas. Affecting 74 counties, these outbreaks led to thousands of people who could have been exposed, two human deaths and countless animal lives lost.

In 1994, Gov. Ann Richards declared rabies a state health emergency. The Texas Department of State Health Services responded by launching the Oral Rabies Vaccination Program to control the spread of these wildlife rabies outbreaks.

Since 1995, the program has distributed over 53 million doses of rabies vaccine over 758,100 square miles (nearly 2 million square kilometers) in Texas by hand or aircraft. Rabies cases in dogs and coyotes went from 141 to 0 by 2005, and rabies cases in foxes went from 101 to 0 by 2014. By 2004, one canine rabies variant was effectively eliminated from Texas, and another variant was substantially controlled.

We are researchers who began studying wildlife rabies and oral vaccination in the 1980s. From providing a proof of concept in using oral vaccines in raccoons to being among the first to use new rabies vaccines in the 1990s, we were on the ground floor of efforts to contain this deadly virus.

Decades of vaccine research led to one of the most successful public health projects in Texas. And we’re hopeful it could provide a road map for the use of mass wildlife vaccination to prevent future outbreaks.

Developing the oral rabies vaccine

The Texas Oral Rabies Vaccination Program benefited greatly from the work of multiple researchers over prior decades.

The mid-20th century saw several major developments in rabies control. With the failure of efforts to poison or trap infected animals, virologist and veterinarian George Baer at the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recognized the need for a different strategy to prevent and control wildlife rabies. His and his colleagues’ work in the 1960s led to the concept of oral rabies vaccination. While orally vaccinating wildlife would help combat infection at its source, it was previously thought to be logistically unfeasible given the large range of target animals.

By the late 1970s, European researchers began the first field trials to orally vaccinate foxes against rabies. Small plastic containers were filled with vaccines and placed into baits, such as chicken heads. Over 50,000 of these vaccine-laden baits were distributed over four years in fox habitats in forests and fields.

Early vaccine baits were coated with fishmeal crumbles and cod liver oil.
Maki et al/Veterinary Research, CC BY-ND

Researchers in Canada also began similar field trials in Ontario. During the 1980s, an average of 235 rabid foxes per year were reported in the area. Baits containing oral rabies vaccine were dropped annually from 1989 to 1995 and successfully eliminated the fox variant of rabies from the whole area.

Recombinant oral rabies vaccine

The first generation of these vaccines used live viruses modified in an attempt to not cause severe disease. Although effective and generally safe, the original rabies vaccines had to be kept in cool temperatures and had the rare risk of causing rabies in animals.

In the early 1980s, scientists developed recombinant rabies vaccines, which use a separate virus to express the genes of the rabies virus. A collaboration between a nonprofit institute, the U.S. government, and the pharmaceutical industry led to the development of a recombinant viral vaccine that produced a rapid immune response against rabies without the possibility of causing rabies.

In 1984, preliminary work in laboratory animals showed the promise of using an oral form of the recombinant vaccine to vaccinate animals. However, the concept of using genetically modified organisms was in its infancy among both scientists and the general public. While the vaccine was safe and effective in captive raccoons and foxes, major questions loomed over how it might affect other species once released into the environment.

After years of work improving the vaccine’s design and testing its safety in several nonhuman species, the first European trial was held on a military base in Belgium. With data supporting it could safely and effectively control wildlife in Luxembourg and France, the vaccine was licensed to control fox rabies in 1995.

In the U.S., similar studies of the oral recombinant rabies vaccine were conducted. The first trial began in 1990 at Parramore Island off the Virginia coast, and a year of intensive monitoring found no significant adverse effects on the environment or any wildlife species. A second yearlong study on the mainland near Williamsport, Pennsylvania, had similarly positive results.

After the vaccine was successfully used to control raccoon rabies in tests in several other East Coast states, it was approved for use on raccoons in 1997.

In 1998, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service received funding to expand existing oral wildlife vaccination projects to states of strategic importance, to prevent the spread of specific rabies viruses, and to coordinate interstate projects.

Results in Texas

In Texas, the oral recombinant vaccine is now primarily distributed by hand and by approximately 75 separate helicopter flights annually.

The Texas Department of State Health Services rabies laboratory worked alongside the CDC to create the Regional Rabies Virus Reference Typing Laboratory. One of us was recruited to both distribute the vaccine in the field and to develop molecular typing tools to discriminate between different types of rabies virus variants in the lab. These techniques allowed us to identify where different rabies virus variants were emerging at any given moment.

The Texas Oral Rabies Vaccination Program continues to monitor and control rabies cases in the state.

Our lab was also the first in the nation outside of the CDC to assist other U.S. states and countries in testing their specimens for rabies virus variants. These techniques helped researchers monitor where the rabies epizootic was ongoing or retreating due to wildlife vaccination and new forms of spread.

With the constant threat of emerging and reemerging infectious diseases like COVID-19 and influenza, the prospect of mass vaccination of wild animals may be one way to address future pandemics. Though there is much work ahead of us, we have hope that we may one day have the option of using mass wildlife vaccination to reduce or eliminate infectious diseases like rabies.

Rodney E. Rohde has received funding from the American Society of Clinical Pathologists, American Society for Clinical Laboratory Science, U.S. Department of Labor (OSHA), and other public and private entities/foundations. Rohde is affiliated with ASCP, ASCLS, ASM, and serves on several scientific advisory boards.

Charles E. Rupprecht consults for global academic, governmental, industrial and NGO organizations. He receives funding from academic, governmental, industrial, and NGO sources.

– ref. Airdropping vaccines to eliminate canine rabies in Texas – two scientists explain the decades of research behind its success – https://theconversation.com/airdropping-vaccines-to-eliminate-canine-rabies-in-texas-two-scientists-explain-the-decades-of-research-behind-its-success-238508

MIL OSI – Global Reports –

January 22, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Understanding Mosquito-Borne Diseases in Connecticut
Source: US State of Connecticut

Despite the gradual arrival of fall, mosquitos are still active in our state. Paulo Verardi, professor of virology and vaccinology and head of the Department of Pathobiology and Veterinary Science, shares information that can keep Connecticut residents safe from mosquito-borne diseases.

What types of mosquito-borne diseases are we seeing in Connecticut?

Mosquito-borne diseases are spread by the bite of infected mosquitoes. In Connecticut, one would immediately think of West Nile virus, by far the most common mosquito-borne virus in the region. However, we have

additional viruses transmitted by mosquitoes, such as Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) virus, Jamestown Canyon virus, and Cache Valley virus, that luckily are less common. Sometimes Connecticut has imported cases of additional mosquito-borne diseases, such as dengue fever and Zika virus disease. These are acquired when people travel to areas where the virus is circulating, get bitten by an infected mosquito, and then travel back to Connecticut. If you are traveling outside the country in areas like the Caribbean and Central or South America, you should also be aware of chikungunya virus, yellow fever virus, and Oropouche virus, to name a few.

Why are these diseases appearing more frequently in the state?

Cases are linked to the proliferation of mosquitoes, which is driven by several factors including precipitation and temperature patterns, as well as alterations in these patterns. Climatic changes seem to also be impacting the distribution of these diseases, especially because warmer temperatures can promote a wider geographical range of disease-transmitting mosquitoes.

West Nile virus has been in Connecticut since 1999, when it was introduced in New York City, so it is relatively new. On the other hand, evidence of EEE in Massachusetts dates back almost 200 years, and thus it is considered a local disease. West Nile cases in people are not uncommon during every mosquito season, but EEE seems to be impactful only every few years, such as in 2019 when a larger outbreak last occurred.

West Nile and EEE viruses are actually maintained in nature in reservoir hosts, typically birds, and therefore these are considered zoonotic diseases. This means that the interplay amongst people, animals, plants, and the environment is a major factor determining the prevalence and transmission of these diseases, in what we call the One Health concept.

What times of year do we need to be concerned about mosquito-borne diseases?

We ought to be concerned any time of the year when mosquitoes are up and about. Generally, we think of the hot summer months, but transmission can start in the spring and last well into the fall season. A good example is EEE, as cases typically peak in late summer, but transmission can occur as late as October.

What are the symptoms of these diseases?

Diseases like West Nile and EEE are caused by viruses, so flu-like symptoms are typical: fever, headache, fatigue, and in some instances rashes. Most people may not even feel sick at all, while a few others may end up developing inflammation of the brain (encephalitis) or of the membranes around the brain and the spinal cord (meningitis), leading to severe disease symptoms.

What should someone do if they are sick?

First, never assume that you may just have a cold, and pay attention to the severity of your symptoms. Consult a health care provider if symptoms do not improve, particularly if you have high fever and headache. Go immediately to an emergency room if symptoms become severe and you suspect any neurological involvement. The key is to be vigilant and proactive.

It is noteworthy that horses with EEE are severely affected with up to 95% mortality (about half that rate for West Nile fever), and routine vaccination of horses for both diseases is recommended.

How dangerous/deadly are these diseases?

Fortunately, for most of us infections are self-contained. Our immune system can keep the invading viruses in check, and all you may experience are mild flu-like symptoms, if any. But symptoms can be more severe and can worsen very quickly. Pay attention to any rashes or severe symptoms, such as high fever, intense headache, stiffness of the neck, and other neurological problems. Encephalitis and meningitis are dangerous and life-threating complications, so a visit to the emergency room is necessary at the onset of neurological signs.

What actions are state and local governments taking to help?

Connecticut’s Department of Public Health (DPH) and Department of Agriculture (DoAg) are monitoring the situation in Connecticut and surrounding states closely. The Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station (CAES) is doing surveillance of mosquitoes, and the Connecticut Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory (CVMDL) at UConn is monitoring wild and domestic animals (mammals and birds). In some cases, agencies may decide to curtail outdoor activities in certain areas at dusk, as Connecticut did in 2019 when we had high activity of EEE in Eastern Connecticut CT and neighboring states, and mosquito spraying may be recommended in limited areas by the Connecticut’s Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP).

How can Connecticut residents protect themselves and help stop the spread of these diseases?

By preventing mosquito bites:
- Avoid outdoor activities during dusk and dawn, when mosquitoes are most active
- Use approved insect repellents
- Wear long-sleeved shirts and pants when outside
- Keep mosquitoes out of your house with the appropriate use of window and door screens.
One can also treat clothing and gear with permethrin, which will help repel both mosquitoes and ticks. Vaccines against some mosquito-borne illnesses such as dengue, yellow fever, chikungunya, and Japanese encephalitis are available for people traveling to high-risk areas. Visit the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Traveler’s Health site for further information.

This work relates to CAHNR’s Strategic Vision area focused on Enhancing Health and Well-Being Locally, Nationally, and Globally.

Follow UConn CAHNR on social media

MIL OSI USA News –
September 29, 2024
MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Thousands of deaths could be avoided with new vaccine Older people should take a new vaccine to protect them against Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) according to new research from the University of Aberdeen and the MRC-University of Glasgow Centre for Virus Research.

Source: University of Aberdeen

Older person being vaccinatedOlder people should take a new vaccine to protect them against Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) according to new research from the University of Aberdeen and the MRC-University of Glasgow Centre for Virus Research.

In new research published in Age & Ageing today, a team of scientists led by Professor Roy Soiza, Consultant Geriatrician and Honorary Chair at the University reviewed the evidence on the safety and effectiveness of vaccines against RSV in older and frailer individuals. They found the vaccines to be 86 percent effective in preventing RSV-related lower respiratory tract infections in the first year after vaccination.

If uptake of the vaccine reaches 70 percent, evidence suggests that up to 2,800 deaths could be prevented in the UK every year. Additionally, with at least 70 percent uptake, around 36,000 GP consultations, 4,600 hospitalisations and 1,000 ICU admissions could be avoided.

However, the authors warn of a culture of ‘vaccine fatigue’ as well as ‘vaccine hesitancy’ which could impact on the numbers of older people accepting the vaccine.

The review paper comes in response to the UK launch of a new vaccination programme against RSV for 75 to 79-year-olds. Known to cause serious lung infections in very young infants, there is growing evidence that RSV can also cause serious chest infections in the elderly population contributing to an estimated 8000 deaths and 175,000 GP interventions every year in the UK.

Professor Roy Soiza who led the research at the University of Aberdeen explains: “The NHS is badly stretched, so efforts to reduce the healthcare burden from avoidable communicable diseases such as RSV infection are highly desirable. Although some sections of social media are often dominated by anti-vaccine messages, it is important that reliable public health messages cut through the noise.

“Our review found that the vaccines are safe and effective and we are calling on healthcare professionals and carers to encourage those invited to receive the vaccine to take up the opportunity.

“There is evidence of effectiveness in preventing RSV-related lower respiratory tract infections of around 86 percent in the first year after vaccination.

“Trials have been conducted in people aged over 60 years of age, including those with underlying medical conditions, but the number of volunteers aged 80 or over was too small to be certain of the extent of benefit. Nevertheless, we saw in the covid pandemic that the effectiveness of vaccines in trials of younger and healthier people was replicated in those who were much frailer and older.

“We therefore urge those with an interest in the care of older people to encourage those eligible and invited to have the new vaccine to take it.”

Dr Sam Ghebrehewet, Head of Immunisation and Vaccination at Public Health Scotland, said: “The recent launch of Scotland’s new RSV vaccination programme marks another significant step forward to protect the health of the population.  

“RSV can be very serious for those who are more vulnerable, such as older adults. In recent years, we’ve seen an increase in those aged 75 years and over being hospitalised for RSV. That’s why we’re asking all those who are eligible for the RSV vaccine to take up the offer to protect themselves against the more serious complications of an RSV infection.”

Antonia Ho, Professor of Infectious Diseases at the MRC-University of Glasgow Centre for Virus Research, who collaborated on the research said: “The availability of the first effective RSV vaccines in the UK is really exciting. Along with existing influenza and covid-19 vaccines, they will allow us to protect vulnerable groups from serious lung infections, and reduce the enormous pressures faced by the NHS in the winter months.

“The vaccination catch-up campaign for 76 to 79 years is due to end on 30 September 2024 and I would urge those who are eligible to attend their vaccination appointment.”

Our review found that the vaccines are safe and effective and we are calling on healthcare professionals and carers to encourage those invited to receive the vaccine to take up the opportunity.” Professor Roy Soiza

To find out how you can help support medical research at the University of Aberdeen please contact giving@abdn.ac.uk. If you would prefer to make a gift of your time, please contact alumni@abdn.ac.uk to find out more about our alumni volunteering opportunities.

MIL OSI United Kingdom –

September 29, 2024
MIL-OSI USA: FACT SHEET: The United States Commitment to Address the Global Mpox Outbreak

US Senate News:

Source: The White House
“Now we face the mpox outbreak in Central and Eastern Africa. Mpox is different from COVID-19. But we will act quickly – and bring partners with us. We are prepared to commit at least $500 million – to support African countries to prevent and respond to mpox and donate up to one million doses of mpox vaccines. We call on governments, charities, and businesses to match our pledge – and make this a $1 billion commitment to the people of Africa.” —President Biden, September 24, 2024
The United States has led global efforts to combat infectious diseases, including mpox, for decades. Most recently in 2022, the Biden-Harris Administration mounted a robust response to the spread of clade IIb mpox by making vaccines available to those at risk, making testing more convenient, and providing treatments to those who needed them both in the United States and worldwide. In response to the ongoing mpox outbreak in Eastern and Central Africa, with several cases outside the region, the United States is acting quickly and decisively to support the response, and to prepare for potential cases domestically. On September 16, the White House welcomed key partners and community stakeholders working on mpox in the United States and around the world to a roundtable with U.S. Government leadership to exchange ideas, feedback and recommendations to inform the U.S. response to this global crisis.
This week, President Biden announced that the United States is committed to providingat least $500 million dollars, as well as one million mpox vaccine doses, to support African countries to prevent and respond to the current mpox outbreak. These investments will be delivered both bilaterally, through existing relationships with partner countries, as well as through multilateral institutions. United States investments in mpox preparedness and response will address a range of needs outlined in the Mpox Continental Preparedness and Response Plan jointly issued by the Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO), including training frontline health workers, disease surveillance, laboratory diagnostic supplies and testing, clinical case management, risk communication and community engagement, infection prevention and control, and research. In addition to financial support and vaccines, the U.S. Government has surged dozens of staff, including epidemiologists, laboratorians, and risk communication experts to offer support to the mpox response in DRC and each of the countries surrounding DRC.
BUILDING STRONGER, RESILIENT HEALTH SYSTEMS
Investments in building stronger health systems are essential to a rapid and effective emergency response. Longstanding United States support, including through the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), helped to strengthen the systems that are now supporting the mpox response.
Ongoing global health and health security investments. Since the start of the Biden-Harris Administration, the United States has provided more than $50 billion to support global health and health security. The United States is the largest health donor in the Africa region, allocating more than $2.65 billion in bilateral health funding to countries in Central and Eastern Africa in FY 2023 alone.
Global health security partnerships. In April 2024, the United States announced formal global health security partnerships with 50 countries, including Burundi, DRC, Kenya, and Uganda. Global health security investments make it possible for the United States to address country-identified gaps in their capacity to prevent, detect, respond to, and recover from health security threats. U.S. assistance to the government of DRC, which began in 2015, has bolstered the DRC’s efforts to contain five Ebola outbreaks since 2020, develop an antimicrobial stewardship work plan, and develop a community feedback system to address infectious disease threats.
President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR). For over 20 years, PEPFAR has supported more than 55 countries worldwide, saved more than 25 million lives, enabled 5.5 million babies to be born HIV-free, and prevented millions of new HIV infections. Longstanding PEPFAR investments in creating sustainable HIV care platforms have been leveraged for quick and effective response to cholera, COVID-19, Ebola, H1N1 influenza, tuberculosis, and other health threats. Given the increased risk of severe morbidity and mortality from mpox among people living with HIV, PEPFAR is ensuring program continuity to protect people living with HIV through the use of existing PEPFAR platforms through risk communication, laboratory and surveillance capacity, referral to care, HIV testing, and vaccination delivery to help prevent and respond to mpox.
SUPPORTING MPOX TESTING, VACCINATION, TREATMENT AND CARE
Mpox vaccine research and development. Since 2007, the United States, through the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), has invested more than $2 billion in the JYNNEOS vaccine as part of smallpox preparedness. Additionally, U.S. Government research institutions led the development of the JYNNEOS vaccine through preclinical evaluation, clinical trials, and advanced clinical evaluation platforms. These investments directly led to product licensure for both smallpox and mpox. On September 13, WHO announced pre-qualification of the JYNNEOS vaccine for global use, including in the Africa region in response to ongoing mpox outbreaks.
Mpox vaccine donation. This week President Biden pledged that the United States will donate up to one million doses of the mpox vaccine. The first U.S.-donated vaccine doses arrived in Nigeria in August (10,000 doses), and in DRC in September (50,000 doses). The next installment of the U.S. commitment, 300,000 vaccine doses, will be available immediately for disbursement in coordination with Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance and the WHO Access and Allocation Mechanism. Additional mpox vaccine doses will be delivered in tranches (totaling up to one million) pending country progress in administering the vaccines, in coordination with Gavi.
Clinical care and protecting health workers. In DRC, the U.S. Government has procured and delivered medical kits containing antibiotics, oral hydration, and wound care supplies to support government facilities to offer mpox patients relief from their symptoms free of charge, which bolsters community trust and connection with the health care system. The U.S. Government is expanding health care worker capacity to treat mpox and offer psychosocial support to patients, while simultaneously training the workers to protect themselves through use of infection prevention and control best practices.
Diagnostic tests and training. The U.S. Government is also supporting mpox-affected countries with laboratory expertise and diagnostic supplies. This includes: providing over 40,000 individual test assays and reagents that ensured that countries in the region had the capacity to detect clade I mpox when it crossed their borders; training dozens of laboratory personnel on the use of mpox test kits and procedures to enhance laboratory safety, hygiene, and waste management; strengthening the reach and availability of rapid diagnostic testing capacity; expanding specimen transportation routes; and establishing platforms for laboratory data management.
Development and testing of effective therapeutics. The United States Government is leading the ongoing “Study of Tecovirimat for Human Mpox Virus” clinical trial for mpox treatment in the United States and other countries affected by clade II mpox.
Identifying mpox research priorities. To help prioritize mpox research, the United States released an update on mpox research priorities, focusing on four objectives: (1) increasing knowledge about the biology of all clades, including how the virus is transmitted and how people’s immune systems respond to it; (2) evaluating dosing regimens of current mpox vaccines to stretch the vaccine supply and developing novel vaccine concepts; (3) advancing existing and novel treatments, including antivirals and monoclonal antibodies; and (4) supporting strategies for detecting the virus to facilitate clinical care and epidemiological surveillance.
LEVERAGING STRONG MULTILATERAL PARTNERSHIPS
As with investments in health systems, building stronger and more effective multilateral institutions between emergencies is essential to ensuring the world is prepared to respond effectively in times of crisis. The United States supports the critical roles of WHO and Africa CDC in leading the mpox response, and we call on those institutions to utilize the strong partnerships that are already in place, including with other multilateral institutions, to protect the health and wellbeing of people living in the affected countries.
World Health Organization. Among his first acts in office, President Biden declared the United States would reengage with WHO, highlighting our nation’s commitment to advancing multilateral cooperation in a global health crisis. Beyond health emergencies, the United States is collaborating with WHO on a wide range of global health issues such as childhood immunization, nutrition, polio eradication, and strengthening the global health workforce to achieve universal health coverage. Since the beginning of the Biden-Harris Administration, the United States has provided nearly $1.9 billion of support to WHO. In addition, since March 2024, the United States has already provided more than $7.7 million to WHO to support mpox response activities, and $450,000 for building sustainable capacity for mpox elimination in DRC, Burundi, Central African Republic, Republic of Congo, Rwanda, and Uganda.
Africa CDC. The United States welcomes and supports the role of Africa CDC as a continent-wide public health institution, established in 2016. In 2022, the U.S. Government signed a Memorandum of Cooperation to Promote Public Health Partnership with the African Union, accompanied by a U.S.-Africa CDC Joint Action Plan outlining shared global health priorities and areas for collaboration. In addition to substantial U.S. bilateral and multilateral support aligned with Africa CDC’s five-year strategic plan and Agenda 2063, the United States provided more than $3 million in direct support to the Africa CDC in the form of in-kind assistance last year alone.
Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance. Gavi holds essential expertise in effective vaccine procurement, distribution, and administration, which should be leveraged immediately in the mpox response. Since its inception in 2000, the United States Government has invested or announced: 1) over $3.6 billion to improve equitable access to new and underutilized vaccines in low- and middle-income countries; 2) a $4 billion dollar contribution to Gavi’s COVAX Advance Market Commitment; 3) an annual contribution to Gavi’s core budget, including $300 million in 2024 ; 4) and pledged at least $1.58 billion towards USG’s first-ever five-year pledge to Gavi’s next replenishment cycle, subject to Congressional approval. U.S. funding is included in Gavi’s $500 million First Response Fund, which is supporting procurement, delivery, and deployment of 500,000 JYNNEOS doses in response to the mpox outbreak. Finally, affected countries, WHO, Africa CDC, and Gavi recently established the Access and Allocation Mechanism (AAM) as a platform to increase equitable access to mpox response resources and contributions.
The Quad. The Quad partnership was established in 2020 between the United States, India, Japan and Australia as a global force for good, including working together to help partners address pandemics and disease. During a September 21 Quad Summit, leaders agreed to coordinate efforts to promote equitable access to safe, effective, quality-assured mpox vaccines, including where appropriate expanding vaccine manufacturing in low and middle-income countries.
Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI). CEPI is working to accelerate the development of life-saving vaccines against emerging disease threats, and to transform capability for rapid countermeasure development in response to future threats.To date, the U.S. Government has invested $117 million through CEPI to accelerated the development of vaccines and other biologic countermeasures against epidemic and pandemic threats. CEPI has funded two scientific studies in Africa (the DRC and Uganda) focused on the JYNNEOS vaccine; it has also supported early clinical development of BioNTech’s next-generation mRNA-based pox vaccine and providing funding to support Bavarian Nordic’s MVA-BN® mpox vaccine clinical trials in DRC, Uganda, and Nigeria through the SMART trial.
The Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria. The Global Fund is working to defeat HIV, TB and malaria and ensure a healthier, safer, more equitable future for all. The U.S. is the largest donor to The Global Fund, and President Biden led the largest Global Fund replenishment ever in 2022. In August 2024, in response to the evolving mpox outbreak, the Global Fund quickly pivoted to update its guidance in order to direct grant funds to help eligible countries to prevent, detect, and respond to mpox outbreaks. Earlier this month, Global Fund committed an additional $9.5 million to support DRC’s mpox response.
UNICEF. As the lead UN agency for children, UNICEF works in over 190 countries to save children’s lives and to support health and development. To date, the U.S. has provided UNICEF with more than $1.4 million to support clade I mpox preparedness and response activities in DRC, Burundi, and the Republic of Congo. UNICEF supports risk communication and community engagement, clinical services, psychosocial support, and coordination.
United Nations High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR). As the lead UN agency for refugees, UNHCR provides vital protection and assistance to refugees, asylum-seekers, internally displaced and stateless people. Through UNHCR, the United States has provided nearly $9 million in humanitarian assistance this year to address urgent mpox-related needs among refugees, internally-displaced persons, host communities and other vulnerable populations in 14 countries throughout Africa.
International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC). IFRC is the world’s largest humanitarian network working in more than 190 countries through a network of more than 16 million volunteers. To date, the U.S. Government has provided IFRC with $800,000 to support clade I mpox preparedness and response activities in DRC. IFRC supports risk communication and community engagement, clinical services, psychosocial support, and coordination.
EXPANDING HEALTH EMERGENCY FINANCING
In addition to ongoing bilateral and multilateral support to build stronger health systems, respond to ongoing health challenges, and pivot to address the current mpox crisis, the United States supports expanded sources of financing for response to health emergencies. Many of these have been developed and launched since the COVID-19 pandemic to address gaps identified through that response.
The Pandemic Fund. As the only multilateral fund fully focused on prevention and preparedness, the Pandemic Fund has a critical role to play in building capacity to end the current outbreak and prevent the next one. The Pandemic Fund has taken quick action to support mpox preparedness efforts, approving $129 million to support 10 countries impacted by the disease to strengthen laboratory, surveillance, and human resources capacities. The selected projects meet needs articulated in the joint WHO-Africa CDC Mpox Continental Preparedness and Response Plan for Africa. The awards will be implemented over multiple years enabling an effective transition from crisis to long term preparedness. To continue its critical work, the Pandemic Fund is engaged in a concurrent resource mobilization round, with the goal of raising at least $2 billion in new funding through 2026. The United States has committed to provide up to $667 million, subject to Congressional appropriations and the availability of funds.
Gavi’s Day Zero Financing Facility. The United States has supported Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance in establishing the Day Zero Financing Facility, a suite of tools that will mobilize, for example, up to $2 billion in risk-tolerant surge and contingent capital to enable Gavi to quickly meet the demand for vaccines in a pandemic.
U.S. Development Finance Corporation (DFC) Health Emergency Financing: The DFC finances private-sector led solutions to health services, supply chain, and technology challenges in low- and middle-income countries. These solutions improve health system resilience and pandemic preparedness through: 1) a $1 billion-dollar rapid financing facility applicable to a full spectrum of vaccines (COVID-19, childhood vaccine-preventable diseases, and future outbreaks); 2) investments in regional, Africa-based vaccine manufacturing, including Aspen Pharmacare (South Africa) and Institute Pasteur de Dakar (Senegal); and 3) a G7 Surge Financing Initiative for Medical Countermeasures that supports Gavi and regional vaccine manufacturers.
Multilateral development bank (MDB) evolution. MDBs have a key role to play in helping countries address global challenges, such as climate change, pandemics, and fragility and conflict. The United States is working with other shareholders to evolve the visions, incentive structures, operational approaches, and financial capacity of the MDBs to equip these institutions to respond to global challenges with sufficient speed and scale. The United States is pleased to see the close coordination between the World Bank, IMF, and regional development banks with WHO and affected countries on how to best utilize or reprogram resources to aid the mpox response.
—-
To learn more about mpox, its signs and symptoms, vaccines, prevention, and treatments, please visit the U.S. CDC website.

MIL OSI USA News –

September 29, 2024
MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Union MoS for Health and Family Welfare, Smt. Anupriya Patel delivers the keynote address at the “Interactive TB Vaccines Dialogue” organized by STOP TB Partnership on the sidelines of the ongoing 79th session of the UNGA

Source: Government of India (2)

Union MoS for Health and Family Welfare, Smt. Anupriya Patel delivers the keynote address at the “Interactive TB Vaccines Dialogue” organized by STOP TB Partnership on the sidelines of the ongoing 79th session of the UNGA

Reaffirms India’s commitment to Global TB Elimination Efforts; speaks about the Research & Development of TB vaccines in India

India is progressing against the Sustainable Development Goals at a far greater pace than the global average, with a decline in TB incidence by 16% from 237 per hundred thousand population in 2015 to 199 in 2022 and a decline of 18% in TB deaths during this period: Smt. Patel

“Till Aug 2024, NTEP has disbursed 373 million USD to more than 10 million TB patients under the Nikshay Poshan Yojana since its inception in 2018”

“With over 7,767 molecular diagnostic laboratories, cutting-edge treatment protocols, and an 88% treatment success rate, India’s TB program has become a model for the world”

“The Stop TB Partnership, a beacon of collective strength, has evolved into a global force comprising over 2,000 partners from diverse sectors, all united in our resolve to eliminate TB as a public health problem by 2030”

Posted On: 24 SEP 2024 7:57PM by PIB Delhi

Union Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare, Smt. Anupriya Patel delivered the keynote address at the “Interactive TB Vaccines Dialogue” event organized by STOP TB Partnerships on the sidelines of the ongoing 79^thsession of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York City, today. As part of ongoing initiatives to expedite the fight against tuberculosis (TB), the event convened experts, dignitaries, and critical stakeholders from around the globe.

The objectives of the TB Vaccines Dialogue include: convening key and relevant country and global stakeholders and partners who, now and in the future, will be critical for the practical and realistic development and delivery of TB vaccines; and understanding and start addressing critical misconceptions, questions, and knowledge gaps, including needs, desires, and challenges related to the practical and realistic development and delivery of TB vaccines.

Delivering an affirming statement of global leadership during the Dialogue, Smt. Patel highlighted India’s role as Chair of the Stop TB Partnership Board and reiterated the nation’s commitment to eliminating TB as a public health problem by 2030 and ensuring a healthier future for all. She highlighted that “India is progressing against the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) at a far greater pace than the global average, with a decline in TB incidence by 16% from 237 per hundred thousand population in 2015 to 199 in 2022 and a decline of 18% in TB deaths from 28 per hundred thousand population in 2015 to 23 in 2022.”

She further added that, “under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, India has made remarkable strides in TB care and prevention, from infrastructure expansion to financial support for patients”, referencing the National Strategic Plan that has significantly scaled up TB services nationwide. With over 7,767 molecular diagnostic laboratories, cutting-edge treatment protocols, and an 88% treatment success rate, India’s TB program has become a model for the world. India initiated Nikshay Poshan Yojana in 2018 for providing $6 USD/month to support nutrition of TB patients for the entire duration of treatment. Cumulatively, till Aug 2024, NTEP has disbursed 373 million USD to more than 10 million TB patients.”

Emphasizing the critical need for new vaccines, Smt. Patel stated that “TB has been the worst killer amongst all infectious diseases. While the childhood BCG vaccine has been essential in protecting children, its protective effects diminish with age” and “despite our advances, the world still loses millions of lives to TB. So, the time to invest in innovative vaccines is now.”

Highlighting the “urgent need for an innovative and effective TB Vaccine”, Smt. Patel emphasized that “the unmet need for a TB Vaccine, and its potential role in TB elimination is where the world is focusing now” and “this forum represents a critical opportunity for us to come together, share knowledge, and accelerate the development of these life-saving vaccines. The past decades have witnessed a reawakening of novel vaccine approaches. Technical advances in molecular genetics and the design of viral vectors and adjuvants have facilitated TB vaccine development.” She further added that “with around 16 vaccines having entered clinical trial assessments, the future of TB vaccine development looks considerably brighter than before.”

She highlighted India’s Research & Development (R&D) with recombinant BCG VPM1002 and Immuvac, the ongoing trial for evaluation of BCG revaccination in adults, and another trial in Phase IIb with novel vaccine MTBVAC ongoing among adults.

Underlining the importance of the Stop TB Partnership, Smt. Patel stated that, “the partnership is a beacon of collective strength and has evolved into a global force comprising over 2,000 partners from diverse sectors, all united in our resolve to eliminate TB as a public health problem by 2030.”

Offering to “share India’s experiences and capacities in the area”, Smt. Patel stated that, “as chair of the Stop TB Partnership Board, my call to action is to ensure that the world has at least one new and effective TB vaccine in the next one year”. She concluded her address by urging the stakeholders to come together for “increased funding for TB Vaccine research; fostering global collaboration of governments, public and private institutions, and donors to ensure that “the vaccines are not only developed but also made available to people equitably, learning from the painful lessons of access to COVID vaccines.”

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MV

HFW/ MoS Stop TB event at 79^th UNGA /24^th September 2024/3

(Release ID: 2058358) Visitor Counter : 55

MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

September 29, 2024
MIL-OSI NGOs: Sudan: After famine declaration, catastrophic malnutrition in Zamzam camp is only getting worse News Sep 13, 2024

Source: Doctors Without Borders –

Prevalent famine conditions in Zamzam camp

Despite an announcement that brought hope for positive developments—for instance, following Geneva peace talks—no significant amount of humanitarian relief has reached people in Zamzam camp and the nearby, war-stricken city of El Fasher since the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) Famine Review Committee concluded that famine conditions were prevalent in the area on August 1 this year. Most supply roads are controlled by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), who have made it all but impossible to bring therapeutic food, medicines, and essential supplies into the camp since the intensification of fighting around El Fasher last May.

There’s no more time to waste if thousands of preventable deaths are to be avoided. Among the more than 29,000 children under five years old screened last week during a vaccination campaign in Zamzam camp, 10 percent suffer from severe acute malnutrition, a life-threatening condition, while 34.8 percent suffer from global acute malnutrition, which will evolve into a more severe form of malnutrition if not treated effectively and in a timely fashion.

“The malnutrition rates found during the screening are massive and likely some of the worst in the world currently,” said Claudine Mayer, MSF emergency medical manager. “It’s even more terrifying as we know from experience that the results are often underestimated in the area when we use only the mid-upper arm circumference criteria like we did here, instead of combining it with measuring weight and height.”

An MSF mass screening carried out in March 2024 revealed an 8.2 percent rate of severe acute malnutrition and a 29.4 percent rate of global acute malnutrition, which was already twice as high as the 15 percent alert threshold set by the World Health Organization.

A nurse attends to a patient in the ER department at the MSF clinic in Zamzam Camp, North Darfur.
Sudan 2024 © Mohammed Jamal

Supply blockages and soaring prices exacerbate threat

The only food available is from pre-existing stocks, which is not sufficient for people living in the area, and food prices are at least three times as high as in the rest of Darfur. Fuel prices are soaring as well, making it very difficult to pump water and run clinics that rely on generators for electricity. Our staff on site report that for many, it’s impossible to obtain more than one meal per day.

“In such a dire situation, we should be scaling up our response,” said Mayer. “Instead, running critically low on supplies, we are reaching breaking point and were recently forced to reduce our activity to focus solely on children in the most severe conditions. This means we had to suspend treatment for 2,700 children with less severe forms of malnutrition, and to put an end to consultations provided to adults and children over five years old, who represented thousands of consultations every month.”

Zamzam camp is estimated to host between 300,000 and 500,000 people, many of them displaced many times over, who are trying to flee the war that has been devastating Sudan since last year. In El Fasher, where many of the displaced used to live, only one hospital remains partially functioning after the others were damaged or destroyed in the conflict.

“Due to unconscionable blockages on supplies, we feel like we are leaving behind an increasing number of patients who already have very few options for getting lifesaving medical care,” said Lacharité. “If the roads are not an option for getting massive quantities of urgent supplies into the camp, the United Nations should look at every available option. Delaying these supplies means causing more deaths—thousands of them, among the most vulnerable.”

MIL OSI NGO –

September 29, 2024
MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Pupils become Flu Fighters as vaccinations begin in city schools

Source: City of Wolverhampton

This year, all children from Reception to Year 11, including those who are home educated, are eligible for the vaccination. For the majority of children, the vaccine will be given via a nasal spray. For children who require a pork gelatine free alternative, or who are unable to have the nasal spray for medical reasons, an injectable vaccination is available on request.

Parents are urged to return their child’s consent forms as soon as possible to ensure they don’t miss out. Consent can be given online at Flu Immunisation 2024/25. Verbal consent can be given by calling Vaccination UK on 01902 200077. Requests for the injectable vaccination can be made when giving consent.

Vaccinations are scheduled to take place throughout the autumn term and each school will be visited twice by Vaccination UK, giving children who may have been off the first time the chance to have their vaccination.

Any child who misses their free vaccine in school will be able to get it at catch up clinics which will be arranged later this autumn, or by contacting their GP.

Councillor Jasbir Jaspal, the City of Wolverhampton Council’s Cabinet Member for Adults and Wellbeing, said: “We’re delighted that the flu vaccination campaign is now underway in local schools and it’s vital that you ensure your child doesn’t miss out.

“Flu can be deadly and easily spread by children and adults. The vaccine is the best way to protect your children and other family members from becoming ill with the flu, particularly more vulnerable relatives like grandparents or those with underlying health conditions.

“I would urge parents to return their consent forms as soon as they receive them so that their children can have their free vaccine and become a Flu Fighter!”

Children aged 2 and 3, and children with some long term health conditions, are also eligible for the nasal spray, with their vaccinations given at their local GP surgery. Parents or guardians who have not yet received a letter or text from their GP inviting them for a vaccination are encouraged to contact their surgery to arrange an appointment.

To find out more about the flu vaccine for children, read the answers to frequently asked questions and enjoy the 4 exciting Flu Fighters stories for children, Flu Fighters Versus Chilly, Achy and Snotty, Flu Fighters in The Battle of Planet Bogey, Flu Fighters in Close Encounters of the Germed Kind and Flu Fighters on a Vacc-tastic Voyage, please visit Flu.

MIL OSI United Kingdom –

September 29, 2024