Monthly Archives: February 2021

Looking beyond COVID-19 vaccine phase 3 trials

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Nature Medicine
Volume 27 Issue 2, February 2021
https://www.nature.com/nm/volumes/27/issues/2

 

Perspective | 19 January 2021
Looking beyond COVID-19 vaccine phase 3 trials
A comprehensive strategy for the next steps to ensure vaccination of the global population against SARS-CoV-2 is now required, and key steps and challenges are detailed in this Perspective.
Jerome H. Kim, Florian Marks & John D. Clemens

A global survey of potential acceptance of a COVID-19 vaccine

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Nature Medicine
Volume 27 Issue 2, February 2021
https://www.nature.com/nm/volumes/27/issues/2

 

Brief Communication | 20 October 2020
A global survey of potential acceptance of a COVID-19 vaccine
Survey data from across 19 countries reveal heterogeneity in attitudes toward acceptance of a COVID-19 vaccine and suggest that trust in government is associated with vaccine confidence.
Jeffrey V. Lazarus, Scott C. Ratzan & Ayman El-Mohandes

Estimated impact of the pneumococcal conjugate vaccine on pneumonia mortality in South Africa, 1999 through 2016: An ecological modelling study

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PLoS Medicine
http://www.plosmedicine.org/
(Accessed 20 Feb 2021)

 

Estimated impact of the pneumococcal conjugate vaccine on pneumonia mortality in South Africa, 1999 through 2016: An ecological modelling study
Jackie Kleynhans, Stefano Tempia, Kayoko Shioda, Anne von Gottberg, Daniel M. Weinberger, Cheryl Cohen
Research Article | published 16 Feb 2021 PLOS Medicine
https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pmed.1003537

Determinants of dentists’ readiness to assess HPV risk and recommend immunization: A transtheoretical model of change-based cross-sectional study of Ontario dentists

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PLoS One
http://www.plosone.org/
[Accessed 20 Feb 2021]

 

Determinants of dentists’ readiness to assess HPV risk and recommend immunization: A transtheoretical model of change-based cross-sectional study of Ontario dentists
Musfer Aldossri, Chimere Okoronkwo, Virginia Dodd, Heather Manson, Sonica Singhal
Research Article | published 17 Feb 2021 PLOS ONE
https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0247043

Impact of COVID-19 pandemic on the utilization of routine immunization services in Lebanon

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PLoS One
http://www.plosone.org/
[Accessed 20 Feb 2021]

 

Impact of COVID-19 pandemic on the utilization of routine immunization services in Lebanon
Ziad Mansour, Jinan Arab, Racha Said, Alissar Rady, Randa Hamadeh, Bernard Gerbaka, Abdul Rahman Bizri
Research Article | published 17 Feb 2021 PLOS ONE
https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0246951

Evidence-based interventions implemented in low-and middle-income countries for sickle cell disease management: A systematic review of randomized controlled trials

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PLoS One
http://www.plosone.org/
[Accessed 20 Feb 2021]

 

Evidence-based interventions implemented in low-and middle-income countries for sickle cell disease management: A systematic review of randomized controlled trials
Joyce Gyamfi, Temitope Ojo, Sabrina Epou, Amy Diawara, Lotanna Dike, Deborah Adenikinju, Scholastica Enechukwu, Dorice Vieira, Obiageli Nnodu, Gbenga Ogedegbe, Emmanuel Peprah
Research Article | published 17 Feb 2021 PLOS ONE
https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0246700

Opinion: A better approach for dealing with reproducibility and replicability in science

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PNAS – Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America
February 16, 2021; vol. 118 no. 7
https://www.pnas.org/content/118/7

 

Opinion
Leading scientists discuss current issues
Opinion: A better approach for dealing with reproducibility and replicability in science
Front Matter
James D. Nichols, Madan K. Oli, William. L. Kendall, and G. Scott Boomer
PNAS February 16, 2021 118 (7) e2100769118; https://doi.org/10.1073/pnas.2100769118
Science impacts our daily lives and guides national and international policies (1). Thus, results of scientific studies are of paramount importance; yet, there are concerns that many studies are not reproducible or replicable (2). To address these concerns, the National Research Council conducted a Consensus Study [NASEM 2019 (3)] that provides definitions of key concepts, discussions of problems, and recommendations for dealing with these problems. These recommendations are useful and well considered, but they do not go far enough in our opinion. The NASEM recommendations treat reproducibility and replicability as single-study issues, despite clear acknowledgement of the limitations of isolated studies and the need for research synthesis (3). We advocate a strategic approach to research, focusing on the accumulation of evidence via designed sequences of studies, as a means of dealing more effectively with reproducibility, replicability, and related problems. These sequences are designed to provide iterative tests based on comparison of data from empirical studies with predictions from competing hypotheses. Evidence is then formally accumulated based on the relative predictive abilities of the different hypotheses as the sequential studies proceed.

Global Transmission of Live Polioviruses: Updated Dynamic Modeling of the Polio Endgame

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Risk Analysis  
Volume 41, Issue 2 Pages: 223-406 February 2021
https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/toc/15396924/current

Global Transmission of Live Polioviruses: Updated Dynamic Modeling of the Polio Endgame
Dominika A. Kalkowska, Mark A. Pallansch, Steven G. F. Wassilak, Stephen L. Cochi, Kimberly M. Thompson

 

Pages: 248-265
First Published: 20 January 2020

Insights From Modeling Preventive Supplemental Immunization Activities as a Strategy to Eliminate Wild Poliovirus Transmission in Pakistan and Afghanistan

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Risk Analysis  
Volume 41, Issue 2 Pages: 223-406 February 2021
https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/toc/15396924/current

Insights From Modeling Preventive Supplemental Immunization Activities as a Strategy to Eliminate Wild Poliovirus Transmission in Pakistan and Afghanistan
Dominika A. Kalkowska, Kimberly M. Thompson

 

Pages: 266-272
First Published: 06 March 2020

Inferring the effectiveness of government interventions against COVID-19

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Science
19 February 2021 Vol 371, Issue 6531
http://www.sciencemag.org/current.dtl

 

Research Articles
Inferring the effectiveness of government interventions against COVID-19
By Jan M. Brauner, Sören Mindermann, Mrinank Sharma, David Johnston, John Salvatier, Tomáš Gavenčiak, Anna B. Stephenson, Gavin Leech, George Altman, Vladimir Mikulik, Alexander John Norman, Joshua Teperowski Monrad, Tamay Besiroglu, Hong Ge, Meghan A. Hartwick, Yee Whye Teh, Leonid Chindelevitch, Yarin Gal, Jan Kulveit
Science19 Feb 2021 Open Access
The effect of nonpharmaceutical interventions on SARS-CoV-2 transmission during the early phase of the pandemic is quantified.

Broad and potent activity against SARS-like viruses by an engineered human monoclonal antibody

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Science
19 February 2021 Vol 371, Issue 6531
http://www.sciencemag.org/current.dtl

Broad and potent activity against SARS-like viruses by an engineered human monoclonal antibody
By C. Garrett Rappazzo, Longping V. Tse, Chengzi I. Kaku, Daniel Wrapp, Mrunal Sakharkar, Deli Huang, Laura M. Deveau, Thomas J. Yockachonis, Andrew S. Herbert, Michael B. Battles, Cecilia M. O’Brien, Michael E. Brown, James C. Geoghegan, Jonathan Belk, Linghang Peng, Linlin Yang, Yixuan Hou, Trevor D. Scobey, Dennis R. Burton, David Nemazee, John M. Dye, James E. Voss, Bronwyn M. Gunn, Jason S. McLellan, Ralph S. Baric, Lisa E. Gralinski, Laura M. Walker

 

Science19 Feb 2021 : 823-829 Open Access
An affinity-optimized human monoclonal antibody displays broad in vivo efficacy in murine models of SARS and COVID-19.

Air travel and COVID-19 prevention in the pandemic and peri-pandemic period: A narrative review

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Travel Medicine and Infectious Diseases
Volume 39 January–February 2021
https://www.sciencedirect.com/journal/travel-medicine-and-infectious-disease/vol/39/suppl/C

 

Review article Open access
Air travel and COVID-19 prevention in the pandemic and peri-pandemic period: A narrative review
Michel Bielecki, Dipti Patel, Jochen Hinkelbein, Matthieu Komorowski, … Patricia Schlagenhauf
Article 101915

Strengthening screening for infectious diseases and vaccination among migrants in Europe: What is needed to close the implementation gaps?

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Travel Medicine and Infectious Diseases
Volume 39 January–February 2021
https://www.sciencedirect.com/journal/travel-medicine-and-infectious-disease/vol/39/suppl/C

 

Controversial Commentary
Short communication Open access
Strengthening screening for infectious diseases and vaccination among migrants in Europe: What is needed to close the implementation gaps?
Teymur Noori, Sally Hargreaves, Christina Greenaway, Marieke van der Werf, … Kevin Pottie
Article 101715

Modelling a cost-effective vaccination strategy for the prevention of varicella and herpes zoster infection: A systematic review

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Vaccine
Volume 39, Issue 9 Pages 1359-1472 (1 March 2021)
https://www.sciencedirect.com/journal/vaccine/vol/39/issue/9

 

Review article Abstract only
Modelling a cost-effective vaccination strategy for the prevention of varicella and herpes zoster infection: A systematic review
Brent Hodgkinson, Tianjiao Wang, Joshua Byrnes, Paul Scuffham
Pages 1370-1382

Effect of Vaccine Direct Delivery (VDD) on vaccine stockouts and number of vaccinations: Case study from Bauchi State, Nigeria

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Vaccine
Volume 39, Issue 9 Pages 1359-1472 (1 March 2021)
https://www.sciencedirect.com/journal/vaccine/vol/39/issue/9

 

Research article Abstract only
Effect of Vaccine Direct Delivery (VDD) on vaccine stockouts and number of vaccinations: Case study from Bauchi State, Nigeria
Ryoko Sato, Adam Thompson, Ibrahim Sani, Loveth Metiboba, … Vivian Odezugo
Pages 1445-1451

Botched Ebola Vaccine Trials in Ghana: An Analysis of Discourses in The Media

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Vaccines — Open Access Journal
http://www.mdpi.com/journal/vaccines
(Accessed 20 Feb 2021)

 

Open Access Article
Botched Ebola Vaccine Trials in Ghana: An Analysis of Discourses in The Media
by Esi E. Thompson
Vaccines 2021, 9(2), 177; https://doi.org/10.3390/vaccines9020177 – 19 Feb 2021
In June 2015, proposed Ebola vaccine trials were suspended by the Ministry of Health of Ghana amid protests from members of parliament and the general public. Scholarship has often focused on the design, development, and administration of vaccines. Of equal importance are the […] Read more.

Assessment of Vaccine Hesitancy to a COVID-19 Vaccine in Cameroonian Adults and Its Global Implication

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Vaccines — Open Access Journal
http://www.mdpi.com/journal/vaccines
(Accessed 20 Feb 2021)

 

Open Access Article
Assessment of Vaccine Hesitancy to a COVID-19 Vaccine in Cameroonian Adults and Its Global Implication
by Jerome Nyhalah Dinga, Leontine Kouemou Sinda and Vincent P. K. Titanji
Vaccines 2021, 9(2), 175; https://doi.org/10.3390/vaccines9020175 – 19 Feb 2021
Since the outbreak of COVID-19 in December 2019, no global consensus treatment has been developed and generally accepted for the disease. However, eradicating the disease will require a safe and efficacious vaccine. In order to prepare for the eventual development of a safe […]

Vaccine Hesitancy among Italian Patients Recovered from COVID-19 Infection towards Influenza and Sars-Cov-2 Vaccination

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Vaccines — Open Access Journal
http://www.mdpi.com/journal/vaccines
(Accessed 20 Feb 2021)

 

Open Access Article
Vaccine Hesitancy among Italian Patients Recovered from COVID-19 Infection towards Influenza and Sars-Cov-2 Vaccination
by Valentina Gerussi, Maddalena Peghin, Alvisa Palese, Valentina Bressan, Erica Visintini, Giulia Bontempo, Elena Graziano, Maria De Martino, Miriam Isola and Carlo Tascini
Vaccines 2021, 9(2), 172; https://doi.org/10.3390/vaccines9020172 – 18 Feb 2021
We aimed to assess the attitude towards influenza and severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) vaccinations among coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) recovered patients. We performed a cross-sectional study consisting of a standardized telephone interview carried out between September and November 2020 targeting […

COVID-19 Vaccine Hesitancy Worldwide: A Concise Systematic Review of Vaccine Acceptance Rates

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Vaccines — Open Access Journal
http://www.mdpi.com/journal/vaccines
(Accessed 20 Feb 2021)

 

Open Access Review
COVID-19 Vaccine Hesitancy Worldwide: A Concise Systematic Review of Vaccine Acceptance Rates
by Malik Sallam
Vaccines 2021, 9(2), 160; https://doi.org/10.3390/vaccines9020160 – 16 Feb 2021
Utility of vaccine campaigns to control coronavirus 2019 disease (COVID-19) is not merely dependent on vaccine efficacy and safety. Vaccine acceptance among the general public and healthcare workers appears to have a decisive role in the successful control of the pandemic. The aim [..

COVID-19 Vaccine Acceptance in the Democratic Republic of Congo: A Cross-Sectional Survey

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Vaccines — Open Access Journal
http://www.mdpi.com/journal/vaccines
(Accessed 20 Feb 2021)

 

Open Access Article
COVID-19 Vaccine Acceptance in the Democratic Republic of Congo: A Cross-Sectional Survey
by John D. Ditekemena, Dalau M. Nkamba, Armand Mutwadi, Hypolite M. Mavoko, Joseph Nelson iewe Fodjo, Christophe Luhata, Michael Obimpeh, Stijn Van Hees, Jean B. Nachega and Robert Colebunders
Vaccines 2021, 9(2), 153; https://doi.org/10.3390/vaccines9020153 – 14 Feb 2021
We investigated the level of willingness for COVID-19 vaccination in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Data were collected between 24 August 2020 and 8 September 2020 through an online survey. A total of 4131 responses were included; mean age of respondents was […] R

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 20 Feb 2021
Health
A Quite Possibly Wonderful Summer
Families will gather. Restaurants will reopen. People will travel. The pandemic may feel like it’s behind us—even if it’s not.
James Hamblin
February 19, 2021

 

BBC
http://www.bbc.co.uk/
Accessed 20 Feb 2021
[No new, unique, relevant content]

 

The Economist
http://www.economist.com/
Accessed 20 Feb 2021
Feb 20th 2021
Sinovacillate
China’s roll-out of covid-19 vaccines is slower than planned
Production bottlenecks and a perceived lack of urgency don’t help

 

Financial Times
https://www.ft.com/
Accessed 20 Feb 2021
News in-depth Covid-19 vaccines
Racial inequality plagues US vaccine rollout
February 20, 2021

Argentina
Argentina’s health minister fired in ‘VIP vaccines’ scandal
…Argentina’s president fired the country’s health minister on Friday after he was revealed to have personally helped to arrange Covid-19 vaccines for VIPs with government connections. Some of the jabs…
February 20, 2021

Coronavirus Business Update
G7 pledges faster vaccine rollout to developing world
February 19, 2021

Tanzania
Tanzania looks to divine providence as government shuns Covid vaccines
February 19, 2021

Covid-19 vaccines
US will not send vaccines to developing countries until supply improves
…The US will not donate any coronavirus vaccine doses to developing countries until there is a plentiful supply of jabs in the US, Biden administration officials said on Thursday in a firm rejection of…
February 18, 2021
Top of Form
Bottom of Form

Coronavirus pandemic
Taiwan accuses China of blocking efforts to buy Covid vaccines
…Taiwan has accused China of obstructing its efforts to buy coronavirus vaccines from BioNTech, in the latest example of a political dispute that threatens the fight against the pandemic. Taipei was on…
February 18, 2021
Top of Form
Bottom of Form

Top of Form
Bottom of Form

 

Forbes
http://www.forbes.com/
Accessed 20 Feb 2021
Feb 19, 2021
Pfizer CEO Cautions Against Delaying Second Covid-19 Vaccine Shot
Pfizer CEO Albert Bourla said Friday there wasn’t clear evidence yet on whether it would be safe to forgo a second dose of its coronavirus vaccine or delay administering it, a day after a study showed robust immunity after just one shot.
B y Gina Heeb Forbes Staff

Feb 19, 2021
Variants Could Cause A Rapid Rise In Covid-19 Cases In The U.S. Unless We Implement These Public Health Measures
Two new CDC reports have been released warning that the new variants could lead to a rapid rise in Covid-19 cases in the U.S. In this piece, I outline the public health measures to prevent this.
By William A. Haseltine Contributor

 

Foreign Affairs
http://www.foreignaffairs.com/
Accessed 20 Feb 2021
[No new, unique, relevant content]

 

Foreign Policy
http://foreignpolicy.com/
Accessed 20 Feb 2021
Latin America
Mexico Slams Vaccine ‘Hoarding’
Pledges of global vaccine solidarity have been slow to produce results.
By Catherine Osborn
| February 19, 2021, 8:00 AM

 

G-7 Scrambles for Global Vaccine Plan
After months of warnings, the group of wealthy nations have begun to put forward solutions to the lopsided distribution of coronavirus vaccines.
Morning Brief | Colm Quinn

 

Countries Are Ramping Up Vaccinations. What About Refugees?
With millions stranded in camps with limited access to shots, there’s a big problem looming in the world’s quest to quash COVID-19.
Report | Christina Lu

 

The Guardian
http://www.guardiannews.com/
Accessed 20 Feb 2021
[No new, unique, relevant content]

 

New Yorker
http://www.newyorker.com/
Accessed 20 Feb 2021
The New Yorker Interview
Atul Gawande on COVID-Vaccine Distribution and When Normalcy Might Return
The New Yorker staff writer assesses the vaccination campaign so far, new mutations, and when it might be possible to enter public spaces safely without a mask.
By David Remnick February 19, 2021

 

New York Times
http://www.nytimes.com/
Accessed 20 Feb 2021
Middle East
Israel Secretly Agrees to Fund Vaccines for Syria as Part of Prisoner Swap
To secure the release of an Israeli civilian held in Syria, Israel agreed to finance a supply of Russian-made Covid-19 vaccines for Damascus, an official said.
By Patrick Kingsley, Ronen Bergman and Andrew E. Kramer
PRINT EDITION February 21, 2021

Canada
Why Canada’s Vaccine Rollout Slowed Down
The government did not promise mass inoculations during the first few months, but reductions and suspensions of shipments have created vaccine anxiety.
By Ian Austen

Europe
W.H.O. Warns of Unequal Vaccine Distribution
The World Health Organization on Friday warned that the unequal distribution of vaccines across the globe could further the spread of the coronavirus.
By Reuters

Europe
Russia Is Offering to Export Hundreds of Millions of Vaccine Doses, but Can It Deliver?
The Kremlin has scored propaganda points and bolstered several longstanding foreign policy goals by offering its Sputnik V vaccine around the world. But it has limited production capacity.
By Andrew E. Kramer
World

The Vatican is promoting vaccinations but won’t punish those who decline them.
The Vatican said it had issued rules to protect its employees after criticism arose over a decree suggesting that those who didn’t get vaccinated could lose their jobs.
By Elisabetta Povoledo

Middle East
As Israel Reopens, ‘Whoever Does Not Get Vaccinated Will Be Left Behind’
New government and business initiatives are moving in the direction of a two-tier system for the vaccinated and unvaccinated, raising legal, moral and ethical questions.
By Isabel Kershner

 

Washington Post
https://www.washingtonpost.com/
Accessed 20 Feb 2021
Global vaccine inequality runs deep. Some countries say intellectual property rights are part
Miriam Berger · World · Feb 20, 2021

Israel agrees to vaccinate Palestinian workers, Palestinian officials say
…120,000 doses of the Moderna vaccine in January. It was unclear what vaccines would go to the Palestinians…
Steve Hendrix · Feb 20, 2021

WHO says more than 11,000 Ebola vaccines will go to Guinea
… she said. The vaccination campaign could start as early as Monday. “Thirty vaccination experts have already…
· Feb 18, 2021

Think Tanks et al

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Think Tanks et al

Brookings
http://www.brookings.edu/
Accessed 20 Feb 2021
FixGov
The COVID-19 vaccine: What can states learn from each other?
William A. Galston and Elaine Kamarck
Friday, February 19, 2021
 
 
Coronavirus (COVID-19) Economics
American Indians and Alaska Natives are dying of COVID-19 at shocking rates
Randall Akee and Sarah Reber
Thursday, February 18, 2021
 
 
Center for Global Development [to 20 Feb 2021]
http://www.cgdev.org/page/press-center
Publication
February 18, 2021
What Do We Really Know About COVID-19’s Impact on Essential Health Services?
In this blog, we describe some major global efforts that examine whether essential health services have been disrupted during the pandemic, summarize what they tell us, and highlight some of the remaining gaps in our understanding and knowledge.
Damian Walker, Carleigh Krubiner and Y-Ling Chi
 
 
Chatham House [to 20 Feb 2021]
https://www.chathamhouse.org/
Accessed 20 Feb 2021
[No new relevant content]

 
 
CSIS
https://www.csis.org/
Accessed 20 Feb 2021
[No new relevant content]

 

Council on Foreign Relations
http://www.cfr.org/
Accessed 20 Feb 2021
[No new relevant content]

 
 

Kaiser Family Foundation
https://www.kff.org/search/?post_type=press-release
Accessed 20 Feb 2021
February 19, 2021 News Release
KFF COVID-19 Vaccine Monitor: Attitudes Towards COVID-19 Vaccination Among Black Women and Men
The latest from the KFF COVID-19 Vaccine Monitor finds that Black men (45%) and women (41%) are more likely than other groups to want to “wait and see” how the COVID-19 vaccine works for others before getting it themselves, making them a key target for public health officials seeking to…

February 18, 2021 News Release
New Analysis: Updated State Data Continues To Show Wide Disparities in COVID-19 Vaccination Rates by Race/Ethnicity
KFF has an updated analysis of state-reported data as of February 16, 2021 on COVID-19 vaccinations, cases, and deaths by race/ethnicity. New to the analysis are comparisons of vaccination rates in each racial/ethnic group based on state-reported data of total people who have received at least one dose of the…

February 16, 2021 News Release
States Set Different COVID-19 Vaccination Priorities for People with High-Risk Conditions
People with medical conditions that put them at higher risk of developing serious COVID-19 illness are next in line to get vaccinated in many states, though states are making very different choices about how to prioritize those within this large group, finds a KFF analysis of state policies. The U.S.…
 
 
World Economic Forum [to 20 Feb 2021]
https://agenda.weforum.org/news/
Media
[No new relevant content]

Vaccines and Global Health: The Week in Review :: 13 February 2021

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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_13-feb-2021Download

– 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

In the COVID-19 vaccine race, we either win together or lose together

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Milestones :: Perspectives :: Research

 

In the COVID-19 vaccine race, we either win together or lose together
Joint statement by UNICEF Executive Director Henrietta Fore and WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus
10 February 2021 Joint News Release
New York/Geneva
Of the 128 million vaccine doses administered so far, more than three quarters of those vaccinations are in just 10 countries that account for 60% of global GDP.

As of today, almost 130 countries, with 2.5 billion people, are yet to administer a single dose.
This self-defeating strategy will cost lives and livelihoods, give the virus further opportunity to mutate and evade vaccines and will undermine a global economic recovery.

Today, UNICEF and WHO – partners for more than 70 years – call on leaders to look beyond their borders and employ a vaccine strategy that can actually end the pandemic and limit variants.

Health workers have been on the frontlines of the pandemic in lower- and middle-income settings and should be protected first so they can protect us.

COVAX participating countries are preparing to receive and use vaccines. Health workers have been trained, cold chain systems primed. What’s missing is the equitable supply of vaccines.

To ensure that vaccine rollouts begin in all countries in the first 100 days of 2021, it is imperative that:
:: Governments that have vaccinated their own health workers and populations at highest risk of severe disease share vaccines through COVAX so other countries can do the same.
:: The Access to COVID-19 Tools (ACT) Accelerator, and its vaccines pillar COVAX, is fully funded so that financing and technical support is available to lower- and middle-income countries for deploying and administering vaccines. If fully funded, the ACT Accelerator could return up to US$ 166 for every dollar invested.
:: Vaccine manufacturers allocate the limited vaccine supply equitably; share safety, efficacy and manufacturing data as a priority with WHO for regulatory and policy review; step up and maximize production; and transfer technology to other manufacturers who can help scale the global supply.

We need global leadership to scale up vaccine production and achieve vaccine equity.

COVID-19 has shown that our fates are inextricably linked. Whether we win or lose, we will do so together.”

Extraordinary meeting of the Strategic Advisory Group of Experts on Immunization (SAGE) – 8 February 2021 :: Interim recommendations for use of the AZD1222 (‎ChAdOx1-S [‎recombinant]‎)‎ vaccine against COVID19 developed by Oxford University and AstraZeneca: interim guidance, 10 February 2021

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Milestones :: Perspectives :: Research

 

Extraordinary meeting of the Strategic Advisory Group of Experts on Immunization (SAGE) – 8 February 2021
Meeting materials
:: Final Agenda
Background documents
:: Background document on the Astra Zeneca – Oxford University AZD1222 vaccine against COVID-19 (Draft)
Presentations
:: Update on recent developments including on COVAX
K. O’Brien, pdf, 4.4Mb
:: AstraZeneca COVID-19 Vaccine Update
J. Vekemans. pdf, 4.6Mb
:: Assessment of the critical evidence, including data and draft recommendations related to vaccine use in older adults
SAGE Working Group. pdf, 3.2Mb
:: Emerging data on the use of AZD1222 in the context of new virus variants
A. Pollard & S. Madhi. pdf, 370Kb

 

Interim WHO recommendations
Interim recommendations for use of the AZD1222 (‎ChAdOx1-S [‎recombinant]‎)‎ vaccine against COVID19 developed by Oxford University and AstraZeneca: interim guidance, 10 February 2021
World Health Organization. https://apps.who.int/iris/handle/10665/339477. License: CC BY-NC-SA 3.0 IGO :: 7 pages
…These interim recommendations apply to AZD1222 (ChAdOx1-S [recombinant]) vaccine against COVID-19 developed by Oxford University (United Kingdom) and AstraZeneca as well as to ChAdOx1-S [recombinant] vaccines against COVID-19 produced by other manufacturers that rely on the AstraZeneca core clinical data, following demonstrated equivalence in their regulatory review and once emergency use listing (EUL) has been obtained from WHO.The guidance is based on the evidence summarized in the Background document on AZD1222 vaccine against COVID-19 developed by Oxford University and AstraZenecaand the Background paper on COVID-19 disease and vaccines. Both these documents are available on the SAGE COVID-19 webpage: https://www.who.int/groups/strategic-advisory-group-of-experts-on-immunization/covid-19-materials …

COVAX Statement on New Variants of SARS-CoV-2

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Milestones :: Perspectives :: Research

 

Editor’s Note:
The statement below was issued on 8 February, and references the WHO SAGE Extraordinary Meeting recommendations released as above.

COVAX Statement on New Variants of SARS-CoV-2
[Apparent Joint Statement: The logos of CEPI, Gavi, UNICEF and WHO appeared with the text at the title link above]
Geneva / New York / Oslo, 8 February 2020 – The emergence of variants of SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19,  serve as a powerful reminder that viruses by their very nature mutate, and that the scientific response may need to adapt to remain effective against them.

In light of recent news stories regarding the preliminary data on minimal effectiveness of the AstraZeneca/Oxford vaccine at preventing mild to moderate COVID-19 disease caused by the viral variant B.1.351, it is important to note that primary analysis of data from Phase III trials has so far shown – in the context of viral settings without this variant – that the AstraZeneca/ Oxford vaccine offers protection against severe disease, hospitalisation and death. This means it is vitally important now to determine the vaccine’s effectiveness when it comes to preventing more severe illness caused by the B.1.351 variant.

Additional studies will also allow us to confirm the optimal vaccination schedule and its impact on vaccine efficacy. CEPI has announced funding for additional clinical research to optimize and extend the use of existing vaccines, which could include “mix-and-match” studies of different vaccines used in combinations that may improve the quality and strength of the immune response.  Such studies could be useful in optimizing the use of available vaccines, including the AstraZeneca/Oxford vaccine.

The WHO Strategic Advisory Group of Experts on Immunization (SAGE) convened today to review evidence on the AstraZeneca/Oxford vaccine, including emerging evidence on performance against viral variants, and to consider the demonstrated impact of the product and the risk-benefit assessment for use cases with limited data.  These recommendations for use of the AstraZeneca product are being finalised and will be presented to the WHO Director-General on 9 Feb 2021.

Even though this recent news on effectiveness of the AstraZeneca/Oxford vaccine against the B.1.351 variant is based on a limited study size which focused on low-risk participants and used interval doses that were not optimized for immunogenicity, these results confirm we must do everything possible to reduce the circulation of the virus, prevent infections and reduce the opportunities for the SARS-CoV-2 to evolve resulting in mutations that may reduce the efficacy of existing vaccines. This means that additionally:
:: Manufacturers must be prepared to adjust to the SARS-CoV-2 viral evolution, including potentially providing future booster shots and adapted vaccines, if found to be scientifically necessary.
:: Trials must be designed and maintained to allow any changes in efficacy to be assessed, and to be of sufficient scale and diversity to enable clear interpretation of results.
:: Enhanced genomic surveillance must be backed by rapid sharing of genetic and meta-data to allow for global coordination and response.
:: Priority should be given to vaccinating high-risk groups everywhere in order to ensure maximum global protection against new strains and minimize the risk of transmission.
:: Governments and donors, as well as development banks, should further support COVAX in order to ensure equitable access and delivery, as well as meet ongoing research and development costs for next-generation vaccines.
:: WHO is enhancing an existing mechanism for tracking and evaluating variants that may affect vaccine composition and expanding that mechanism to provide guidance to manufacturers and countries on changes that may be needed for vaccines.

COVAX was set up to ensure global equitable access to safe and effective COVID-19 vaccines. With the world’s largest actively managed portfolio of COVID-19 vaccine candidates, the COVAX Facility offers its self-financing participants and those eligible for support through the Gavi COVAX Advance Market Commitment access to a diverse range of vaccine candidates, suitable for a broad range of contexts and settings. The ability to deploy vaccines globally to address the evolving pandemic is more critical than ever, as is the importance of coordination to ensure we do not put the impact and value of vaccines at risk.  If new vaccines are required, ensuring global access to these is even more essential, as we continue to see that we are all safe only if everyone is safe.

With regards to the AstraZeneca/Oxford vaccine, COVAX has signed advance purchase agreements with AstraZeneca and Serum Institute of India and has published plans to distribute nearly 350 million doses in the first half of the year. We expect a decision this month from WHO on whether the vaccines will be granted emergency use listing (EUL) as well as a SAGE recommendation on its optimal use. Should EUL be forthcoming, we expect the vaccine to play a key role in our effort to protect high risk persons and to help end the acute phase of the pandemic.

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

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Milestones :: Perspectives :: Research

Coronavirus [COVID-19] – WHO
Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC)
https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019

Weekly Epidemiological and Operational updates
Last update: 23 January 2021
Confirmed cases :: 107 838 255 [week ago: 104 956 439] [two weeks ago: 101 561 219]
Confirmed deaths :: 2 373 398 [week ago: 2 290 488] [two weeks ago: 2 196 9440]
Countries, areas or territories with cases :: 223

Weekly operational update on COVID-19 – 13 February 2021
Key Figures
:: WHO-led UN Crisis-Management Team coordinating 23 UN entities across nine areas of work
:: 150 GOARN deployments conducted to support COVID-19 pandemic response
:: 8 582 631 face shields shipped globally
:: 6 835 379 gowns shipped globally
:: 36 600 900 gloves shipped globally
:: 197 343 426 medical masks shipped globally
:: 19 951 965 respirators shipped globally
:: More than 4.9 million people registered on OpenWHO and able to access 25 topical courses in 44
languages

Coronavirus (COVID-19) Vaccinations

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Milestones :: Perspectives :: Research

 

Our World in Data
Coronavirus (COVID-19) Vaccinations
Our World in Data and the SDG-Tracker are collaborative efforts between researchers at the University of Oxford, who are the scientific editors of the website content; and the non-profit organization Global Change Data Lab, who publishes and maintains the website and the data tools that make our work possible. At the University of Oxford we are based at the Oxford Martin Programme on Global Development.
Research and data: Hannah Ritchie, Esteban Ortiz-Ospina, Diana Beltekian, Edouard Mathieu, Joe Hasell, Bobbie Macdonald, Charlie Giattino, and Max Roser
Web development: Breck Yunits, Ernst van Woerden, Daniel Gavrilov, Matthieu Bergel, Shahid Ahmad, Jason Crawford, and Marcel Gerber

COVID Vaccine Developer Announcements

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Milestones :: Perspectives :: Research

 

COVID Vaccine Developer Announcements

Canada Purchases Additional 4 Million Doses of Moderna’s COVID-19 Vaccine
February 12, 2021

U.S. Government Purchases Additional 100 Million Doses of Moderna’s COVID-19 Vaccine
February 11, 2021

Qatar Ministry of Public Health Issues Emergency Use Authorization for COVID-19 Vaccine Moderna
February 11, 2021

Moderna Announces COVID-19 Vaccine Supply Agreements with the Government of Taiwan for 5 Million Doses and the Government of Colombia for 10 Million Doses
February 09, 2021

Sinovac Receives Conditional Marketing Authorization in China for its COVID-19 Vaccine
February 08, 2021
BEIJING–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Sinovac Biotech Ltd. (NASDAQ:SVA) (“Sinovac” or the “Company”), a leading provider of biopharmaceutical products in China, today announced that the China National Medical Products Administration (NMPA) has granted a conditional marketing authorization (CMA) to Sinovac for CoronaVac, Sinovac’s COVID-19 vaccine in individuals aged 18 and above…

CDC Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) – Latest Updates

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CDC
Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) – Latest Updates
:: Overall US COVID-19 Vaccine Distribution and Administration Update as of Fri, 12 Feb 2021 06:00:00 EST

 

FDA
Coronavirus (COVID-19) Update: FDA Announces Advisory Committee Meeting to Discuss Janssen Biotech Inc.’s COVID-19 Vaccine Candidate
02/04/2021
The FDA has scheduled a meeting of its Vaccines and Related Biological Products Advisory Committee (VRBPAC) on Feb. 26, 2021, to discuss the request for emergency use authorization (EUA) for a COVID-19 vaccine from Janssen Biotech Inc.

 

White House [U.S.]
Briefing Room
Statement of President Joe Biden on Safely Reopening Schools
February 12, 2021 • Statements and Releases

Press Briefing by White House COVID-19 Response Team and Public Health Officials
February 10, 2021 • Press Briefings

President Biden Announces Members of the Biden-Harris Administration COVID-19 Health Equity Task Force
February 10, 2021 • Press Briefings

Press Briefing by White House COVID-19 Response Team and Public Health Officials
February 09, 2021 • Press Briefings

FACT SHEET: President Biden Announces Community Health Centers Vaccination Program to Launch Next Week and Another Increase in States, Tribes, & Territories’ Vaccine Supply
February 09, 2021 • Statements and Releases

Press Briefing by White House COVID-19 Response Team and Public Health Officials
February 08, 2021 • Press Briefings

Europe: COVID-19 Vaccines – Announcements/Regulatory Actions/Deployment

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Europe: COVID-19 Vaccines – Announcements/Regulatory Actions/Deployment

 

 

European Medicines Agency
News: EMA starts rolling review of CureVac’s COVID-19 vaccine (CVnCoV)
Last updated: 12/02/2021
EMA’s human medicines committee (CHMP) has started a rolling review of CVnCoV, a COVID19 vaccine being developed by CureVac AG.
The CHMP’s decision to start the rolling review is based on preliminary results from laboratory studies (non-clinical data) and early clinical studies in adults. These studies suggest that the vaccine triggers the production of antibodies and immune cells that target SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID19.
The company is currently conducting trials in people to assess the vaccine’s safety, immunogenicity (how well it triggers a response against the virus) and effectiveness against COVID-19. EMA will evaluate data from these and other clinical trials as they become available.
The rolling review will continue until enough evidence is available for a formal marketing authorisation application….

 

 

News: EMA preparing guidance to tackle COVID-19 variants
Last updated: 10/02/2021
EMA is developing guidance for manufacturers planning changes to the existing COVID-19 vaccines to tackle the new virus variants. In order to consider options for additional testing and development of vaccines that are effective against new virus mutations, the Agency has requested all vaccine developers to investigate if their vaccine can offer protection against any new variants, e.g. those identified in the United Kingdom, South Africa and Brazil, and submit relevant data.
EMA will shortly publish a reflection paper that will set out the data and studies needed to support adaptations of the existing vaccines to current or future mutations of SARS-CoV-2 in the European Union (EU). The questions that will be addressed as part of this reflection paper include:
:: Which are the options for introducing a new strain into an existing approved vaccine?
:: What will be the minimal regulatory requirements to demonstrate the quality, safety and efficacy?
:: Which bridging studies will be required to provide adequate reassurance of a vaccine’s efficacy against a new strain, either as first vaccination or as booster…

 

 

News: Clarification on Sputnik V vaccine in the EU approval process
Last updated: 10/02/2021
The European Medicines Agency has to date not received an application for a rolling review or a marketing authorisation for the vaccine developed by the Gamaleya National Centre of Epidemiology and Microbiology in Russia, the Sputnik V vaccine (Gam-COVID-Vac), despite reports stating the opposite.
The developers have received scientific advice from EMA providing them with the latest regulatory and scientific guidance for the development of their vaccine. In line with the Agency’s transparency policy, the vaccine is included in the list of COVID-19 medicines and vaccines that have received scientific advice from the Agency.
EMA is in dialogue and collaborating with the company to define the next steps. The developers have expressed their interest that the vaccine be considered for a rolling review…

 

 

News: International regulators working together to enhance collaboration on COVID-19 observational research
Last updated: 08/02/2021
In a dedicated COVID-19 workshop, convened under the umbrella of the International Coalition of Medicines Regulatory Authorities (ICMRA), medicine regulators from around the world emphasised the importance of international collaboration and sharing expertise and best practices on observational studies of real-world data to facilitate regulatory decision-making on COVID-19 treatments and vaccines. The workshop was co-chaired by Health Canada and EMA and took place on 25 January 2021. The main findings of the workshop are summarised in a report, which has been published today…

Africa: COVID-19 Vaccines – Announcements/Regulatory Actions/Deployment

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Africa: COVID-19 Vaccines – Announcements/Regulatory Actions/Deployment

Statement on the Efficacy of the AstraZeneca COVID-19 Vaccine (ChAdOx1 nCoV-19) against the SARS-CoV-2 Variants
10 February 2021
Dr Nicaise Ndembi, Senior Science Advisor, Africa CDC
[Excerpt]
… Africa CDC recommendations to Member States and health authorities
On the 9 February 2021, Africa CDC convened a special session of the Africa Task Force for COVID-19 to review existing data and evidence and recommend the following:
[1] For countries that have NOT reported the circulation of the SARS-CoV-2 N501Y.V2 (or B.1.351), we recommend proceeding with the rollout of the AstraZeneca vaccine.
[2] For countries that HAVE reported the circulation of the SARS-CoV-2 N501Y.V2 (or B.1.351), we recommend the acceleration of their preparedness to introduce all COVID-19 vaccines that have received emergency use authorization or approval by regulatory authorities. Consideration should be given to the effectiveness of the vaccine against SARS-CoV-2 N501Y.V2 or any other circulating SARS-CoV-2 variant in the country.
[3] All countries should expand their genomic surveillance testing capacity, or liaise with the Africa CDC/WHO continental COVID-19 genome sequencing laboratory network. The Africa CDC Pathogen Genomics Initiative aims to enhance disease surveillance on the continent.
[4] All countries should strengthen their clinical trials research capacity to generate data on the safety and efficacy of vaccine candidates in African populations as recommended by the Africa CDC Consortium for COVID-19 Vaccine Clinical Trials (CONCVACT).

Russia: COVID-19 Vaccines – Announcements/Regulatory Actions/Deployment

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Russia: COVID-19 Vaccines – Announcements/Regulatory Actions/Deployment

 

 

Russia: Sputnik V – “the first registered COVID-19 vaccine”
https://sputnikvaccine.com/newsroom/pressreleases/
Press Releases
Sputnik V authorized in 26 countries
Press release, 12.02.2021
:: Montenegro and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines have approved Sputnik V.
:: Sputnik V is among top 3 coronavirus vaccines with most authorizations granted globally.
…The vaccine had been approved earlier in Russia, Belarus, Argentina, Bolivia, Serbia, Algeria, Palestine, Venezuela, Paraguay, Turkmenistan, Hungary, UAE, Iran, Republic of Guinea, Tunisia, Armenia, Mexico, Nicaragua, Republika Srpska (entity of Bosnia and Herzegovina), Lebanon, Myanmar, Pakistan, Mongolia and Bahrain…

Sputnik V authorized in the Kingdom of Bahrain
Press release, 10.02.2021
…The vaccine was approved under the emergency use authorization procedure without additional clinical trials in the country…

Mongolia approves the use of Sputnik V
Press release, 09.02.2021
…The vaccine was approved under the emergency use authorization procedure without additional clinical trials in the country…

Sputnik V vaccine authorized for use in Pakistan
Press release, 09.02.2021
…The vaccine was approved under the emergency use authorization procedure based on the results of the clinical trials of Sputnik V in Russia…

Azerbaijan issues permit to conduct world’s first clinical trials of vaccine combination – Sputnik V and the AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine
Press release, 09.02.2021
:: Clinical trials of the combination of Sputnik V and AstraZeneca vaccines will begin in February 2021.
:: The studies will assess the immunogenicity and safety of combined vaccine usage.
:: The joint research is important in developing an approach to combat future mutations.
…The study will allow evaluating the immunogenicity and safety of the combined use of Sputnik V and the vaccine jointly developed by AstraZeneca and Oxford University. The research will be carried out over the course of six months in several countries with 100 volunteers recruited in each…

China providing vaccine aid to 53 developing countries: FM spokesperson

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China: COVID-19 Vaccines – Announcements/Regulatory Actions/Deployment

China providing vaccine aid to 53 developing countries: FM spokesperson
2021-02-09
BEIJING — China is providing vaccine aid to 53 developing countries including Pakistan, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin said on Feb 8.
China has exported or is in the process of exporting vaccines to 22 countries, the spokesperson told a routine press briefing.
China has taken concrete steps to honor its pledge to make vaccines global public goods, once available, with greater affordability and accessibility in developing countries, Wang said.
China has joined COVAX and decided to offer 10 million vaccines to COVAX, mainly to help meet the needs of developing countries, he added.
Reiterating China’s support for domestic companies in promoting vaccine research, development and manufacturing with their foreign counterparts, Wang said China supports relevant companies to export vaccines to countries that are in urgent need, accept and have authorized the emergency use of Chinese vaccines.
“Pakistan was the first country to receive Chinese vaccine aid. Cambodia received China’s vaccine aid yesterday and Laos did today. Vaccine aid to Equatorial Guinea will be shipped tomorrow. Meanwhile, the first batch of vaccines exported by China to Peru arrived today,” the spokesperson said.
“China will continue its vaccine cooperation with relevant countries, offer support within its capability and make concrete contributions to securing a victory against the pandemic as soon as possible and to building a global community of health for all,” he added.

President of Honduras and his Cabinet relinquished their right for receiving the COVID-19 vaccine as a prioritized group

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Selected Country Announcements: COVID-19 Vaccines – Announcements/Regulatory Actions/Deployment

President of Honduras and his Cabinet relinquished their right for receiving the COVID-19 vaccine as a prioritized group
TEGUCIGALPA, Honduras, Feb. 9, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — Honduras President and members of his Cabinet announced that they have relinquished their right granted by Honduras laws which mandates that State´s officials, both elected and appointed, are a priority group in national vaccination programs. This decision responds to Hernandez´s administration policy of granting access to the most vulnerable groups to COVID-19, including the elderly with pre-existing diseases and to the front-liner workers…

Emergencies

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Emergencies

 

POLIO
Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC)

Polio this week as of 10 February 2021
:: The Polio Oversight Board (POB) held its last meeting of 2020 taking stock of programme epidemiology, finances, and strategy and management revision, and make decisions on next steps to achieve the polio eradication goal. The minutes of the meeting are available here.

Summary of new WPV and cVDPV viruses this week (AFP cases and ES positives):
:: Afghanistan: 34 cVDPV2 cases
:: Pakistan: four WPV1 and three cVDPV2 positive environmental samples
:: Chad: one cVDPV2 case
:: Democratic Republic of the Congo (DR Congo): one cVDPV2 case
:: Kenya: one cVDPV2 positive environmental sample
:: Tajikistan: one cVDPV2 case
:: South Sudan: two cVDPV2 cases
:: Yemen: one cVDPV1 case

Meeting of the Polio Oversight Board (POB) – Teleconference 18 December 2020
[Excerpt; text formatting from original text]
[p.13-14]
ANNEX: Donor Statement at the December 18, 2020 POB meeting
Presented by H.E. Leslie Norton, Ambassador and Permanent Representative of the Permanent Mission of Canada to the United Nations in Geneva
…Specifically, we would like to register five points of concern with the POB:
First, we expect to see the Independent Monitoring Board’s (IMB) analysis and recommendations considered and fully implemented. We expect to see a clear and direct link between the analysis of the IMB and the future work of GPEI.

Second, we would like to again underscore how the Governance Review process is crucial to achieving progress on eradication, integration and transition. The formal role of Donors, governments and NGOs/civil society in the decision-making of GPEI urgently needs to be addressed in order to reverse the current trend and overcome chronic barriers to eradication. We recommend a rapid and full implementation of the recommendations over the next six months as well as improved leadership and accountability by the GPEI partners in this next year. This includes a clear and transparent communications on the process.

Third, we welcome the engagement of partners and donors in the strategy review process. Greater involvement and leadership from government and civil society partners, particularly in Pakistan and Afghanistan, and the most at-risk countries, is critical for strong country commitment and ownership especially when it comes to implementing the revised strategy. Please note, Donors expect to review and provide input into a draft of the strategy before it is finalized.

Fourth, we believe that programmatic and financial decisions must be better aligned. GPEI has completed important work in reviewing the budget and funding gaps for 2021. As a next step, we ask the GPEI to develop a robust approach to managing risks that clearly outlines key budget assumptions. This also includes regular revision of the budget to allow for immediate reactions.

Fifth, as the Finance and Accountability Committee highlighted last week, intense and diverse resource mobilisation, including through innovative financing, is needed in order to have the resources available to reach eradication. Given the global economic downturn we do not see any more space for complacency. Making progress on integration, cost sharing, and maximizing synergies between related programs are likely to be essential for donor investments…

 

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Editor’s Note:
Continuing with this edition, we include information about the last apparent update evident on the WHO emergency country webpages, recognizing almost universal and significant interims since last update regardless of the level of the emergency listed.

WHO Grade 3 Emergencies [to 13 Feb 2021]

Democratic Republic of the Congo – No new digest announcements [Last apparent update: 12 Jan 2021]
Mozambique floods – No new digest announcements identified [Last apparent update: 3 November 2020]
Nigeria – No new digest announcements identified [Last apparent update: 29 Jun 2020]
Somalia – No new digest announcements identified [Last apparent update: 17 July 2020]
South Sudan – No new digest announcements identified [Last apparent update: 4 February 2020]
Syrian Arab Republic – No new digest announcements identified [Last apparent update: 24 October 2020]
Yemen – No new digest announcements identified [Last apparent update: 30 June 2020]

 

::::::

WHO Grade 2 Emergencies [to 13 Feb 2021]
Niger – Le ministre de la Santé du Niger sur le maintien des cas de COVID-19 à un faible niveau
11 février 2021

Afghanistan – No new digest announcements identified [Last apparent update: 5 July 2020]
Angola – No new digest announcements identified [Last apparent update: 03 December 2020]
Burkina Faso – No new digest announcements identified [Last apparent update 04 février 2021]
Burundi – No new digest announcements identified [Last apparent update: 04 July 2019]
Cameroon – No new digest announcements identified [Last apparent update: 22 August 2019]
Central African Republic – No new digest announcements identified [Last apparent update: 12 June 2018]
Ethiopia – No new digest announcements identified [Last apparent update: 22 August 2019]
Iran floods 2019 – No new digest announcements identified [Last apparent update: 12 March 2020]
Iraq – No new digest announcements identified [Last apparent update: 16 December 2020]
Libya – No new digest announcements identified [Last apparent update: 7 October 2019]
Malawi Floods – No new digest announcements identified [Last apparent update: 09 October 2019]
Measles in Europe – No new digest announcements identified [Last apparent update: 16-12-2020]
MERS-CoV – No new digest announcements identified [Last apparent update: 8 July 2019]
Mozambique – No new digest announcements identified [Last apparent update: 03 November 2020]
Myanmar – No new digest announcements identified [Last apparent update: :: 3 January 2021
occupied Palestinian territory – No new digest announcements identified [Last apparent update: 4 September 2019]
HIV in Pakistan – No new digest announcements identified [Last apparent update: 27 August 2019]
Sao Tome and Principe Necrotizing Cellulitis (2017) – No new digest announcements
Sudan – No new digest announcements identified [Last apparent update: 24 June 2020]
Ukraine – No new digest announcements identified [Last apparent update: 1 May 2019]
Zimbabwe – No new digest announcements identified [Last apparent update: 10 May 2019]

 

::::::

WHO Grade 1 Emergencies [to 13 Feb 2021]

Chad – No new digest announcements identified [Last apparent update: 30 June 2018]
Djibouti – No new digest announcements identified [Last apparent update: 25 novembre 2020]
Kenya – No new digest announcements identified [Last apparent update: 11 December 2020]
Mali – No new digest announcements identified [Last apparent update: 3 May 2017]
Namibia – viral hepatitis – No new digest announcements identified [Last apparent update: 20 July 2018]
Tanzania – No new digest announcements identified [Last apparent update: 21 October 2020]

 

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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 – No new digest announcements identified
Yemen – No new digest announcements identified

 

::::::

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.
East Africa Locust Infestation
:: Desert Locust situation update 9 February 2021

COVID-19 – No new digest announcements identified

 

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