Monthly Archives: May 2020

A future for regulatory science in the European Union: the European Medicines Agency’s strategy

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Nature Reviews Drug Discovery
Volume 19 Issue 5, May 2020
https://www.nature.com/nrd/volumes/19/issues/5

 

Comment | 31 March 2020
A future for regulatory science in the European Union: the European Medicines Agency’s strategy
After 3 years of co-design with stakeholders and EU regulatory partners, the European Medicines Agency’s Regulatory Science to 2025 strategy has been finalized. Here, we highlight the core recommendations that stakeholders deem most significant to advance evidence generation.
Philip A. Hines, Rosanne Janssens[…] & Anthony J. Humphreys

Rethinking drug design in the artificial intelligence era

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Nature Reviews Drug Discovery
Volume 19 Issue 5, May 2020
https://www.nature.com/nrd/volumes/19/issues/5

 

Perspective | 04 December 2019
Rethinking drug design in the artificial intelligence era
Artificial intelligence (AI) tools are increasingly being applied in drug discovery. This article presents the views of a group of international experts on the ‘grand challenges’ in small-molecule drug discovery with AI, including obtaining appropriate data sets, generating new hypotheses, optimizing in a multi-objective manner, reducing cycle times and changing the research culture.
Petra Schneider, W. Patrick Walters[…] & Gisbert Schneider

Data Citizenship under the 21st Century Cures Act

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New England Journal of Medicine
May 7, 2020 Vol. 382 No. 19
http://www.nejm.org/toc/nejm/medical-journal

 

Perspective
Data Citizenship under the 21st Century Cures Act
Kenneth D. Mandl, M.D., M.P.H., and Isaac S. Kohane, M.D., Ph.D.
A new federal rule facilitates health data exchange and enforces right of access to a computable version of one’s medical record. The essential next steps include addressing cybersecurity, privacy, and insurability risks.

Availability of Authorizations from EMA and FDA for Age-Appropriate Medicines Contained in the WHO Essential Medicines List for Children 2019

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Pharmaceutics
Volume 12, Issue 4 (April 2020)
https://www.mdpi.com/1999-4923/12/4

 

Open Access Review
Availability of Authorizations from EMA and FDA for Age-Appropriate Medicines Contained in the WHO Essential Medicines List for Children 2019
by Jose-Manuel delMoral-Sanchez , Isabel Gonzalez-Alvarez , Marta Gonzalez-Alvarez , Andres Navarro-Ruiz and Marival Bermejo
Pharmaceutics 2020, 12(4), 316; https://doi.org/10.3390/pharmaceutics12040316 – 01 Apr 2020
Abstract
Lack of age-appropriate commercially drug products availability is a common problem in pediatric therapeutics; this population needs improved and safer drug delivery. In addition, biopharmaceutic aspects, dosage requirements, and swallowing abilities demand pediatric forms different to adult formulations. The objective of this study was to evaluate the authorization availability from United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and European Medicines Agency (EMA) of oral essential medicines for children and analyze its age-appropriateness for oral administration in children. All oral drugs from 7th List of Essential Medicines for Children by World Health Organization (WHO) were selected. Availability of commercial drug products was collected from OrangeBook, Spanish drug product catalogue, British electronic Medicines Compendium, and the International Vademecum. Tablets, effervescent tablets, and capsules were considered as not age-appropriate forms. Liquid forms, powder for oral suspension, mini tablets, granules, and soluble films were considered as age-appropriate forms due to their flexibility. More than 80% of the studied drugs possess a commercial authorization in oral forms in both EMA and FDA. Nevertheless, around 50% of these formulations are not age-appropriate for most pediatric groups. This study shows the lack of age-appropriate medicines for children. More efforts are needed to improve development and approval of pediatric medicines.

Eliminating yellow fever epidemics in Africa: Vaccine demand forecast and impact modelling

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PLoS Neglected Tropical Diseases
http://www.plosntds.org/
(Accessed 9 May 2020)

 

Eliminating yellow fever epidemics in Africa: Vaccine demand forecast and impact modelling
Kévin Jean, Arran Hamlet, Justus Benzler, Laurence Cibrelus, Katy A. M. Gaythorpe, Amadou Sall, Neil M. Ferguson, Tini Garske
Research Article | published 07 May 2020 PLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases
https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pntd.0008304

Decisional autonomy undermines advisees’ judgments of experts in medicine and in life

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PNAS – Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America
http://www.pnas.org/content/early/
[Accessed 9 May 2020]

 

Decisional autonomy undermines advisees’ judgments of experts in medicine and in life
Samantha Kassirer, Emma E. Levine, and Celia Gaertig
PNAS first published May 7, 2020. https://doi.org/10.1073/pnas.1910572117
Significance
The debate over whether people ought to be guided paternalistically or given full decisional autonomy has been raging for centuries. However, in many Western societies, autonomy has become the gold standard. The US medical system, in particular, has increasingly prioritized patient autonomy. The present research examines the important question of how patients and advisees broadly react to full decisional autonomy. We find that advisees making difficult decisions prefer paternalism to autonomy, but doctors do not anticipate this preference. We document this preference within medicine and within a range of other contexts characterized by adviser–advisee asymmetries in expertise. Our results suggest that advisees facing difficult decisions do not perceive autonomy as the gold standard.
Abstract
Over the past several decades, the United States medical system has increasingly prioritized patient autonomy. Physicians routinely encourage patients to come to their own decisions about their medical care rather than providing patients with clearer yet more paternalistic advice. Although political theorists, bioethicists, and philosophers generally see this as a positive trend, the present research examines the important question of how patients and advisees in general react to full decisional autonomy when making difficult decisions under uncertainty. Across six experiments (N = 3,867), we find that advisers who give advisees decisional autonomy rather than offering paternalistic advice are judged to be less competent and less helpful. As a result, advisees are less likely to return to and recommend these advisers and pay them lower wages. Importantly, we also demonstrate that advisers do not anticipate these effects. We document these results both inside and outside the medical domain, suggesting that the preference for paternalism is not unique to medicine but rather is a feature of situations in which there are adviser–advisee asymmetries in expertise. We find that the preference for paternalism holds when advice is solicited or unsolicited, when both paternalism and autonomy are accompanied by expert guidance, and it persists both before and after the outcomes of paternalistic advice are realized. Lastly, we see that the preference for paternalism only occurs when decision makers perceive their decision to be difficult. These results challenge the benefits of recently adopted practices in medical decision making that prioritize full decisional autonomy.

Estimating the deep replicability of scientific findings using human and artificial intelligence

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PNAS – Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America
http://www.pnas.org/content/early/
[Accessed 9 May 2020]

 

Estimating the deep replicability of scientific findings using human and artificial intelligence
Yang Yang, Wu Youyou, and Brian Uzzi
PNAS first published May 4, 2020. https://doi.org/10.1073/pnas.1909046117
Significance
After years of urgent concern about the failure of scientific papers to replicate, an accurate, scalable method for identifying findings at risk has yet to arrive. We present a method that combines machine intelligence and human acumen for estimating a study’s likelihood of replication. Our model—trained and tested on hundreds of manually replicated studies and out-of-sample datasets —is comparable to the best current methods, yet reduces the strain on researchers’ resources. In practice, our model can complement prediction market and survey replication methods, prioritize studies for expensive manual replication tests, and furnish independent feedback to researchers prior to submitting a study for review.
Abstract
Replicability tests of scientific papers show that the majority of papers fail replication. Moreover, failed papers circulate through the literature as quickly as replicating papers. This dynamic weakens the literature, raises research costs, and demonstrates the need for new approaches for estimating a study’s replicability. Here, we trained an artificial intelligence model to estimate a paper’s replicability using ground truth data on studies that had passed or failed manual replication tests, and then tested the model’s generalizability on an extensive set of out-of-sample studies. The model predicts replicability better than the base rate of reviewers and comparably as well as prediction markets, the best present-day method for predicting replicability. In out-of-sample tests on manually replicated papers from diverse disciplines and methods, the model had strong accuracy levels of 0.65 to 0.78. Exploring the reasons behind the model’s predictions, we found no evidence for bias based on topics, journals, disciplines, base rates of failure, persuasion words, or novelty words like “remarkable” or “unexpected.” We did find that the model’s accuracy is higher when trained on a paper’s text rather than its reported statistics and that n-grams, higher order word combinations that humans have difficulty processing, correlate with replication. We discuss how combining human and machine intelligence can raise confidence in research, provide research self-assessment techniques, and create methods that are scalable and efficient enough to review the ever-growing numbers of publications—a task that entails extensive human resources to accomplish with prediction markets and manual replication alone.

Declining Public Health Protections within Autocratic Regimes: Impact on Global Public Health Security, Infectious Disease Outbreaks, Epidemics, and Pandemics

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Prehospital & Disaster Medicine
Volume 35 – Issue 3 – June 2020
https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/prehospital-and-disaster-medicine/latest-issue

 

Guest Editorial
Declining Public Health Protections within Autocratic Regimes: Impact on Global Public Health Security, Infectious Disease Outbreaks, Epidemics, and Pandemics
Frederick M. Burkle
Published online by Cambridge University Press: 08 April 2020, pp. 237-246
Abstract
Public health emergencies of international concern, in the form of infectious disease outbreaks, epidemics, and pandemics, represent an increasing risk to the worldʼs population. Management requires coordinated responses, across many disciplines and nations, and the capacity to muster proper national and global public health education, infrastructure, and prevention measures. Unfortunately, increasing numbers of nations are ruled by autocratic regimes which have characteristically failed to adopt investments in public health infrastructure, education, and prevention measures to keep pace with population growth and density. Autocratic leaders have a direct impact on health security, a direct negative impact on health, and create adverse political and economic conditions that only complicate the crisis further. This is most evident in autocratic regimes where health protections have been seriously and purposely curtailed. All autocratic regimes define public health along economic and political imperatives that are similar across borders and cultures. Autocratic regimes are seriously handicapped by sociopathic narcissistic leaders who are incapable of understanding the health consequences of infectious diseases or the impact on their population. A cross section of autocratic nations currently experiencing the impact of COVID-19 (coronavirus disease 2019) are reviewed to demonstrate the manner where self-serving regimes fail to manage health crises and place the rest of the world at increasing risk. It is time to re-address the pre-SARS (severe acute respiratory syndrome) global agendas calling for stronger strategic capacity, legal authority, support, and institutional status under World Health Organization (WHO) leadership granted by an International Health Regulations Treaty. Treaties remain the most successful means the world has in preventing, preparing for, and controlling epidemics in an increasingly globalized world.

Tetanus, diphtheria and acellular pertussis (Tdap) vaccine for prevention of pertussis among adults aged 19 years and older in the United States: A cost-effectiveness analysis

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Preventive Medicine
Volume 134 May 2020
https://www.sciencedirect.com/journal/preventive-medicine/vol/134/suppl/C

 

Research article Abstract only
Tetanus, diphtheria and acellular pertussis (Tdap) vaccine for prevention of pertussis among adults aged 19 years and older in the United States: A cost-effectiveness analysis
Bo-Hyun Cho, Anna M. Acosta, Andrew J. Leidner, Amanda E. Faulkner, Fangjun Zhou
Article 106066

Higher education associated with better national tetanus vaccination coverage: A population-based assessment

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Preventive Medicine
Volume 134 May 2020
https://www.sciencedirect.com/journal/preventive-medicine/vol/134/suppl/C

 

Research article Abstract only
Higher education associated with better national tetanus vaccination coverage: A population-based assessment
Camerin A. Rencken, Shira Dunsiger, Annie Gjelsvik, Siraj Amanullah
Article 106063

Islamic concepts in ethics of pediatric clinical research

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Research Ethics
Volume 16 Issue 1-2, January-April 2020
http://journals.sagepub.com/toc/reab/current

 

Original Article: Non-Empirical
Islamic concepts in ethics of pediatric clinical research
Areej AG AlFattani, Hala AlAlem
First Published February 3, 2020; pp. 1–11
Abstract
Background:
Medical research on children has increased in the last 20 years. International ethical regulations for conducting clinical research on children may not pertain to Muslim communities where religious beliefs play a big role in decision-making process.
Methods:
The aim of this paper was to illustrate the origins of bioethics principles in Islam, to appraise the existing regulations of Islamic countries, and to systematically review areas of improvements.
Conclusion:
This review recommends a customized approach for regulators to set culturally adapted ethical guidelines that highlight Islamic traditions in dealing with children of different ages.

Vaccination strategies to enhance immunity in neonates

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Science
08 May 2020 Vol 368, Issue 6491
http://www.sciencemag.org/current.dtl

Vaccination strategies to enhance immunity in neonates
By Tobias R. Kollmann, Arnaud Marchant, Sing Sing Way
Abstract
Neonates are particularly susceptible to infection. This vulnerability occurs despite their responsiveness to most vaccines. However, current vaccines do not target the pathogens responsible for most of the severe neonatal infections, and the time it takes to induce protective pathogen-specific immunity after vaccination limits protection in the first days to weeks of life. Alternative strategies include using vaccines to broadly stimulate neonatal immunity in a pathogen-agnostic fashion or vaccinating women during pregnancy to induce protective antibodies that are vertically transferred to offspring within their window of vulnerability. Protection may be further improved by integrating these approaches, namely vaccinating the neonate under the cover of vertically transferred maternal immunity. The rationale for and knowledge gaps related to each of these alternatives are discussed.

An investigation of transmission control measures during the first 50 days of the COVID-19 epidemic in China

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Science
08 May 2020 Vol 368, Issue 6491
http://www.sciencemag.org/current.dtl

 

Reports
An investigation of transmission control measures during the first 50 days of the COVID-19 epidemic in China
By Huaiyu Tian, Yonghong Liu, Yidan Li, Chieh-Hsi Wu, Bin Chen, Moritz U. G. Kraemer, Bingying Li, Jun Cai, Bo Xu, Qiqi Yang, Ben Wang, Peng Yang, Yujun Cui, Yimeng Song, Pai Zheng, Quanyi Wang, Ottar N. Bjornstad, Ruifu Yang, Bryan T. Grenfell, Oliver G. Pybus, Christopher Dye
Science08 May 2020 : 638-642 Full Access
Travel restrictions and the national emergency response delayed the growth and limited the size of the COVID-19 epidemic in China.

BCG vaccination–induced emergency granulopoiesis provides rapid protection from neonatal sepsis

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Science Translational Medicine
06 May 2020 Vol 12, Issue 542
https://stm.sciencemag.org/

 

Research Articles
BCG vaccination–induced emergency granulopoiesis provides rapid protection from neonatal sepsis
By Byron Brook, Danny J. Harbeson, Casey P. Shannon, Bing Cai, Daniel He, Rym Ben-Othman, Freddy Francis, Joe Huang, Natallia Varankovich, Aaron Liu, Winnie Bao, Morten Bjerregaard-Andersen, Frederik Schaltz-Buchholzer, Lilica Sanca, Christian N. Golding, Kristina Lindberg Larsen, Ofer Levy, Beate Kampmann, The EPIC Consortium, Rusung Tan, Adrian Charles, James L. Wynn, Frank Shann, Peter Aaby, Christine S. Benn, Scott J. Tebbutt, Tobias R. Kollmann, Nelly Amenyogbe
Science Translational Medicine06 May 2020 Full Access
Neonatal administration of BCG vaccine rapidly increases neutrophil production to reduce mortality from sepsis.

Interventions for treatment of COVID-19: a protocol for a living systematic review with network meta-analysis including individual patient data (The LIVING Project)

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Systematic Reviews
https://systematicreviewsjournal.biomedcentral.com/articles
[Accessed 9 May 2020]

 

Interventions for treatment of COVID-19: a protocol for a living systematic review with network meta-analysis including individual patient data (The LIVING Project)
COVID-19 is a rapidly spreading virus infection that has quickly caused extensive burden to individual, families, countries, and the globe. No intervention has yet been proven effective for the treatment of CO…
Authors: Sophie Juul, Niklas Nielsen, Peter Bentzer, Areti Angeliki Veroniki, Lehana Thabane, Adam Linder, Sarah Klingenberg, Christian Gluud and Janus Christian Jakobsen
Citation: Systematic Reviews 2020 9:108
Content type: Protocol
Published on: 9 May 2020

Continue reading →

What do we know about travel for children with special health care needs? A review of the literature

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Travel Medicine and Infectious Diseases
Volume 34 March–April 2020
https://www.sciencedirect.com/journal/travel-medicine-and-infectious-disease/vol/34/suppl/C

 

Review article Abstract only
What do we know about travel for children with special health care needs? A review of the literature
Sarah E. Kohl, Elizabeth D. Barnett
Article 101438

COVID-19 – the role of mass gatherings

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Travel Medicine and Infectious Diseases
Volume 34 March–April 2020
https://www.sciencedirect.com/journal/travel-medicine-and-infectious-disease/vol/34/suppl/C

 

Research article Full text access
COVID-19 – the role of mass gatherings
Shahul H. Ebrahim, Ziad A. Memish
Article 101617
Abstract
Mass gathering (MG) medicine emerged against the backdrop of the 2009 pandemic H1N1 Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) when the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) hosted the largest annual mass gathering of over 3 million pilgrims from 180 plus countries. However, the events surrounding the latest threat to global health, the PHEIC COVID-19, may be sufficient to highlight the role of mass gatherings, mass migration, and other forms of dense gatherings of people on the emergence, sustenance, and transmission of novel pathogens. The COVID-19 spread illustrates the role of MGs in exacerbation of the scope of pandemics. Cancellation or suspension of MGs would be critical to pandemic mitigation. It is unlikely that medical countermeasures are available during the early phase of pandemics. Therefore, mitigation of its impact, rather than containment and control becomes a priority during pandemics. As the most systematically studied MG-related respiratory disease data come from KSA, the cancellation of Umrah by the KSA authorities, prior to emergence of cases, provide the best opportunity to develop mathematical models to quantify event cancellations related mitigation of COVID-19 transmission in KSA and to the home countries of pilgrims. COVID-19 has already provided examples of both clearly planned event cancellations such as the Umrah suspension in KSA, and where outbreaks and events were continued.

The cancellation of mass gatherings (MGs)? Decision making in the time of COVID-19

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Travel Medicine and Infectious Diseases
Volume 34 March–April 2020
https://www.sciencedirect.com/journal/travel-medicine-and-infectious-disease/vol/34/suppl/C

 

Short communication Full text access
The cancellation of mass gatherings (MGs)? Decision making in the time of COVID-19
Qanta A. Ahmed, Ziad A. Memish
Article 101631
Abstract
Our recommendation, as experts who have monitored health hazards at the Hajj for over 15 years, especially if the situation with COVID-19 continues to escalate globally is that Hajj 2020 will be at risk of being suspended and a means for Muslims to fulfill their rights in the future either personally or even by proxy need to be announced. The same holds true for the Summer 2020 Olympics in Japan and for many other MGs and large gatherings. Decisions in the time of COVID-19 will be closely followed and will be a blueprint for other mass gatherings.

Immunogenicity and safety of an adjuvanted inactivated polio vaccine, IPV-Al, following vaccination in children at 2, 4, 6 and at 15–18 months

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Vaccine
Volume 38, Issue 21 Pages 3699-3810 (6 May 2020)
https://www.sciencedirect.com/journal/vaccine/vol/38/issue/21

 

Selected Content
Research article Open access
Immunogenicity and safety of an adjuvanted inactivated polio vaccine, IPV-Al, following vaccination in children at 2, 4, 6 and at 15–18 months

Xavier Sáez-Llorens, Birgit Thierry-Carstensen, Lina Saem Stoey, Charlotte Sørensen, … Mie Vestergaard Kusk
Pages 3780-3789

 

Use of tetanus-diphtheria (Td) vaccine in children 4–7 years of age: World Health Organization consultation of experts

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Vaccine
Volume 38, Issue 21 Pages 3699-3810 (6 May 2020)
https://www.sciencedirect.com/journal/vaccine/vol/38/issue/21

 

Research article Abstract only
Use of tetanus-diphtheria (Td) vaccine in children 4–7 years of age: World Health Organization consultation of experts
Shalini Desai, Heather M. Scobie, Thomas Cherian, Tracey Goodman, The Expert Group on the Use of Td vaccine in Childhood
Pages 3800-3807

Pandemic Influenza Vaccines: What did We Learn from the 2009 Pandemic and are We Better Prepared Now?

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Vaccines — Open Access Journal
http://www.mdpi.com/journal/vaccines
(Accessed 9 May 2020)

 

Open Access Commentary
Pandemic Influenza Vaccines: What did We Learn from the 2009 Pandemic and are We Better Prepared Now?
by Steven Rockman , Karen Laurie and Ian Barr
Vaccines 2020, 8(2), 211; https://doi.org/10.3390/vaccines8020211 – 07 May 2020

Being Precise About Precision Medicine: What Should Value Frameworks Incorporate to Address Precision Medicine? A Report of the Personalized Precision Medicine Special Interest Group

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Value in Health
May 2020 Volume 23, Issue 5, p527-676
https://www.valueinhealthjournal.com/issue/S1098-3015(20)X0006-4

 

THEMED SECTION: PRECISION MEDICINE
Being Precise About Precision Medicine: What Should Value Frameworks Incorporate to Address Precision Medicine? A Report of the Personalized Precision Medicine Special Interest Group
Eric Faulkner, Anke-Peggy Holtorf, Surrey Walton, Christine Y. Liu, Hwee Lin, Eman Biltaj, Diana Brixner, Charles Barr, Jennifer Oberg, Gurmit Shandhu, Uwe Siebert, Susan R. Snyder, Simran Tiwana, John Watkins, Maarten J. IJzerman, Katherine Payne
p529–539
Published online: April 1, 2020
Highlights
:: Various stakeholder groups (eg, developers, regulators, payers, providers, patients) view the value attributes associated with precision medicine in different ways, not all of which are reflected in value assessment models.
:: Value assessment of precision medicine is inconsistent and, in some cases, unclear across different geographies and health technology assessment, bodies, irrespective of some groups articulating approaches. Currently, there is not uniform standard, which has potential to result in variable patient access to precision medicine.
:: Rapid expansion of diagnostic testing, including evolution of next-generation testing, whole genome and exome testing and integration of evidence with machine learning are also key areas that health technology assessment, processes will need to adapt around.
Abstract
Precision medicine is a dynamic area embracing a diverse and increasing type of approaches that allow the targeting of new medicines, screening programs or preventive healthcare strategies, which include the use of biologic markers or complex tests driven by algorithms also potentially taking account of patient preferences. The International Society for Pharmacoeconomics and Outcome Research expanded its current work around precision medicine to (1) describe the evolving paradigm of precision medicine with examples of current and evolving applications, (2) describe key stakeholders perspectives on the value of precision medicine in their respective domains, and (3) define the core factors that should be considered in a value assessment framework for precision medicine. With the ultimate goal of improving health of well-defined patient groups, precision medicine will affect all stakeholders in the healthcare system at multiple levels spanning the individual perspective to the societal perspective. For an efficient, timely and practical precision medicine value assessment framework, it will be important to address these multiple perspectives through building consensus among the stakeholders for robust procedures and measures of value aspects, including performance of precision mechanism; aligned reimbursement processes of precision mechanism and subsequent treatment; transparent expectations for evidence requirements and study designs adequately matched to the intended use of the precision mechanism and to the smaller target patient populations; recognizing the potential range of value-generation such as ruling-in and ruling-out decisions.

From Google Scholar & other sources: Selected Journal Articles, Newsletters, Dissertations, Theses, Commentary

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From Google Scholar & other sources: Selected Journal Articles, Newsletters, Dissertations, Theses, Commentary

University of South Carolina
Scholar Commons – Senior Theses. 344
Vaccine Confidence, Coverage, and Hesitancy Worldwide: A Literature Analysis of Vaccine Hesitancy and Potential Causes Worldwide
J Hammond
Thesis Summary
Vaccines are one of the world’s most impactful medical therapies. They are cost-effective, successfully proven, and one of the quickest treatment options available today (Clark et al., 2016). They save millions of lives every year and have eliminated certain diseases on a national and international level. However, millions of people worldwide still remain unvaccinated. In developed nations, mainly The United States (U.S.) and the European countries, many of the unvaccinated are a result of rising vaccine hesitancy of parents in conjunction with the anti-vaccination movement. Vaccine hesitancy is defined as “a delay in acceptance or refusal of vaccines despite availability” (Macdonald, 2015, p. 34). After a thorough literature review, evidence reveals that there is a gap between perceived vaccine importance and perceived vaccine safety in developed nations as many survey respondents believe in the efficacy and importance of vaccines but lack confidence in the safety of vaccines. This gap is seemingly connected to overall health literacy. The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act of 2010, Article V, defines health literacy as a patient’s ability to “obtain, communicate, and process” health services and information needed to make health decisions (Department of Health and Human Services [HHS], 2010). However, more direct and detailed projects must be conducted before a direct connection can be made.

 

Am J Respir Crit Care Med
2020;201:A2146
A59 CLINICAL DIAGNOSIS, PREDICTION AND OUTCOMES OF LUNG INFECTIONS / Thematic Poster Session This abstract is funded by: WHO (2018/825465)
Which Countries Have Adult Vaccine Programs? A Global Review of National Adult Influenza and Pneumococcal Vaccine Policies
SR Williams, HM LeBuhn, AJ Driscoll, KM Neuzil… – A59. CLINICAL DIAGNOSIS …, 2020
Rationale:
Adults have the highest mortality from vaccine-preventable respiratory infections, yet
vaccine programs historically have targeted only young children. Little is known about which
countries recommend adult immunization.
Methods:
We undertook a study to determine national adult immunization policies for influenza, pneumococcal polysaccharide (PPSV), and
pneumococcal conjugate (PCV) vaccines globally. We accessed the World Health Organization
(WHO)/UNICEF Joint Reporting Form (JRF) on Immunization for 2017. The JRF is a publicly
available monitoring and evaluation tool that collects national reports of immunization
information, including coverage and indicators of immunization system performance. We merged JRF data with country economic information from the World Bank. We conducted a descriptive analysis of national adult immunization policies and program performance, and we used bivariate analyses to identify factors associated with having such policies.
Results:
Of 194 WHO Member States in 2017, 114 countries (59%) reported having an adult influenza vaccine program, while 50 countries (26%) reported having any adult pneumococcal vaccine program. Among countries reporting adult pneumococcal vaccine programs, 34 countries (68%)
recommend PPSV alone, while 7 countries (14%) recommend PCV alone, and 9 countries (18%) recommend both PPSV and PCV for adults. Of 77 low- and lower-middle-income countries, 15 (19%) reported adult influenza programs and two (3%) reported adult pneumococcal programs. Compared to countries without adult influenza vaccine policies, countries with such policies were significantly more likely to have introduced human papillomavirus vaccine (p<0.0001), to have achieved global goals (≥95%) for routine pediatric coverage of third dose diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis (DTP3) vaccines (p<0.0001), to have strong enough routine immunization programs to have eliminated maternal-neonatal tetanus (p<0.0001), and to have national independent, expert vaccine advisory groups (national immunization technical advisory groups; NITAGs) (p=0.0035). Compared to countries without adult pneumococcal vaccine policies, countries with such policies are more likely to have introduced human papillomavirus vaccine (p<0.0001) and childhood PCV (p<0.0001), to have achieved global goals for DTP3 vaccine coverage (p=0.0001), to have eliminated maternal-neonatal tetanus (p=0.039), and to have a NITAG (p=0.008).
Conclusions:
Our review of the 2017 JRF permits an assessment of national adult influenza and
pneumococcal immunization policies. Adult immunization is under-utilized globally, particularly
in low resource countries. Recently published data demonstrating efficacy and safety of a
tuberculosis vaccine candidate in adults highlights the need for global adult vaccine platforms.
Countries with weaker immunization infrastructure may require increased resources and system
strengthening to achieve parity with wealthy countries.

Media/Policy Watch

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Media/Policy Watch
This watch section is intended to alert readers to substantive news, analysis and opinion from the general media and selected think tanks and similar organizations on vaccines, immunization, global public health and related themes. Media Watch is not intended to be exhaustive, but indicative of themes and issues CVEP is actively tracking. This section will grow from an initial base of newspapers, magazines and blog sources, and is segregated from Journal Watch above which scans the peer-reviewed journal ecology.
We acknowledge the Western/Northern bias in this initial selection of titles and invite suggestions for expanded coverage. We are conservative in our outlook in adding news sources which largely report on primary content we are already covering above. Many electronic media sources have tiered, fee-based subscription models for access. We will provide full-text where content is published without restriction, but most publications require registration and some subscription level.

 

The Atlantic
http://www.theatlantic.com/magazine/
Accessed 9 May 2020
[No new, unique, relevant content]

 

BBC
http://www.bbc.co.uk/
Accessed 9 May 2020
[No new, unique, relevant content]

 

The Economist
http://www.economist.com/
Accessed 9 May 2020
Leaders May 9th 2020 edition
High-speed science
Speeding up science during the pandemic
Things ought not to go back to the way they were before

 

Financial Times
http://www.ft.com/home/uk
Accessed 9 May 2020
Coronavirus
Researchers prepare for human challenge trials of Covid-19 vaccine
May 9, 2020
[No new, unique, relevant content]Top of Form
Bottom of Form

 

Forbes
http://www.forbes.com/
Accessed 9 May 2020
[No new, unique, relevant content]

 

Foreign Affairs
http://www.foreignaffairs.com/
Accessed 9 May 2020
[No new, unique, relevant content]

 

Foreign Policy
http://foreignpolicy.com/
Accessed 9 May 2020 |
How Long Until There’s a Coronavirus Vaccine?
The European Union facilitated an $8 billion fundraising drive on Monday, with the U.S. conspicuously absent from the contributions.
Morning Brief | Colm Quinn

 

Why Herd Immunity Won’t Save India From COVID-19
Rather than relying on mass infection to build resistance to the coronavirus, the country needs a long-term, data-driven, decentralized approach.
Argument | Devi Sridhar, Genevie Fernandes

 

The Guardian
http://www.guardiannews.com/
Accessed 9 May 2020
[No new, unique, relevant content]

 

New Yorker
http://www.newyorker.com/
Accessed 9 May 2020
[No new, unique, relevant content]

 

New York Times
http://www.nytimes.com/
Accessed 9 May 2020
Health
Moderna Gets OK to Start Larger Trial for a Coronavirus Vaccine
The company announced that the Food and Drug Administration had cleared its application to proceed to a clinical trial involving about 600 people.
May 7 By Knvul Sheikh

Health
Pfizer Begins Human Trials of Possible Coronavirus Vaccine
The drug company, along with a German partner, is running tests in healthy volunteers. It’s one of several companies on an accelerated timetable to try to find a safe, effective vaccine.
May 5 By Knvul Sheikh

Health
A Coronavirus Vaccine Project Takes a Page From Gene Therapy
The technique aims to make a person’s cells churn out proteins that will stimulate the body to fight the coronavirus.
May 4 By Denise Grady

Sunday Review
Get Ready for the Global Fight Over Vaccines
This isn’t just about saving lives. It’s also about power, profit and national prestige.
April 30 By Stuart Blume

 

Washington Post
https://www.washingtonpost.com/
Accessed 9 May 2020
Trump says coronavirus will disappear without a vaccine. Fauci has said the opposite.
Aaron Blake May 8, 2020
Video :: Trump says coronavirus will ‘go away without a vaccine’

CDC warns of potential measles outbreaks as kids fail to get vaccines
Rachel Weiner · May 8, 2020

Think Tanks et al

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Think Tanks et al

Brookings
http://www.brookings.edu/
Accessed 9 May 2020
[No new relevant content]

Center for Global Development [to 9 May 2020]
http://www.cgdev.org/page/press-center
Accessed 9 May 2020
Balancing the COVID-19 Response with Wider Health Needs: Key Decision-Making Considerations for Low- and Middle-Income Countries
Publication
5/8/20
As the pandemic accelerates, governments must also protect other essential health services. Already, there have been numerous reports of disrupted access to services ranging from labor and delivery and immunization to HIV and tuberculosis care to dialysis and cancer treatment—most notably in countries with strict lockdowns. Initial estimates paint a grim picture of the potential magnitude of negative impacts on health outcomes due to these disruptions.

Supporting Africa in the Fight Against COVID-19 and Beyond
Event
5/12/20
Africa is home to 16 percent of the world’s population and carries 24 percent of the world’s disease burden but accounts for just 1 percent of global health spending. 54 of the 55 African Union (AU) member states have now reported cases of COVID-19; Africa could likely be the next epicenter of the outbreak. Ensuring that health financing is mobilized quickly and effectively to support national responses and essential health services across Africa is of paramount importance.

Leave No One Behind: Using a Benefit-Based Advance Market Commitment to Incentivise Development and Global Supply of COVID-19 Vaccines
Publication
5/7/20
The global effort to control the COVID-19 pandemic has seen an exceptional allocation of public and philanthropic funds to advance the development of diagnostics, therapeutics, and vaccines as quickly as possible. While critical, even these significant commitments represent only a “down payment” on a price tag that could eventually exceed $50 billion just to scale the production of vaccines to control this global pandemic—amounts that cannot be raised through traditional donor and philanthropic commitments.

 

CSIS
https://www.csis.org/
Accessed 9 May 2020
Critical Questions
Compulsory Licensing: A Cure for Distributing the Cure?
May 8, 2020 | By William Alan Reinsch, Jack Caporal

Report
Covid-19 Demands Innovative Ideas for Financing the SDGs
May 7, 2020 | By Daniel F. Runde

 

Council on Foreign Relations
http://www.cfr.org/
Accessed 9 May 2020
Diplomacy and International Institutions
Virtual Meeting: The WHO and the State of Global Health Governance
Panelists discuss the structure of the global health governance system, the role of the World Health Organization, and their perspectives on an effective international pandemic response.
May 1, 2020
Event by David L. Heymann, Ashish K. Jha, and Ilona Kickbusch

 

Kaiser Family Foundation
https://www.kff.org/search/?post_type=press-release
Accessed 9 May 2020
[No new relevant content]

Vaccines and Global Health: The Week in Review :: 02 May 2020

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Vaccines and Global Health: The Week in Review is a weekly digest  summarizing news, events, announcements, peer-reviewed articles and research in the global vaccine ethics and policy space. Content is aggregated from key governmental, NGO, international organization and industry sources, key peer-reviewed journals, and other media channels. This summary proceeds from the broad base of themes and issues monitored by the Center for Vaccine Ethics & Policy in its work: it is not intended to be exhaustive in its coverage. You are viewing the blog version of our weekly digest, typically comprised of between 30 and 40 posts below all dated with the current issue date

.– Request an Email Summary: Vaccines and Global Health : The Week in Review is published as a single email summary, scheduled for release each Saturday evening before midnight (EDT in the U.S.). If you would like to receive the email version, please send your request to david.r.curry@centerforvaccineethicsandpolicy.org.

– pdf version:  A pdf of the current issue is available here: Vaccines and Global Health_The Week in Review_2 May 2020

– blog edition: comprised of the approx. 35+ entries posted below.

– Twitter:  Readers can also follow developments on twitter: @vaxethicspolicy.
.
– Links:  We endeavor to test each link as we incorporate it into any post, but recognize that some links may become “stale” as publications and websites reorganize content over time. We apologize in advance for any links that may not be operative. We believe the contextual information in a given post should allow retrieval, but please contact us as above for assistance if necessary.

Support this knowledge-sharing service: Your financial support helps us cover our costs and to address a current shortfall in our annual operating budget. Click here to donate and thank you in advance for your contribution.

.
David R. Curry, MS
Executive Director
Center for Vaccine Ethics and Policy

COVID-19 & Global Immunization

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Milestones :: Perspectives :: Research

 

COVID-19 & Global Immunization

 

Geneva Palais briefing note on the impact of COVID-19 mitigation measures on vaccine supply and logistics
GENEVA, 1 May 2020 – “UNICEF is calling for support to unlock a massive backlog in vaccine shipments due to unprecedented logistical constraints related to COVID-19 mitigation measures including lockdowns in some countries.

“In 2019, UNICEF procured 2.43 billion doses of vaccines for 100 countries, to reach approximately 45 per cent of all children below five years old.

 

“Since the week of March 22, UNICEF has seen a 70 – 80 per cent reduction in planned vaccine shipments due to the dramatic decline in commercial flights and limited availability of charters.

“As of today, dozens of countries are at risk of stock-out due to delayed vaccine shipments. At most risk are 26 countries that are difficult to reach due to limited commercial and cargo options. Among these, at least five countries experienced measles outbreaks in 2019 and many more remain at risk. 

“Compounding the challenge is the exorbitant cost of securing flights, with freight rates at 100 – 200 per cent above normal and charter flights even more costly.

“Countries with limited resources will struggle to pay these higher prices, leaving children vulnerable to vaccine-preventable diseases such as measles and polio.

“Even before the COVID-19 pandemic, measles, polio and other vaccines were out of reach for 20 million children below the age of one every year.

“Disruptions in routine immunization, particularly in countries with weak health systems, could lead to disastrous outbreaks in 2020 and well beyond.

“A substantial proportion of the vaccines that are not reaching countries as planned are for routine immunization programmes. Because of the delays, countries have been using buffer stocks, which typically consists of a three-month supply that is intended for unplanned and urgent needs including responding to sudden outbreaks. As transport challenges persist, countries are at increasing risk of a vaccine stock-out.

“The extended delays in shipments also pose a huge risk to manufacturers, who must store the excess vaccine stocks, and may be required to postpone future production if their warehouse storage space is exceeded.

“UNICEF is working to find solutions with manufacturers and partners, including WHO, GAVI, the vaccine alliance, PAHO and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. Some manufacturers have offered to support with their freight forwarding services, and GAVI has provided additional funding to support charter flights.  And we continue to work with governments to monitor their stock levels, prioritize the most critical vaccine shipments to avoid stockouts and respond to the needs of their immunization programmes.

“However, the logistical situation remains severely constrained. And many countries require additional funding support.

“UNICEF is appealing to governments, the private sector, the airline industry, and others, to free up freight space at an affordable cost for these life-saving vaccines. And to work with us to find ways around the transport disruptions we face. Children’s lives are at stake.”

Press release
Disruption of childhood vaccination in South Asia poses an urgent threat to children’s health – UNICEF
4.5 million of South Asia’s children miss out on routine immunization, even before COVID-19
28/04/2020
KATHMANDU, 28 April 2020 – South Asia could face yet another health emergency if children across the region do not receive their life-saving vaccine shots, UNICEF warned today.

Almost a quarter of the world’s unimmunized or partially immunized children—about 4.5 million children—live in South Asia. Almost all of them, or 97 per cent, live in India, Pakistan and Afghanistan. With lockdowns in place as a part of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) response, routine immunizations have been severely disrupted, and parents are increasingly reluctant to take their children to health centers for routine jabs. Sporadic outbreaks of vaccine-preventable diseases, including measles and diphtheria, have already been seen in parts of Bangladesh, Pakistan and Nepal.

The South Asia region is also home to two of the last polio endemic countries in the world, Afghanistan and Pakistan.

“Vaccine stocks are running dangerously low in some countries of the region as supply chains have been disrupted with travel bans and cancelled flights. The manufacturing of the vaccines has also been disrupted, creating additional shortages,” says Paul Rutter, Regional Health Advisor for UNICEF Regional Office for South Asia (ROSA).

Many of the health facilities throughout the region, where millions of children are normally vaccinated, have been closed and outreach sessions have been suspended, adding to the challenge.

“As long as frontline health workers take the appropriate precautions, particularly washing their hands, there is no reason not to vaccinate – in fact, it is crucial that vaccination continues,” says Paul Rutter.

Across the region, national mass vaccination campaigns have been postponed. Bangladesh and Nepal have postponed their national measles and rubella campaigns while Pakistan and Afghanistan have suspended their polio campaigns.

UNICEF strongly recommends that, where immunization campaigns are suspended, governments begin rigorous planning now to intensify immunization activities once the COVID -19 pandemic is under control.

“We are very concerned about the impact of not getting children vaccinated,” says Jean Gough, Director of UNICEF ROSA. “Many of these children are already vulnerable. While the COVID-19 virus does not appear to make many children seriously ill, the health of hundreds of thousands of children could be impacted by this disruption of regular immunization services. This is a very serious threat. Early action is key.”

 

COVID-19 R&D – Vaccine Manufacturing Scaling

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Milestones :: Perspectives :: Research

 

COVID-19 R&D – Vaccine Manufacturing Scaling

Johnson & Johnson Announces Collaboration to Expand Manufacturing Capabilities For its COVID-19 Vaccine Candidate in Support of the Company’s Goal to Supply More Than One Billion Vaccine Doses Globally
:: Company Signs Agreement with Emergent BioSolutions in the U.S. As Part of its Investment
:: First in Series of Anticipated Strategic Collaborations Designed to Further the Company’s Goal of Ensuring Global Supply of a Safe and Effective Vaccine for COVID-19
Apr 23, 2020

Moderna and Lonza Announce Worldwide Strategic Collaboration to Manufacture Moderna’s Vaccine (mRNA-1273) Against Novel Coronavirus
:: Collaboration goal to enable manufacturing of up to 1 billion doses per year
:: Technology transfer expected to begin in June 2020
:: First batches of mRNA-1273 expected to be manufactured at Lonza U.S. in July 2020
:: Collaboration leverages Lonza’s worldwide expertise in technology transfer and manufacturing
May 01, 2020

 

Featured Journal Content – JAMA Network: COVID-19 Update May 2, 2020

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Featured Journal Content – JAMA Network: COVID-19 Update May 2, 2020

 

JAMA
Research
Variation in COVID-19 Hospitalizations and Deaths Across New York City Boroughs
Rishi K. Wadhera, MD, MPP, MPhil; Priya Wadhera, MD, MS; Prakriti Gaba, MD; et al

Prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 Infection in Residents of a Large Homeless Shelter in Boston
Travis P. Baggett, MD, MPH; Harrison Keyes, MPAS, PA-C; Nora Sporn, MA, MPH; et al
Exposure to a Surrogate Measure of Contamination From Simulated Patients by Emergency Department Personnel Wearing Personal Protective Equipment
Oren Feldman, MD; Michal Meir, MD; Danielle Shavit, BSc; et al

Second-Trimester Miscarriage in a Pregnant Woman With SARS-CoV-2 Infection
David Baud, MD, PhD; Gilbert Greub, MD, PhD; Guillaume Favre, MD; et al

 

News & Insight
Testing an Old Therapy Against a New Disease: Convalescent Plasma for COVID-19
Rita Rubin, MA

Public Health Measures and the Reproduction Number of SARS-CoV-2
Thomas V. Inglesby, MD

Twentieth-Century Lessons for a Modern Coronavirus Pandemic
Angel Desai, MD, MPH

 

Opinion
Moving Personal Protective Equipment Into the Community: Face Shields and Containment of COVID-19
Eli N. Perencevich, MD, MS; Daniel J. Diekema, MD, MS; Michael B. Edmond, MD, MPH, MPA

COVID-19 and Risks Posed to Personnel During Endotracheal Intubation
David N. Weissman, MD; Marie A. de Perio, MD; Lewis J. Radonovich Jr, MD

The Potential Effects of Coronavirus on National Health Expenditures
Sherry Glied, PhD; Helen Levy, PhD

The Business of Medicine in the Era of COVID-19
David M. Cutler, PhD; Sayeh Nikpay, PhD; Robert S. Huckman, PhD

 

Humanities
Lost Space
Renata Thronson, MD

 

JAMA Health Forum
Opinion
Hospital-at-Home to Support COVID-19 Surge—Time to Bring Down the Walls?
Shantanu Nundy, MD, MBA; Kavita K. Patel, MD, MSHS

COVID-19 Reveals Urgent Need to Strengthen the World Health Organization
Lawrence O. Gostin, JD

Data and Policy Solutions to Address Racial and Ethnic Disparities in the COVID-19 Pandemic
Utibe R. Essien, MD, MPH; Atheendar Venkataramani, MD, PhD

 

JAMA Internal Medicine
Research
Internet Searches for Unproven COVID-19 Therapies in the United States
Michael Liu, AB; Theodore L. Caputi, MPH; Mark Dredze, PhD; et al

Contact Tracing Assessment of COVID-19 Transmission Dynamics in Taiwan and Risk at Different Exposure Periods Before and After Symptom Onset
Hao-Yuan Cheng, MD, MSc; Shu-Wan Jian, DVM, MPH; Ding-Ping Liu, PhD; et al

 

Opinion
The Risks of Prescribing Hydroxychloroquine for Treatment of COVID-19—First, Do No Harm
Colette DeJong, MD; Robert M. Wachter, MD

COVID-19 in Prisons and Jails in the United States
Laura Hawks, MD; Steffie Woolhandler, MD, MPH; Danny McCormick, MD, MPH

Contact Tracing, Testing, and Control of COVID-19—Learning From Taiwan
Robert Steinbrook, MD

 

JAMA Cardiology
Research
Risk of QT Interval Prolongation Associated With Use of Hydroxychloroquine With or Without Concomitant Azithromycin Among Hospitalized Patients Testing Positive for Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)
Nicholas J. Mercuro, PharmD, BCIDP; Christina F. Yen, MD; David J. Shim, MD, PhD; et al

Assessment of QT Intervals in a Case Series of Patients With Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Infection Treated With Hydroxychloroquine Alone or in Combination With Azithromycin in an Intensive Care Unit
Francis Bessière, MD, PhD; Hugo Roccia, MD; Antoine Delinière, MD; et al

 

Opinion
Hydroxychloroquine, Coronavirus Disease 2019, and QT Prolongation
Robert O. Bonow, MD, MS; Adrian F. Hernandez, MD, MHS; Mintu Turakhia, MD, MAS
JAMA Psychiatry

 

Clinical Review & Education
Mental Health in the Coronavirus Disease 2019 Emergency—The Italian Response
Giovanni de Girolamo, MD; Giancarlo Cerveri, MD; Massimo Clerici, MD; et al

 

JAMA Surgery
Opinion
Rapid Development of Resident-Led Procedural Response Teams to Support Patient Care During the Coronavirus Disease 2019 Epidemic: A Surgical Workforce Activation Team
Barbara E. Coons, MD; Sophia F. Tam, MD; Shunpei Okochi, MD

To Face Coronavirus Disease 2019, Surgeons Must Embrace Palliative Care
Zara Cooper, MD, MSc; Rachelle E. Bernacki, MD, MS

 

JAMA Dermatology
Clinical Review & Education
Digitate Papulosquamous Eruption Associated With Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 Infection
Adrien Sanchez, MD; Pierre Sohier, MD, PhD; Sarah Benghanem, MD; et al

Petechial Skin Rash Associated With Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 Infection
Borja Diaz-Guimaraens, MD; Miguel Dominguez-Santas, MD; Ana Suarez-Valle, MD; et al

 

Opinion
How Dermatologists Can Learn and Contribute at the Leading Edge of the COVID-19 Global Pandemic
Lauren M. Madigan, MD; Robert G. Micheletti, MD; Kanade Shinkai, MD, PhD
JAMA Otolaryngology–Head & Neck Surgery

Leveraging COVID-19–Inspired Changes to Advance Otolaryngology—Here to Stay
Samir S. Khariwala, MD, MS; Heather M. Weinreich, MD, MPH; Edward D. McCoul, MD, MPH; et al

 

Research
Negative-Pressure Aerosol Cover for COVID-19 Tracheostomy
J. Tyler Bertroche, MD; Patrik Pipkorn, MD, MSCI; Paul Zolkind, MD; et al

Pediatric Microlaryngoscopy and Bronchoscopy in the COVID-19 Era
Katherine Pollaers, MBBS, MSurg; Hayley Herbert, MBchB; Shyan Vijayasekaran, MBBS

A Simple Technique for Droplet Control During Mastoid Surgery
Jeffrey D. Carron, MD; Lauren S. Buck, MD; Claude F. Harbarger, MD; et al
Opinion

 

Coronavirus [COVID-19]

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EMERGENCIES

Coronavirus [COVID-19]
Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC)

Statement on the third meeting of the International Health Regulations (2005) Emergency Committee regarding the outbreak of coronavirus disease (COVID-19)
1 May 2020 Statement
Geneva, Switzerland
[Excerpts]
The third meeting of the Emergency Committee convened by the WHO Director-General under the International Health Regulations (2005) (IHR) regarding the coronavirus disease (COVID-19), took place on Thursday, 30 April 2020, from 12:00 to 17:45 Geneva time (CEST)…

The WHO Regional Emergency Directors and the Executive Director of the WHO Health Emergencies Programme (WHE) provided regional and the global situation overview. After ensuing discussion, the Committee unanimously agreed that the outbreak still constitutes a public health emergency of international concern (PHEIC) and offered advice to the Director-General.

The Director-General declared that the outbreak of COVID-19 continues to constitute a PHEIC. He accepted the advice of the Committee to WHO and issued the Committee’s advice to States Parties as Temporary Recommendations under the IHR.

The Emergency Committee will be reconvened within three months or earlier, at the discretion of the Director-General. The Director-General thanked the Committee for its work…

::::::

Editor’s Note:
We certainly recognize the velocity of global developments in the COVID-19 pandemic. While we have concentrated the most current key reports just below, COVID-19 announcements, analysis and commentary will be found throughout this issue, in all sections.
Beyond the considerable continuing coverage in the global general media, the WHO’s authoritative guidance is available here:
:: Daily WHO situation reports here: https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019/situation-reports
:: WHO Coronavirus disease (COVID-2019) daily press briefings here: https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019/media-resources/press-briefings

Situation report – 103 [WHO]

Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19)
2 May 2020
[Excerpts]
Situation in numbers (by WHO Region)
Total (new cases in last 24 hours)
Globally 3 267 184 cases (91 977) 229 971 deaths (5799)
Africa 27 973 cases (1310) 1013 deaths (40)
Americas 1 340 591 cases (48 674) 72 196 deaths (3109)
E Mediterranean 194 991 cases (6406) 7741 deaths (143)
Europe 1 492 024 cases (30 620) 140 586 deaths (2386)
South-East Asia 60 490 cases (3402) 2256 deaths (82)
Western Pacific 150 403 cases (1565) 6166 deaths (39)

HIGHLIGHTS
:: No new country/territory/area reported cases of COVID-19 in the past 24 hours.

:: WHO and the European Investment Bank yesterday signed a collaboration agreement to accelerate investment in health preparedness and primary healthcare in countries most vulnerable to the COVID-19 pandemic. The first phase will strengthen primary healthcare in ten African countries. The Director-General Dr. Tedros, in his regular media briefing yesterday said that, with the signing of the agreement, “We are deepening our relationship with the European Union”. He also reminded all that the European Commission will host a pledging conference on 4 May to raise funds for investment in vaccine research.

::::::

Ethics and COVID-19: resource allocation and priority-setting
WHO Working Group on Ethics and COVID-19
20 April 2020 :: 5 pages
Overview
Governments, international agencies and health systems have an obligation to ensure, to the best of their ability, adequate provision of health care for all. However, this may not be possible during a pandemic, when health resources are likely to be limited. Setting priorities and rationing resources in this context means making tragic choices, but these tragic choices can be ethically justified. This is why we have ethics. This policy brief answers a number of questions about the ethics of setting priorities for the allocation of resources during times of scarcity. Such decisions may include access to hospitals, ventilators, vaccines and medicines. It is essential that policies and practices are ethically justified in such contexts. The document provides a high-level ethical framework that can be used to guide decision-making, and complements WHO’s technical guidance.

::::::

 

Ebola – DRC+

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Emergencies

Ebola – DRC+
Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC)

Ebola Outbreak in DRC 90: 28 April 2020
[Excerpts]
Situation Update WHO Health Emergencies Programme Page 2
From 20 to 26 April 2020, there have been no new confirmed cases of Ebola virus disease (EVD) reported in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Since the resurgence of the outbreak on 10 April 2020, six confirmed cases have been reported, all from the Kasanga Health Area in Beni Health Zone.

…Conclusion
The resurgence of EVD in Beni Health Zone highlights the importance of heightened vigilance for this disease in the face of significant challenges around community engagement, access to affected areas, ongoing insecurity, and limited response capacity due to other local and global emergencies. New cases are expected among contacts of recent cases. It is essential to detect, isolate, test and treat new suspected cases as early as possible in order to improve outcome of cases and break the chain of transmission. Strong coordination and communication among partners, the Ministry of Health, local authorities and the communities are essential to address these challenges. In addition, stronger advocacy for survivors is essential, such as mitigating rumours and stigmatization of EVD survivors.

::::::
::::::

 

Emergencies – Polio :: WHO :: OCHA

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Emergencies

POLIO
Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC)

Polio this week as of 28 April 2020
:: The Twenty-fourth meeting of the Emergency Committee under the International Health Regulations (2005) (IHR) on the international spread of poliovirus was convened by the Director General on 26 March 2020 with committee members only attending via teleconference, supported by the WHO Secretariat. Read the statement from the meeting.

Summary of new viruses this week (AFP cases and ES positives):
:: Afghanistan: one WPV1 case and one WPV1 positive environmental sample
:: Pakistan: six WPV1 positive environmental samples, two cVDPV2 cases and two cVDPV2 positive environmental samples
:: Cote d’Ivoire: one cVDPV2 case and six cVDPV2 positive environmental sample

::::::

WHO Grade 3 Emergencies [to 2 May 2020]

Democratic Republic of the Congo
:: Ebola Outbreak in DRC 90: 28 April 2020
[See Ebola above for detail]

Nigeria – No new digest announcements identified
Somalia – No new digest announcements identified
South Sudan – No new digest announcements identified
Syrian Arab Republic – No new digest announcements identified
Yemen – No new digest announcements identified

::::::

WHO Grade 2 Emergencies [to 2 May 2020]
Angola – No new digest announcements identified
Afghanistan – No new digest announcements identified
Burkina Faso [in French] – No new digest announcements identified
Burundi – No new digest announcements identified
Cameroon – No new digest announcements identified
Central African Republic – No new digest announcements identified
Ethiopia – No new digest announcements identified
Iran – No new digest announcements identified
Iraq – No new digest announcements identified
Libya – No new digest announcements identified
Malawi – No new digest announcements identified
Measles in Europe – No new digest announcements identified
MERS-CoV – No new digest announcements identified
Myanmar – No new digest announcements identified
Niger – No new digest announcements identified
occupied Palestinian territory – No new digest announcements identified
Sudan – No new digest announcements identified
Ukraine – No new digest announcements identified
Zimbabwe – No new digest announcements identified

::::::

WHO Grade 1 Emergencies [to 2 May 2020]

Chad – No new digest announcements identified
Djibouti – No new digest announcements identified
Kenya – No new digest announcements identified
Mali – No new digest announcements identified
Namibia – viral hepatitis – No new digest announcements identified
Tanzania – No new digest announcements identified

::::::
::::::

UN OCHA – L3 Emergencies
The UN and its humanitarian partners are currently responding to three ‘L3’ emergencies. This is the global humanitarian system’s classification for the response to the most severe, large-scale humanitarian crises. 
Syrian Arab Republic
:: Syrian Arab Republic: COVID-19 Update No. 08 – 2 May 2020
:: Syrian Arab Republic: Whole of Syria COVID-19 Response Update No.01 (As of 29 April 2020)

Yemen
:: 30 April 2020 Yemen: Flash Floods Flash Update No. 3 (As of 30 April 2020)
::::::

UN OCHA – Corporate Emergencies
When the USG/ERC declares a Corporate Emergency Response, all OCHA offices, branches and sections provide their full support to response activities both at HQ and in the field.
CYCLONE IDAI and Kenneth
:: 29 April 2020 Zimbabwe Situation Report, 29 Apr 2020

:: EBOLA OUTBREAK IN THE DRC – No new digest announcements identified

::::::
::::::

 

WHO & Regional Offices [to 2 May 2020]

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WHO & Regional Offices [to 2 May 2020]

1 May 2020 Statement
Statement on the third meeting of the International Health Regulations (2005) Emergency Committee regarding the outbreak of coronavirus disease (COVID-19)

1 May 2020 News release
Billions worldwide living with herpes

1 May 2020 News release
WHO and European Investment Bank strengthen efforts to combat COVID-19 and build resilient health systems to face future pandemics
:: WHO and the European Investment Bank enhance cooperation to support countries in addressing the health impact of COVID-19
:: The first phase will address urgent needs and strengthen primary health care in ten African countries
:: Enhanced WHO-EIB partnership will scale up financing to assure the chain of essential supplies, including personal protective equipment, diagnostics and clinical management
:: New initiative will accelerate investment in health preparedness and primary health care with a focus on health work force, infrastructure, and water, sanitation and hygiene
:: The initiative involves measures to address the growing threat of antimicrobial resistance

27 April 2020 Statement
WHO Timeline – COVID-19

 

::::::

Weekly Epidemiological Record, 1 May 2020, vol. 95, 18 (pp. 173–184)
Progress towards maternal and neonatal tetanus elimination – worldwide, 2000–2018

 

::::::

WHO Regional Offices
Selected Press Releases, Announcements
WHO African Region AFRO
No new digest content identified.

WHO Region of the Americas PAHO
No new digest content identified.

WHO South-East Asia Region SEARO
:: 29 April 2020 News release
WHO convenes manufacturers, regulatory authorities meet on COVID-19 vaccines

WHO European Region EURO
:: COVID-19 pandemic remains public health emergency of international concern 02-05-2020
:: WHO/Europe COVID-19 mission on route to Tajikistan at Government’s request 01-05-2020
:: Vital health protection steps must be continued during COVID-19 30-04-2020
:: Through transparent knowledge-sharing, tailored support on the ground, and steadfast solidarity we will beat COVID-19 29-04-2020
:: COVID-19 exposes the critical importance of patient rehabilitation 28-04-2020

WHO Eastern Mediterranean Region EMRO
:: Statement by WHO’s Regional Director Dr Ahmed Al-Mandhari on our collective fight against COVID-19 28 April 2020

WHO Western Pacific Region
No new digest content identified.

 

CDC/ACIP [to 2 May 2020]

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CDC/ACIP [to 2 May 2020]
http://www.cdc.gov/media/index.html
https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/acip/index.html
Latest News Releases
CDC launches national viral genomics consortium to better map SARS-CoV-2 transmission
Rapid release of open coronavirus sequence data will help guide COVID-19 public health response, drive innovation and discovery, and advance understanding of this and future pandemics
Friday, May 1, 2020
CDC has kicked off the SARS-CoV-2 Sequencing for Public Health Emergency Response, Epidemiology and Surveillance (SPHERES) consortium, which will greatly expand the use of whole genome sequencing (WGS) of the COVID-19 virus.
This national network of sequencing laboratories will speed the release of SARS-CoV-2 sequence data into the public domain.
SPHERES will provide consistent, real-time sequence data to the public health response teams investigating cases and clusters of COVID-19 across the country. It will help them better understand how the virus is spreading, both nationally and in their local communities. Better data, in turn, will help public health officials interrupt chains of transmission, prevent new cases of illness, and protect and save lives…

MMWR News Synopsis Friday, May 1, 2020
:: Progress Toward Maternal and Neonatal Tetanus Elimination — Worldwide, 2000–2018
:: Assessment of SARS-CoV-2 Infection Prevalence in Homeless Shelters — Four U.S. Cities, March 27–April 15, 2020 (Early Release April 22, 2020)
:: COVID-19 Outbreak Among Three Affiliated Homeless Service Sites — King County, Washington, 2020 (Early Release April 22, 2020)

 

China CDC

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China CDC
http://www.chinacdc.cn/en/
No new digest content identified.

 

National Health Commission of the People’s Republic of China
http://en.nhc.gov.cn/
News
May 2: Daily briefing on novel coronavirus cases in China
On May 1, 31 provincial-level regions on the Chinese mainland as well as the Xinjiang Production and Construction Corps reported 1 new case of confirmed infections, 2 new cases of suspected infections, and no deaths.

Xi, two leaders discuss mankind’s shared future
2020-05-02
China stands ready to work with the international community, including the Czech Republic and Peru, to jointly respond to the COVID-19 pandemic, and it supports international coordination on macroeconomic policies to offset the impact of the epidemic on the world economy, President Xi Jinping said on April 30.
Xi made the remarks in separate telephone conversations with Czech President Milos Zeman and Peruvian President Martin Vizcarra.

WHO reiterates novel coronavirus is “natural in origin”
2020-05-02

 

Announcements

Posted on by

Announcements
 
 
Paul G. Allen Frontiers Group    [to 2 May 2020]
https://alleninstitute.org/what-we-do/frontiers-group/news-press/
News
Scientists are working on a face mask that detects coronavirus
April 23, 2020
Q&A with James Collins, Ph.D., a bioengineer who is developing a diagnostic face mask that signals if the wearer is infected with COVID-19
 
 
BMGF – Gates Foundation  [to 2 May 2020]
http://www.gatesfoundation.org/Media-Center/Press-Releases
Website under maintenance at inquiry.
 
 
Bill & Melinda Gates Medical Research Institute    [to 2 May 2020]
https://www.gatesmri.org/
The Bill & Melinda Gates Medical Research Institute is a non-profit biotech organization. Our mission is to develop products to fight malaria, tuberculosis, and diarrheal diseases—three major causes of mortality, poverty, and inequality in developing countries. The world has unprecedented scientific tools at its disposal; now is the time to use them to save the lives of the world’s poorest people
InVivo Profiles Bill & Melinda Gates Medical Research Institute
 
 
CARB-X   [to 2 May 2020]
https://carb-x.org/
CARB-X is a non-profit public-private partnership dedicated to accelerating antibacterial research to tackle the global rising threat of drug-resistant bacteria.
No new digest content identified.
 
 
CEPI – Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations  [to 2 May 2020]
http://cepi.net/
Latest News
CEPI announces COVID-19 vaccine development partnership with Clover Biopharmaceuticals’ Australian Subsidiary
27 Apr 2020
CEPI establishes Representative Office in Shanghai, China
27 Apr 20
 
 
Clinton Health Access Initiative, Inc. (CHAI)  [to 2 May 2020]
https://clintonhealthaccess.org/
News & Press Releases
April 28, 2020
Unitaid and CHAI announce agreement with Omega Diagnostics to increase access to new, portable CD4 testing device for people living with HIV in over 130 low- and middle-income countries
Agreement with Omega Diagnostics will help deliver same-day CD4 testing for people living with HIV in over 130 low- and middle-income countries at just US$3.98 per test.
 
 
EDCTP    [to 2 May 2020]
http://www.edctp.org/
The European & Developing Countries Clinical Trials Partnership (EDCTP) aims to accelerate the development of new or improved drugs, vaccines, microbicides and diagnostics against HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria as well as other poverty-related and neglected infectious diseases in sub-Saharan Africa, with a focus on phase II and III clinical trials
Latest news
No new digest content identified.
 
 
Emory Vaccine Center    [to 2 May 2020]
http://www.vaccines.emory.edu/
[Undated]
EVC RESONDS TO COVID-19
EVC COVID-19 RESEARCH UPDATE
 
 
European Medicines Agency  [to 2 May 2020]
http://www.ema.europa.eu/ema/
News & Press Releases ·
Press release: EMA starts rolling review of remdesivir for COVID-19
Last updated: 30/04/2020
News: Meeting highlights from the Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use (CHMP) 28-30 April 2020
CHMP, Last updated: 30/04/2020
Press release: EU actions to support availability of medicines during COVID-19 pandemic – update #4
Last updated: 30/04/2020
News: International regulators pledge collective support to combat COVID-19 pandemic
Last updated: 28/04/2020
 
 
European Vaccine Initiative  [to 2 May 2020]
http://www.euvaccine.eu/news-events
Latest News
No new digest content identified.
 
 
FDA [to 2 May 2020]
https://www.fda.gov/NewsEvents/Newsroom/PressAnnouncements/default.htm
Press Announcements
May 1, 2020 – Coronavirus (COVID-19) Update: Daily Roundup May 1, 2020
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration today announced the following actions taken in its ongoing response effort to the COVID-19 pandemic:
   :: Today, the FDA issued an Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) for the investigational antiviral drug remdesivir. The EUAExternal Link Disclaimer allows for remdesivir to be distributed in the :: U.S. and administered by health care providers, as appropriate, to treat suspected or laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 in adults and children hospitalized with severe disease. Severe disease is defined as patients with low blood oxygen levels or needing oxygen therapy or more intensive breathing support such as a mechanical ventilator. Based on evaluation of the emergency use authorization criteria and the scientific evidence available, it was determined that it is reasonable to believe that remdesivir may be effective in treating COVID-19, and that, given there are no adequate, approved, or available alternative treatments, the known and potential benefits to treat this serious or life-threatening virus currently outweigh the known and potential risks of the drug’s use. For more information see: news release, Health Care Provider Fact Sheet and Patient Fact Sheet.

  :: Today, the FDA updated its guidance on convalescent plasma and associated web page. The updated guidance provides clarification for investigators on how to submit investigational applications for COVID-19 convalescent plasma. In addition, the guidance includes updated information regarding potential donors. Previously, the FDA’s guidance noted that to qualify, individuals should have complete resolution of symptoms for 28 days or resolution for 14 and a negative diagnostic test. The revised guidance recommends that individuals  have complete resolution of symptoms for at least 14 days prior to donation A negative lab test for COVID-19 disease is not necessary to qualify for donation. The revised guidance also clarifies that FDA does not recommend storing a retention sample from the convalescent plasma donation for single patient emergency INDs…
 
 
May 1, 2020 – Coronavirus (COVID-19) Update: FDA Issues Emergency Use Authorization for Potential COVID-19 Treatment
Today, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration issued an emergency use authorization for the investigational antiviral drug remdesivir for the treatment of suspected or laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 in adults and children hospitalized with severe disease. While there is limited information known about the safety and effectiveness of using remdesivir to treat people in the hospital with COVID-19, the investigational drug was shown in a clinical trial to shorten the time to recovery in some patients.

“FDA’s emergency authorization of remdesivir, two days after the National Institutes of Health’s clinical trial showed promising results, is a significant step forward in battling COVID-19 and another example of the Trump Administration moving as quickly as possible to use science to save lives,” said HHS Secretary Alex Azar. “NIH, FDA, and scientists across America and around the world have worked tirelessly with patients to get us this new potential treatment for COVID-19. The seamless cooperation between government and private industry under the President’s all-of-America approach to COVID-19 is getting treatment options to patients in record time.”

The emergency use authorization allows for remdesivir to be distributed in the U.S. and administered intravenously by health care providers, as appropriate, to treat suspected or laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 in adults and children hospitalized with severe disease. Severe disease is defined as patients with low blood oxygen levels or needing oxygen therapy or more intensive breathing support such as a mechanical ventilator…
 
 
Fondation Merieux  [to 2 May 2020]
http://www.fondation-merieux.org/
News, Events
No new digest content identified.
 
 
Gavi [to 2 May 2020]
https://www.gavi.org/
Top Stories
1 May 2020
28 April 2020: Overview of the COVID-19 situation in Gavi-supported countries and Gavi’s response
 
 
1 May 2020
Keeping routine immunisation going during COVID-19 in Indonesia
 
 
30 April 2020
World Immunization Week: Eradicating cervical cancer through HPV vaccination
 
 
GHIT Fund   [to 2 May 2020]
https://www.ghitfund.org/newsroom/press
GHIT was set up in 2012 with the aim of developing new tools to tackle infectious diseases that No new digest content identified.
 
 
Global Fund  [to 2 May 2020]
https://www.theglobalfund.org/en/news/
Updates
Ethics Resources for Country Coordinating Mechanisms
30 April 2020
Ethical, transparent and responsible decision-making by Country Coordinating Mechanisms is key for the success of programs in countries – and advancing the fight against HIV, tuberculosis and malaria worldwide.
To support Country Coordinating Mechanisms in following the highest standards of ethics and integrity, the Global Fund has published new resources:
Translations of the Code of Ethical Conduct for Country Coordinating Mechanism Members
:: An e-learning course introducing the Code of Ethical Conduct
:: Guidelines for ethics focal points and ethics committees
To access these resources and for more information, see the Country Coordinating Mechanism Ethics page.
 
 
Hilleman Laboratories   [to 2 May 2020]
http://www.hillemanlabs.org/
No new digest content identified.
 
 
Human Vaccines Project   [to 2 May 2020]
http://www.humanvaccinesproject.org/media/press-releases/
Press Releases
Global COVID Lab Meeting Will Bring Together the Worldwide Scientific Community to Accelerate Development of Vaccines and Immunotherapies
Apr 30, 2020
New York City (April 23, 2020). The Global COVID Lab Meeting will connect the worldwide scientific community working to develop vaccines and immunotherapies to end the COVID-19 pandemic. The Human Vaccines Project is starting this bi-weekly webinar to feature leading scientists from across the globe presenting their latest data, with ample time allowed for questions and discussion.
 
 
“The engines of science are the weekly or bi-weekly lab meetings held across the globe by individual laboratory directors, enabling faculty, post-docs and graduate students to present their latest findings and catalyze new ideas,” says Wayne C. Koff, president and CEO of the Human Vaccines Project. “The urgency of the pandemic, coupled with technological advances of distance learning, now enables us to bring the global scientific community together to accelerate the development of vaccines and immunotherapies for prevention and control of COVID-19. The Global COVID Lab Meeting will provide researchers with a neutral forum to share their findings and innovative ideas with scientists from across the world on a regular basis, thereby increasing the probability for identifying solutions towards ending the COVID-19 pandemic.”
 
 
The webinar will be held every first and third Thursday of the month at 10 am EST. The first session is on May 7th. Dr. James E. Crowe Jr., Director of the Vanderbilt Vaccine Center, will talk about his studies on identification and development of human monoclonal antibodies for SARS-CoV-2 – a treatment that could provide immediate immunity to first responders. Dr. Crowe’s lab is one of the leading groups globally working on antibody identification and is targeting starting clinical studies early this summer for SARS-CoV-2 therapeutics. You can register for the webinar here.
 
 
IAVI  [to 2 May 2020]
https://www.iavi.org/newsroom
Press Releases
No new digest content identified.
 
 
International Coalition of Medicines Regulatory Authorities [ICMRA]
http://www.icmra.info/drupal/en/news
Selected Statements, Press Releases, Research
No new digest content identified.
 
 
International Generic and Biosimilar Medicines Association [IGBA]
https://www.igbamedicines.org/
News
No new digest content identified.
 
 
IFFIm
http://www.iffim.org/
Press Releases
No new digest content identified.
 
 
IFRC   [to 2 May 2020]
http://media.ifrc.org/ifrc/news/press-releases/
Selected Press Releases, Announcements
No new digest content identified.
 
 
IVAC  [to 2 May 2020]
https://www.jhsph.edu/research/centers-and-institutes/ivac/index.html
Updates
Vaccination Services Must Continue Even as We Fight COVID-19
April 2020
By Dr. Chizoba Wonodi, Immunization Technical Lead, USAID’s MOMENTUM 2A: Global Technical Leadership and Targeted Technical Assistance
Nigeria, like all other countries in the world, is grappling with the devasting public health, social, and economic fallouts of the COVID-19 pandemic. As of April 27, 2020, Nigeria has 1273 confirmed cases, a dramatic increase since February […]
 
 
IVI   [to 2 May 2020]
http://www.ivi.int/
Selected IVI News & Announcements
INOVIO and GeneOne Life Science Report Positive Phase 1/2a Clinical Data With DNA Vaccine INO-4700 for MERS Coronavirus at the American Society of Gene & Cell Therapy (ASGCT) Conference
:: INO-4700 (GLS-5300) DNA vaccine demonstrates 100% binding and 92% neutralizing antibody responses against MERS-CoV
:: INO-4800 DNA vaccine for COVID-19 currently in Phase 1 trial utilizes identical strategy targeting Spike protein and CELLECTRA intradermal delivery
April 28, 2020
 
 
JEE Alliance  [to 2 May 2020]
https://www.jeealliance.org/
Selected News and Events
No new digest content identified.
 
 
MSF/Médecins Sans Frontières  [to 2 May 2020]
http://www.msf.org/
Latest [Selected Announcements]
Vaccination
Overcoming barriers so vaccines can save lives
Project Update 29 Apr 2020
 
 
Coronavirus COVID-19 pandemic
Overwhelming, lonely, stressful – life in a COVID-19 unit in Geneva
Voices from the Field 27 Apr 2020
 
 
National Vaccine Program Office – U.S. HHS  [to 2 May 2020]
https://www.hhs.gov/vaccines/about/index.html
NVAC 2020 Meetings
June 9-10, 2020 NVAC Meeting
September 23-24, 2020 Meeting (Virtual)
 
 
NIH  [to 2 May 2020]
http://www.nih.gov/news-events/news-releases
Selected News Releases
NIH clinical trial shows Remdesivir accelerates recovery from advanced COVID-19
April 29, 2020 — Preliminary results indicate that patients who received remdesivir had a 31% faster time to recovery than those who received placebo.
 
 
NIH mobilizes national innovation initiative for COVID-19 diagnostics
April 29, 2020 — Initiative aims to speed delivery of accurate, easy-to-use, scalable tests to all Americans.
 
 
PATH  [to 2 May 2020]
https://www.path.org/media-center/
Selected Announcements
April 24, 2020
PATH establishes Representative Office in Shanghai, China
Registration will enable PATH to implement health projects directly with partners
 
 
PATH partners with Ukraine to develop a national response to COVID-19
Seattle, WA, April 24, 2020 – PATH is partnering with the Ukraine government to develop and implement a comprehensive national response to COVID-19. PATH’S country office program will use the expertise acquired from leading infectious disease surveillance, pandemic flue emergency preparedness, and tuberculosis control in Ukraine since 1994 to address four important areas of the national response…
 
 
Sabin Vaccine Institute  [to 2 May 2020]
http://www.sabin.org/updates/pressreleases
Statements and Press Releases
No new digest content identified.
 
 
UNAIDS [to 2 May 2020]
http://www.unaids.org/en
Selected Press Releases/Reports/Statements
1 May 2020
Paying tribute to care workers during an online Labour Day event

1 May 2020
“The concern did not just come from the community, but also the health workers”

29 April 2020
“We must ensure that HIV treatment adherence is not compromised”—keeping people in Pakistan on HIV treatment

28 April 2020
“I’ve saved lives on the frontline of the COVID-19 pandemic in China”

28 April 2020
Women are more likely to be on HIV treatment
 
 
UNICEF  [to 2 May 2020]
https://www.unicef.org/media/press-releases
Press release
Geneva Palais briefing note on the impact of COVID-19 mitigation measures on vaccine supply and logistics
01/05/2020
[See COVID-19 above for detail]

Statement
COVID-19 & Immigration Detention: What Can Governments and Other Stakeholders Do?
Statement by the United Nations Network on Migration
29/04/2020

Press release
Over 5 million children face threat of cholera and acute water diarrhea in the midst of COVID-19 as Yemen gets heavy rains
29/04/2020

Press release
Disruption of childhood vaccination in South Asia poses an urgent threat to children’s health – UNICEF
4.5 million of South Asia’s children miss out on routine immunization, even before COVID-19
28/04/2020
[See COVID-19 above for detail]

Press release
COVID-19: Gavi and UNICEF to secure equipment and diagnostics for lower-income countries
28/04/2020
 
 
Unitaid  [to 2 May 2020]
https://unitaid.org/
Featured News
27 April 2020
Unitaid congratulates Ellen ‘t Hoen on national honour recognising her efforts on access and equity
Geneva — Unitaid congratulates Ellen ‘t Hoen on the announcement that H.M. King Alexander of the Netherlands has conferred on her the title of ‘Officier in de Orde van Oranje-Nassau’, in recognition of her important contribution on global health and access to medicines at the international level.
Amongst her many achievements, Ellen ‘t Hoen was instrumental in setting up the Medicines Patent Pool ten years ago in 2010, which Unitaid has funded since its creation. She also was its first Executive Director…
 
 
Vaccination Acceptance Research Network (VARN)  [to 2 May 2020]
https://vaccineacceptance.org/news.html#header1-2r
Announcements
No new digest content identified.
 
 
Vaccine Confidence Project  [to 2 May 2020]
http://www.vaccineconfidence.org/
Latest News & Archive
No new digest content identified.
 
 
Vaccine Education Center – Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia  [to 2 May 2020]
http://www.chop.edu/centers-programs/vaccine-education-center
No new digest content identified.
 
 
Wellcome Trust  [to 2 May 2020]
https://wellcome.ac.uk/news
Opinion | 29 April 2020
COVID-19: how researchers around the world are racing to understand the virus and prevent future outbreaks
by Josie Golding

News | 27 April 2020
The future of vaccines: three innovations from around the world
World Immunisation Week is an opportunity to celebrate some of the most cutting-edge vaccination projects and technologies from around the world, which have the potential to improve health for millions of people.
 
 
The Wistar Institute   [to 2 May 2020]
https://www.wistar.org/news/press-releases
Press Releases
Press Release  May. 1, 2020
The Wistar Institute Appoints Bin Tian, Ph.D., 
as Professor in the Cancer Center and 
Co-director of the Center for Systems & Computational Biology
PHILADELPHIA — (May, 1, 2020) — The Wistar Institute, an international biomedical research leader in cancer, immunology and infectious diseases, announces the appointment of molecular systems biologist Bin Tian, Ph.D., as professor in the Cancer Center.

Press Release  Apr. 30, 2020
The Wistar Institute Appoints Virology Expert Italo Tempera, Ph.D., as Associate Professor in Its Cancer Center
PHILADELPHIA — (April 30, 2020) — The Wistar Institute, an international biomedical research leader in cancer, immunology and infectious diseases, announces the appointment of Italo Tempera, Ph.D., as associate professor in the Gene Expression & Regulation Program of The Wistar Institute Cancer Center.

Press Release   Apr. 29, 2020
The Wistar Institute and Batavia Biosciences Launch Collaboration to Manufacture and Distribute Wistar’s Rubella Vaccine Globally
The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation supports international collaboration to expand global access to life-saving vaccines
 
 
WFPHA: World Federation of Public Health Associations  [to 2 May 2020]
https://www.wfpha.org/
Latest News
Open Letter to The United Nations: Call for The Establishment of a Multi-sector “Global Health Equity Task Force” to Confront The Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic
Monday, 27 April 2020
Global Health Inquity is a fact. The present crisis renders visible these inequities. The World Federation of Public Health Associations (WFPHA) has signed an open letter to the United Nations proposing that the UN Secretary General provide the necessary support to the World Health Organization (WHO), by creating a multi-sector “Global Health Equity Task Force” to confront the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic in its full health, socio-demographic and economic dimensions.

As the unique international non-governmental body representing the interests of the global public health community through national and regional public health associations and associated organizations, WFPHA is concerned about the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic among already vulnerable and marginalized populations worldwide. Disadvantaged and marginalized populations are more at risk to become infected. When infected, marginalized people are more likely to evolve to severe cases as they suffer disproportionately higher rates of chronic diseases, obesity and malnutrition.

The “Global Health Equity Task Force”, housed within WHO, would be charged with taking the necessary steps to exert needed global leadership for a comprehensive, equity-focused response to the pandemic, guided by the ethical principles of justice, beneficence and nonmaleficence and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. It would encourage international cooperation towards fair allocation of resources to all countries according to need.

Full Letter with List of Institutions is Available Here.

List of Individual Signing the Letter is Available Here.
 
 
World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE)   [to 2 May 2020]
https://www.oie.int/en/for-the-media/press-releases/2020/
Press Releases
No new digest content identified.

::::::

 
 
ARM [Alliance for Regenerative Medicine]  [to 2 May 2020]
https://alliancerm.org/press-releases/
Press Releases
No new digest content identified.
 
 
BIO    [to 2 May 2020]
https://www.bio.org/press-releases
Press Releases
No new digest content identified.
 
 
DCVMN – Developing Country Vaccine Manufacturers Network  [to 2 May 2020]
http://www.dcvmn.org/
News
DCVMN joined Global leaders call for a new collaboration to accelerate equitable access to Covid-19 Health technologies

Geneva, 24th April 2020 – The COVID-19 pandemic requires a strong united front to turn the tide of this global public health burden. Recognizing the April 20th United Nations General Assembly resolution [1], calling for rapid development, scale-up, manufacturing and supply of vaccines to confront the pandemic, the Developing Countries Vaccine Manufacturers Network (DCVMN) stands ready to fully collaborate with the Access to COVID Tools (ACT) Accelerator initiative, launched on 24th April 2020…
 
 
IFPMA   [to 2 May 2020]
http://www.ifpma.org/resources/news-releases/
Selected Press Releases, Statements, Publications
Global Pharma update on unprecedented efforts to collaborate in speeding up the search for safe
30 April 2020
 
 
PhRMA    [to 2 May 2020]
http://www.phrma.org/
Selected Press Releases, Statements
The continued imperative to protect U.S. innovation worldwide
Chris Moore   |     April 29, 2020
The COVID-19 pandemic is further demonstrating that the world needs biopharmaceutical innovation to address pressing global health challenges – both now and in the future. PhRMA members are collaborating with others and working around the clock to research and develop vaccines and treatments to beat the virus.
The 2020 Special 301 Report released today by the Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) highlights just how essential open markets and effective intellectual property protections and enforcement are to meeting today’s challenges and to delivering tomorrow’s new treatments and cures. The report confirms the U.S. government’s strong commitment to defend and promote fair market access for American inventions, including biopharmaceuticals, in countries around the world.

Thanks to its domestic intellectual property and market-based policy environment, the United States leads the world in the research and development of new medicines. With the right policies in place, the new treatments and cures pioneered here can continue to benefit patients everywhere. There are notable examples from the 2020 Special 301 Report of how USTR is defending American innovators:

:: Ensuring transparency and fairness of pharmaceutical pricing and reimbursement policies in Canada, Japan and South Korea so trading partners appropriately recognize the value of innovative medicines and contribute their fair share to research and development of new treatments and cures.

:: Combating the negative impact of compulsory licensing actions in Asia, the Middle East, Latin America and other regions.

:: Condemning weak intellectual property protection and other policies in Argentina, India, Malaysia, and enhancing engagement with Saudi Arabia by conducting an out-of-cycle review to resolve longstanding concerns…

Guest Post: Preserving clinical research sites during the coronavirus pandemic

April 29, 2020

Jim Kremidas, executive director of the Association of Clinical Research Professionals

Journal Watch

Posted on by

Journal Watch
Vaccines and Global Health: The Week in Review continues its weekly scanning of key peer-reviewed journals to identify and cite articles, commentary and editorials, books reviews and other content supporting our focu-s on vaccine ethics and policy. Journal Watch is not intended to be exhaustive, but indicative of themes and issues the Center is actively tracking. We selectively provide full text of some editorial and comment articles that are specifically relevant to our work. Successful access to some of the links provided may require subscription or other access arrangement unique to the publisher.
If you would like to suggest other journal titles to include in this service, please contact David Curry at: david.r.curry@centerforvaccineethicsandpolicy.org