Organization Announcements
Editor’s Note:
Careful readers will note that the number and range of organizations now monitored in our Announcements section below has grown as the impacts of the pandemic have spread across global economies, supply chains and programmatic activity of multilateral agencies and INGOs.
Airfinity [to 21 May 2022]
Organization Announcements
Editor’s Note:
Careful readers will note that the number and range of organizations now monitored in our Announcements section below has grown as the impacts of the pandemic have spread across global economies, supply chains and programmatic activity of multilateral agencies and INGOs.
Airfinity [to 21 May 2022]
https://www.airfinity.com/insights
INSIGHTS & COMPANY NEWS
No new digest content identified.
Paul G. Allen Frontiers Group [to 21 May 2022]
https://alleninstitute.org/news-press/
News
No new digest content identified.
BMGF – Gates Foundation [to 21 May 2022]
https://www.gatesfoundation.org/ideas/media-center
Press Releases and Statements
No new digest content identified.
Bill & Melinda Gates Medical Research Institute [to 21 May 2022]
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
No new digest content identified.
CARB-X [to 21 May 2022]
News
05.19.2022 |
U.S. government and Wellcome commit up to an additional US$370 million to CARB-X
After celebrating its five-year anniversary in 2021, CARB-X (part of Boston University) announces renewed support from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and Wellcome Trust, a U.K.-based global charitable foundation. The Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA), part of the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response (ASPR) within HHS, will provide US$20 million initially and up to US$300 million over 10 years to support the existing portfolio and launch new funding rounds. Wellcome will provide up to US$70 million over three years as part of its continued commitment to address the escalating threat of drug-resistant infections. Initial funding of $355 million from both BARDA and Wellcome originally launched CARB-X in 2016, and the new funding announced today builds on the success of this international non-profit partnership.
Center for Vaccine Ethics and Policy – GE2P2 Global Foundation [to 21 May 2022]
https://centerforvaccineethicsandpolicy.net/
News/Analysis/Statements
:: Past weekly editions of Vaccines and Global Health: The Week in Review are available here.
:: Informed Consent: A Monthly Review – May 2022 is now posted here
:: Genomic Medicine Governance, Ethics, Policy: A Quarterly Review – May 2022 is now posted here
CEPI – Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations [to 21 May 2022]
Latest News
COVAX calls for urgent action to close vaccine equity gap
Partners issue joint statement as supply constraints ease but inequity persists
[See COVID Perspectives above for detail]
CEPI and GHIT collaborate to advance the global fight against infectious diseases
DARPA – Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency [U.S.] [to 21 May 2022
News
No new digest content identified.
Duke Global Health Innovation Center [to 21 May 2022]
Our Blog
No new digest content identified.
EDCTP [to 21 May 2022]
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
News
No new digest content identified.
Emory Vaccine Center [to 21 May 2022]
http://www.vaccines.emory.edu/
Vaccine Center News
New Emory TB research center to help draw attention to an old but still deadly disease
April 28, 2022
European Vaccine Initiative [to 21 May 2022]
Latest News, Events
No new digest content identified.
Evidence Aid [to 21 May 2022]
Evidence Aid aims to save lives and livelihoods in disasters by providing decision-makers with the best available evidence and by championing its use.
National approaches to the vaccination of recently arrived migrants in Europe Added May 18, 2022
Screening migrants for infectious diseases in Europe Added May 16, 2022
Fondation Merieux [to 21 May 2022]
http://www.fondation-merieux.org/
News, Events
Mérieux Foundation co-organized event
May 24, 2022 – Milken Institute School of Public Health
Context – Symposium honoring Jean-Jacques Muyembe Tamfum
A model for local leadership to address emerging infectious disease Challenges and opportunities for future detection of pandemic threats
Tuesday, May 24, 2022 – 10:00 – 11:30 (EDT)
Gavi [to 21 May 2022]
News Releases
19 May 2022
COVAX calls for urgent action to close vaccine equity gap
[See COVID Perspectives above for detail]
GHIT Fund [to 21 May 2022]
https://www.ghitfund.org/newsroom/press
Press Releases
May 18, 2022
CEPI and GHIT collaborate to advance the global fight against infectious diseases
Global Fund [to 21 May 2022]
https://www.theglobalfund.org/en/news/
News & Stories
20 May 2022
Global Fund Signs Letter of Intent with Pfizer for Oral COVID-19 Treatment
The Global Fund has signed a letter of intent with Pfizer for the procurement of up to 6 million treatment courses of the new oral antiviral medicine nirmatrelvir/ritonavir, sold under the name PAXLOVID™, in 2022-2023.
Global Research Collaboration for Infectious Disease Preparedness [GloPID-R] [to 21 May 2022]
https://www.glopid-r.org/news/
News
No new digest content identified
Hilleman Laboratories [to 21 May 2022]
News & Insights
No new digest content identified
HHMI – Howard Hughes Medical Institute [to 21 May 2022]
Press Room
Spying on Thousands of Neurons in the Brain’s Vision Center Simultaneously
Neurons across eight areas of the brain team up to process visual information. Researchers have now documented these neurons’ activity at a breadth and resolution never before reported.
Human Vaccines Project [to 21 May 2022]
http://www.humanvaccinesproject.org/
News
No new digest content identified.
IAVI [to 21 May 2022]
Latest News
FEATURES
May 18, 2022
IAVI and Moderna launch first-in-Africa clinical trial of mRNA HIV vaccine development program
Phase I trial in Rwanda and South Africa aims to evaluate mRNA HIV vaccine antigen for safety and immunogenicity and strengthen regional scientific capacity
May 17, 2022
HVAD 2022: An HIV vaccine developed with the people it seeks to benefit most
On this HVAD, our colleagues share perspectives on how an HIV vaccine can be developed with the people it seeks to benefit most.
ICRC [to 21 May 2022]
https://www.icrc.org/en/whats-new
What’s New [Selected]
African Union and ICRC Marks 30 years of Partnership on Humanitarian Issues
20-05-2022 | Statement
COVID-19: People living in conflict zones cannot be forgotten in global vaccination effort
People living in warzones are at risk of being the very last in the world to have access to COVID-19 vaccines.
18-05-2022 | News release
[See COVID Perspectives above for detail]
The ICRC is working with Red Cross and Red Crescent partners around the world to support COVID-19 vaccination in armed conflicts as well as hard-to-reach and volatile areas.
17-05-2022 | Article
[See COVID Perspectives above for detail]
International Coalition of Medicines Regulatory Authorities [ICMRA]
http://www.icmra.info/drupal/en/news
Selected Statements, Press Releases, Research
No new digest content identified.
IFFIm
Press Releases/Announcements
No new digest content identified.
IFRC [to 21 May 2022]
http://media.ifrc.org/ifrc/news/press-releases/
Press Releases [Selected]
20/05/2022 | Press release
IFRC president: Ethnicity and nationality should not be deciding factors in saving lives
16/05/2022 | Press release
Institut Pasteur [to 21 May 2022]
https://www.pasteur.fr/en/press-area
Press Documents
Press release
18.05.2022
Phage Therapy: A Model to Predict Its Efficacy against Pathogenic Bacteria
Antibiotic resistance represents a major public health challenge, associated with a high mortality rate.
IOM / International Organization for Migration [to 21 May 2022]
http://www.iom.int/press-room/press-releases
News – Selected
20 May 2022
First United Nations Forum on International Migration Concludes Today
20 May 2022
20 May 2022
Common Ground needed on Clear, Equitable Pandemic Travel Measures
…IOM Director General António Vitorino, MPI President Andrew Selee, and several participants voiced their support for the creation of a Member State-led Group of Friends to discuss cross-border mobility and pandemic preparedness, to complement and support the ongoing review of the International Health Regulations, and Member State negotiations towards a new pandemic treaty.
“Without this common endeavour, there is an increasing risk that future migration will become even more fragmented, accentuating the already evident signs of a two-speed recovery from COVID-19 that leaves less developed countries behind,” said DG Vitorino.
“This, in turn, will stall future economic and social development that could otherwise be accelerated through well-managed migration.”…
19 May 2022
Over 59 Million People Internally Displaced in 2021: IDMC Report
18 May 2022
IOM and UNICEF Sign New Strategic Collaboration Framework
ISC / International Science Council [to 21 May 2022]
https://council.science/current/
ISC is a non-governmental organization with a unique global membership that brings together 40 international scientific Unions and Associations and over 140 national and regional scientific organizations including Academies and Research Councils.
Press releases
16.05.2022
[See COVID Perspectives above for detail]
International Organization for Standardization (ISO) [to 21 May 2022]
News
New guidelines for COVID testing
11 May 2022
A new ISO technical specification will improve testing procedures and contribute to a safer world.
… Recently published, ISO/TS 5798 provides recommendations for the design, development, verification, validation and implementation of analytical tests for detecting the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) using nucleic acid amplification. It addresses pre-examination, examination and post-examination process steps for human specimens…
International Union of Immunological Societies (IUIS)
News/Events [Selected]
No new digest content identified.
IVAC [to 21 May 2022]
https://www.jhsph.edu/research/centers-and-institutes/ivac/index.html
Updates; Events
Webinar: Official Launch of the VERSE Equity Toolkit for Multidimensional Equity Assessments
When: May 25, 2022 9:00 AM – 10:30 AM EST
Description: To identify what issues impair vaccine coverage, researchers traditionally look for an association with just one variable — wealth, for example — instead of examining the host of factors in play. Typical equity metrics may not appropriately account for the compounding effect of geographic and sociodemographic factors on immunization outcomes, such as, in the case of pediatric immunization, where a household is located, the sex of a child being vaccinated, and maternal education level. The VERSE Equity Toolkit compares the level of vaccine coverage against the level of equity and quantifies the influence of key sociodemographic factors to inequity.
IVI [to 21 May 2022]
IVI News & Announcements
No new digest content identified.
Johns Hopkins Center for Health Security [to 21 May 2022]
https://www.centerforhealthsecurity.org/news/center-news/
Center News
No new digest content identified.
MSF/Médecins Sans Frontières [to 21 May 2022]
Latest [Selected Announcements]
No new digest content identified.
National Academy of Medicine – USA [to 21 May 2022]
News [Selected]
NAM Provides Opportunity for Public to Inform National Plan for Health Workforce Well-Being
May 20, 2022
Given the current shortage and burnout crisis faced by the health workforce, the National Academy of Medicine (NAM) Action Collaborative on Clinician Well-Being and Resilience is working urgently to deliver a National Plan for health workforce well-being in June 2022, and today released a draft plan for public input. The National Plan intends to provide […]
National Academy of Sciences – USA [to 21 May 2022]
http://www.nasonline.org/news-and-multimedia/
News
Improving Representation in Clinical Trials and Research – Building Research Equity for Women and Underrepresented Groups
National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine (2022; 440 pages)
Lack of representation in research is compounding disparities in health outcomes with serious consequences for underrepresented groups and the nation as a whole. Urgent actions are needed by NIH FDA and others to boost representation of racial and ethnic minority groups and other underrepresented populations in clinical trials and research.
National Vaccine Program Office – U.S. HHS [to 21 May 2022]
https://www.hhs.gov/vaccines/about/index.html
Upcoming Meetings/Latest Updates
NVAC 2022 Meetings – June 15-16, 2022
NIH [to 21 May 2022]
News Releases
May 19, 2022 — Scientists used death certificate data to analyze age-adjusted cancer death rates.
May 19, 2022 — Scientists analyzed survey data from more than 54,000 female nurses and their children.
NIH announces antiviral drug development awards
May 18, 2022 — Scientists will seek to develop potential antivirals for COVID-19 and viral families with high potential to cause future pandemics.
Scientists identify characteristics to better define long COVID
May 16, 2022 — Using machine learning, researchers find patterns in electronic health record data to better identify those likely to have the condition.
Researchers identify the high costs of living with sickle cell disease
May 16, 2022 — Potential curative therapies may help reduce the burden, but are also costly.
Nuffield Council on Bioethics
https://www.nuffieldbioethics.org/news
News
17 May 2022
Ethics tools for decision-makers: Responding to public health threats
Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, the Nuffield Council on Bioethics has consistently raised the importance of transparency in decision-making, especially the values that inform decisions.
Our latest publication ‘Ethics tools for decision-makers: Responding to public health threats‘ aims to help decision-makers with this. Drawing on our in-depth work on public health ethics, these tools explain what action decision-makers can take to develop a proportionate response to public health threats, guided by important public values such as reducing suffering, being fair and being respectful.
Summary
- The state has responsibilities to enable people to live healthy lives and reduce health inequalities.
- There are no easy answers, but responses to public health threats can be guided by the values of reducing suffering, treating people with respect, and fairness.
- Options for public health interventions range from doing nothing to removing choice altogether.
- Decision makers should aim for a proportionate response that takes into account the nature and degree of the harm posed, the certainty of the evidence, the intrusiveness of the intervention, and the views of those affected.
- The application of each intervention is likely to generate further ethical questions and decision makers need to be alert to the need for transparency and accountability in decision making processes.
The tools include a version of our widely used ladder for public health interventions, adapted with examples for responding to COVID-19. Katharine Wright, lead author and Assistant Director of the Nuffield Council on Bioethics, said: “Public health threats such as COVID-19 are ethically challenging because they cannot be managed effectively by individuals alone, and any action taken will have broad and relatively indiscriminate impact. We believe looking at the problem through an ethics lens can help us reach good decisions about how to respond.”
PDF: https://www.nuffieldbioethics.org/assets/pdfs/Ethics-tools-for-decision-makers-FINAL1.pdf
OECD [to 21 May 2022]
http://www.oecd.org/newsroom/publicationsdocuments/bydate/
Newsroom/Library
No new digest content identified.
PATH [to 21 May 2022]
https://www.path.org/media-center/
Press Releases
No new digest content identified.
Rockefeller Foundation [to 21 May 2022]
https://www.rockefellerfoundation.org/
Selected Reports/Press Releases
No new digest content identified.
Press Releases/
05.18.22
$50 million commitment will support the scale-up of the Universal Energy Facility and advancement of countries’ energy access and transition plans
Sabin Vaccine Institute [to 21 May 2022]
http://www.sabin.org/updates/pressreleases
Statements and Press Releases
Tuesday, May 17, 2022
WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Sabin Vaccine Institute was awarded up to $6.3 million from the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI) for a clinical trial to evaluate the immunogenicity and safety of lower, fractional doses of registered COVID-19 vaccines used as a booster dose. This dose optimizing trial will allow us to understand if smaller doses of COVID-19 vaccines generate similar immune responses to full doses. It will also provide key information as to whether lower doses may have fewer side effects, potentially increasing vaccine acceptance.
“This research has the potential to have the biggest impact in the places that need it the most,” said Amy Finan, CEO of the Sabin Vaccine Institute. “Just 1 in 6 people, 17.4%, have received a COVID-19 vaccine in low-income countries, compared to 72% in high income countries. There are currently sufficient global supplies of vaccine to meet demand, but that situation could change once again. The only way to end this pandemic is to ensure that everyone, everywhere has access to vaccines. That was Dr. Sabin’s goal during his lifetime, and it’s the goal now of the Sabin Vaccine Institute and this research.”…
UNAIDS [to 21 May 2022]
Selected Press Releases/Reports/Statements
20 May 2022
Helping Ukrainian refugees with HIV treatment and support in Berlin
17 May 2022
Unboxing self-esteem among transgender women in Brazil and their dreams for a dignified life
16 May 2022
Keeping LGBTI people safe in times of war
UNHCR Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees [to 21 May 2022]
http://www.unhcr.org/en-us/media-centre.htmlS
Selected News Releases, Announcements
20 May 2022
[See Week in Review above for detail]
17 May 2022
UNICEF [to 21 May 2022]
https://www.unicef.org/media/press-releases
Press Releases, News Notes, Statements [Selected]
IOM and UNICEF sign new strategic collaboration framework
https://www.unicef.org/press-releases/iom-and-unicef-sign-new-strategic-collaboration-framework
World a ‘virtual tinderbox’ for catastrophic levels of severe malnutrition in children
Unitaid [to 21 May 2022]
Featured News
Unitaid marks 15th anniversary, celebrates greater equity in global health
Vaccine Equity Cooperative [nee Initiative] [to 21 May 2022]
https://vaccineequitycooperative.org/news/
News
No new digest content identified.
Vaccination Acceptance & Demand Initiative [Sabin) [to 21 May 2022]
https://www.vaccineacceptance.org/
Announcements, Blog
No new digest content identified.
Vaccine Confidence Project [to 21 May 2022]
http://www.vaccineconfidence.org/
News, Research and Reports
No new digest content identified.
Vaccine Education Center – Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia [to 21 May 2022]
http://www.chop.edu/centers-programs/vaccine-education-center
News
May 2022
- Announcements: Misinterpreted science, new videos and essay contest reminder
- News & views: COVID-19 death rates – Reality and conspiracies
- In the journals: Underuse of convalescent plasma in treating COVID-19 led to excess deaths
- Technically speaking: The hepatitis B midlife crisis
- From the media: “With Kindness and Respect, We Can Help Others Choose to Be Vaccinated”
- On the calendar: May is Hepatitis Awareness Month
- On the bookshelf — Vaccinating Adults: A Step-by-Step Guide
- Resources: COVID conversation guide, Public Health Law News, and “For Your Health News” project
Wellcome Trust [to 21 May 2022]
News. Opinion, Reports
No new digest content identified.
The Wistar Institute [to 21 May 2022]
https://www.wistar.org/news/press-releases
Press Releases
No new digest content identified.
WFPHA: World Federation of Public Health Associations [to 21 May 2022]
Latest News – Blog
Older Adults’ Vaccination: Why Is Vaccination Even More Crucial for the Most Vulnerable Subgroups?
May 19, 2022
World Bank [to 21 May 2022]
http://www.worldbank.org/en/news/all
Selected News, Announcements
World Bank Announces Planned Actions for Global Food Crisis Response
$30 billion available for implementation to address food insecurity over next 15 months WASHINGTON, May 18, 2022—The World Bank today announced actions it plans to take as part of a comprehensive, global…
Date: May 18, 2022 Type: Press Release
World Customs Organization – WCO [to 21 May 2022]
Latest News
17 May 2022
World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) [to 21 May 2022]
Press Releases, Statements
Egg prices on the rise: the effects of animal diseases
Editor’s Choice
16 May 2022
WTO – World Trade Organisation [to 21 May 2022]
http://www.wto.org/english/news_e/news_e.htm
WTO News and Events [Selected]
WTO virtual event looks at finance and trade lessons learned from COVID-19 pandemic
20 May 2022
A virtual event organized by the WTO on 20 May looked at the finance and trade lessons learned from the COVID-19 pandemic over the past two years. The event was attended by representatives and government officials from WTO members and observers with responsibilities relating to the implementation and negotiation of trade, intellectual property, finance and public health issues.
The event webpage, including access to the livestream, presentation and background materials, is available here: WTO | Finance and Trade Lessons from the Pandemic – Looking Forward.
::::::
ARM [Alliance for Regenerative Medicine] [to 21 May 2022]
https://alliancerm.org/press-releases/
Selected Press Releases
No new digest content identified.
BIO [to 21 May 2022]
https://www.bio.org/press-releases
Press Release
No new digest content identified.
DCVMN – Developing Country Vaccine Manufacturers Network [to 21 May 2022]
News; Upcoming events
No new digest content identified.
ICBA – International Council of Biotechnology Associations [to 21 May 2022]
https://internationalbiotech.org/news/
News
No new digest content identified.
IFPMA [to 21 May 2022]
http://www.ifpma.org/resources/news-releases/
Selected Press Releases, Statements, Publications
Diversity and Inclusion in Clinical Trials: Bioethical Perspective and Principles
20 May 2022
As IFPMA members, we believe that the knowledge gained from clinical trials should be used to support the development and use of innovative medicines, vaccines and other therapies, in order to develop the right treatment for the right patient. We believe that patient populations in clinical trials should be reflective of the epidemiology and demographics of those who would benefit from the therapeutic agent. To this end, we believe that diversity and inclusion in clinical trials is a matter of both equity and scientific rigor and, as such, that all individuals should have equal opportunity to participate in relevant clinical trials. The biopharmaceutical industry is committed to take affirmative steps to increase clinical trial diversity.
International Alliance of Patients’ Organizations – IAPO [to 21 May 2022]
https://www.iapo.org.uk/news/topic/6
Press and media [Selected]
No new digest content identified.
International Generic and Biosimilar Medicines Association [IGBA]
https://www.igbamedicines.org/
News
No new digest content identified.
PhRMA [to 21 May 2022]
Latest News [Selected]
No new digest content identified.
https://www.airfinity.com/insights
INSIGHTS & COMPANY NEWS
No new digest content identified.
Paul G. Allen Frontiers Group [to 21 May 2022]
https://alleninstitute.org/news-press/
News
No new digest content identified.
BMGF – Gates Foundation [to 21 May 2022]
https://www.gatesfoundation.org/ideas/media-center
Press Releases and Statements
No new digest content identified.
Bill & Melinda Gates Medical Research Institute [to 21 May 2022]
https://www.gatesmri.org/news
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
No new digest content identified.
CARB-X [to 21 May 2022]
News
05.19.2022 |
U.S. government and Wellcome commit up to an additional US$370 million to CARB-X
After celebrating its five-year anniversary in 2021, CARB-X (part of Boston University) announces renewed support from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and Wellcome Trust, a U.K.-based global charitable foundation. The Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA), part of the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response (ASPR) within HHS, will provide US$20 million initially and up to US$300 million over 10 years to support the existing portfolio and launch new funding rounds. Wellcome will provide up to US$70 million over three years as part of its continued commitment to address the escalating threat of drug-resistant infections. Initial funding of $355 million from both BARDA and Wellcome originally launched CARB-X in 2016, and the new funding announced today builds on the success of this international non-profit partnership.
Center for Vaccine Ethics and Policy – GE2P2 Global Foundation [to 21 May 2022]
https://centerforvaccineethicsandpolicy.net/
News/Analysis/Statements
:: Past weekly editions of Vaccines and Global Health: The Week in Review are available here.
:: Informed Consent: A Monthly Review – May 2022 is now posted here
:: Genomic Medicine Governance, Ethics, Policy: A Quarterly Review – May 2022 is now posted here
CEPI – Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations [to 21 May 2022]
Latest News
20 May 2022
COVAX calls for urgent action to close vaccine equity gap
Partners issue joint statement as supply constraints ease but inequity persists
[See COVID Perspectives above for detail]
18 May 2022
Sabin Vaccine Institute receives up to $6.3 Million from CEPI for dose-optimising COVID-19 vaccine clinical trial
The research will allow us to understand if smaller doses of COVID-19 vaccines generate similar immune responses to full doses.
18 May 2022
CEPI and GHIT collaborate to advance the global fight against infectious diseases
MoU will strengthen collaboration between the two organizations, supporting both agencies to deliver on their missions.
DARPA – Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency [U.S.] [to 21 May 2022
https://www.darpa.mil/news
News
No new digest content identified.
Duke Global Health Innovation Center [to 21 May 2022]
https://dukeghic.org/
Our Blog
No new digest content identified.
EDCTP [to 21 May 2022]
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
News
No new digest content identified.
Emory Vaccine Center [to 21 May 2022]
http://www.vaccines.emory.edu/
Vaccine Center News
New Emory TB research center to help draw attention to an old but still deadly disease
April 28, 2022
European Vaccine Initiative [to 21 May 2022]
http://www.euvaccine.eu/
Latest News, Events
No new digest content identified.
Evidence Aid [to 21 May 2022]
Evidence Aid aims to save lives and livelihoods in disasters by providing decision-makers with the best available evidence and by championing its use.
http://www.evidenceaid.org/
National approaches to the vaccination of recently arrived migrants in Europe Added May 18, 2022
Screening migrants for infectious diseases in Europe Added May 16, 2022
Mental health and work experiences of interpreters in the mental health care of refugees
Fondation Merieux [to 21 May 2022]
News, Events
Mérieux Foundation co-organized event
Pioneering Ebola Response
May 24, 2022 – Milken Institute School of Public Health
Register
Context – Symposium honoring Jean-Jacques Muyembe Tamfum
A model for local leadership to address emerging infectious disease Challenges and opportunities for future detection of pandemic threats
Tuesday, May 24, 2022 – 10:00 – 11:30 (EDT)
Gavi [to 21 May 2022]
https://www.gavi.org/
News Releases
19 May 2022
COVAX calls for urgent action to close vaccine equity gap
[See COVID Perspectives above for detail]
GHIT Fund [to 21 May 2022]
https://www.ghitfund.org/newsroom/press
Press Releases
May 18, 2022
CEPI and GHIT collaborate to advance the global fight against infectious diseases
Global Fund [to 21 May 2022]
https://www.theglobalfund.org/en/news/
News & Stories
20 May 2022
Global Fund Signs Letter of Intent with Pfizer for Oral COVID-19 Treatment
The Global Fund has signed a letter of intent with Pfizer for the procurement of up to 6 million treatment courses of the new oral antiviral medicine nirmatrelvir/ritonavir, sold under the name PAXLOVID™, in 2022-2023.
Global Research Collaboration for Infectious Disease Preparedness [GloPID-R] [to 21 May 2022]
News
No new digest content identified
Hilleman Laboratories [to 21 May 2022]
http://www.hilleman-labs.org/
News & Insights
No new digest content identified
HHMI – Howard Hughes Medical Institute [to 21 May 2022]
https://www.hhmi.org/news
Press Room
Research May 181 2022
Spying on Thousands of Neurons in the Brain’s Vision Center Simultaneously
Neurons across eight areas of the brain team up to process visual information. Researchers have now documented these neurons’ activity at a breadth and resolution never before reported.
Human Vaccines Project [to 21 May 2022]
http://www.humanvaccinesproject.org/
News
No new digest content identified.
IAVI [to 21 May 2022]
https://www.iavi.org/
Latest News
FEATURES
May 18, 2022
IAVI and Moderna launch first-in-Africa clinical trial of mRNA HIV vaccine development program
Phase I trial in Rwanda and South Africa aims to evaluate mRNA HIV vaccine antigen for safety and immunogenicity and strengthen regional scientific capacity
May 17, 2022
HVAD 2022: An HIV vaccine developed with the people it seeks to benefit most
On this HVAD, our colleagues share perspectives on how an HIV vaccine can be developed with the people it seeks to benefit most.
ICRC [to 21 May 2022]
https://www.icrc.org/en/whats-new
What’s New [Selected]
African Union and ICRC Marks 30 years of Partnership on Humanitarian Issues
20-05-2022 | Statement
COVID-19: People living in conflict zones cannot be forgotten in global vaccination effort
People living in warzones are at risk of being the very last in the world to have access to COVID-19 vaccines.
18-05-2022 | News release
[See COVID Perspectives above for detail]
COVID-19 Vaccination: Support to people affected by armed conflict and violence and those living in hard-to-reach areas
The ICRC is working with Red Cross and Red Crescent partners around the world to support COVID-19 vaccination in armed conflicts as well as hard-to-reach and volatile areas.
17-05-2022 | Article
[See COVID Perspectives above for detail]
International Coalition of Medicines Regulatory Authorities [ICMRA]
http://www.icmra.info/drupal/en/news
Selected Statements, Press Releases, Research
No new digest content identified.
IFFIm
http://www.iffim.org/
Press Releases/Announcements
No new digest content identified.
IFRC [to 21 May 2022]
http://media.ifrc.org/ifrc/news/press-releases/
Press Releases [Selected]
IFRC report: Goals for poverty reduction, decent work and closing inequality gap, stalled by COVID-19 in Latin America and the Caribbean
20/05/2022 | Press release
IFRC president: Ethnicity and nationality should not be deciding factors in saving lives
16/05/2022 | Press release
Institut Pasteur [to 21 May 2022]
https://www.pasteur.fr/en/press-area
Press Documents
Press release
18.05.2022
Phage Therapy: A Model to Predict Its Efficacy against Pathogenic Bacteria
Antibiotic resistance represents a major public health challenge, associated with a high mortality rate.
IOM / International Organization for Migration [to 21 May 2022]
http://www.iom.int/press-room/press-releases
News – Selected
20 May 2022
First United Nations Forum on International Migration Concludes Today
20 May 2022
Over 700,000 Affected by Cyclone Gombe in Mozambique Still in Need of Humanitarian Assistance as IOM Scales up Response
20 May 2022
Common Ground needed on Clear, Equitable Pandemic Travel Measures
…IOM Director General António Vitorino, MPI President Andrew Selee, and several participants voiced their support for the creation of a Member State-led Group of Friends to discuss cross-border mobility and pandemic preparedness, to complement and support the ongoing review of the International Health Regulations, and Member State negotiations towards a new pandemic treaty.
“Without this common endeavour, there is an increasing risk that future migration will become even more fragmented, accentuating the already evident signs of a two-speed recovery from COVID-19 that leaves less developed countries behind,” said DG Vitorino.
“This, in turn, will stall future economic and social development that could otherwise be accelerated through well-managed migration.”…
19 May 2022
Over 59 Million People Internally Displaced in 2021: IDMC Report
18 May 2022
IOM and UNICEF Sign New Strategic Collaboration Framework
ISC / International Science Council [to 21 May 2022]
https://council.science/current/
ISC is a non-governmental organization with a unique global membership that brings together 40 international scientific Unions and Associations and over 140 national and regional scientific organizations including Academies and Research Councils.
Press releases
COVID-19 likely to worsen inequalities for at least five years without renewed global cooperation, warns International Science Council
16.05.2022
[See COVID Perspectives above for detail]
International Organization for Standardization (ISO) [to 21 May 2022]
https://www.iso.org/news
News
New guidelines for COVID testing
11 May 2022
A new ISO technical specification will improve testing procedures and contribute to a safer world.
… Recently published, ISO/TS 5798 provides recommendations for the design, development, verification, validation and implementation of analytical tests for detecting the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) using nucleic acid amplification. It addresses pre-examination, examination and post-examination process steps for human specimens…
International Union of Immunological Societies (IUIS)
https://iuis.org/
News/Events [Selected]
No new digest content identified.
IVAC [to 21 May 2022]
https://www.jhsph.edu/research/centers-and-institutes/ivac/index.html
Updates; Events
Webinar: Official Launch of the VERSE Equity Toolkit for Multidimensional Equity Assessments
Register Here
When: May 25, 2022 9:00 AM – 10:30 AM EST
Description: To identify what issues impair vaccine coverage, researchers traditionally look for an association with just one variable — wealth, for example — instead of examining the host of factors in play. Typical equity metrics may not appropriately account for the compounding effect of geographic and sociodemographic factors on immunization outcomes, such as, in the case of pediatric immunization, where a household is located, the sex of a child being vaccinated, and maternal education level. The VERSE Equity Toolkit compares the level of vaccine coverage against the level of equity and quantifies the influence of key sociodemographic factors to inequity.
IVI [to 21 May 2022]
http://www.ivi.int/
IVI News & Announcements
No new digest content identified.
Johns Hopkins Center for Health Security [to 21 May 2022]
https://www.centerforhealthsecurity.org/news/center-news/
Center News
No new digest content identified.
MSF/Médecins Sans Frontières [to 21 May 2022]
http://www.msf.org/
Latest [Selected Announcements]
No new digest content identified.
National Academy of Medicine – USA [to 21 May 2022]
https://nam.edu/programs/
News [Selected]
NAM Provides Opportunity for Public to Inform National Plan for Health Workforce Well-Being
May 20, 2022
Given the current shortage and burnout crisis faced by the health workforce, the National Academy of Medicine (NAM) Action Collaborative on Clinician Well-Being and Resilience is working urgently to deliver a National Plan for health workforce well-being in June 2022, and today released a draft plan for public input. The National Plan intends to provide […]
National Academy of Sciences – USA [to 21 May 2022]
http://www.nasonline.org/news-and-multimedia/
News
Improving Representation in Clinical Trials and Research – Building Research Equity for Women and Underrepresented Groups
National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine (2022; 440 pages)
Lack of representation in research is compounding disparities in health outcomes with serious consequences for underrepresented groups and the nation as a whole. Urgent actions are needed by NIH FDA and others to boost representation of racial and ethnic minority groups and other underrepresented populations in clinical trials and research.
National Vaccine Program Office – U.S. HHS [to 21 May 2022]
https://www.hhs.gov/vaccines/about/index.html
Upcoming Meetings/Latest Updates
NVAC 2022 Meetings – June 15-16, 2022
NIH [to 21 May 2022]
http://www.nih.gov/
News Releases
Cancer death rates among Black people declined over time, but remain higher than other racial and ethnic groups
May 19, 2022 — Scientists used death certificate data to analyze age-adjusted cancer death rates.
Depression, loneliness associated with increased hospitalization risk after COVID-19, NIH-funded study suggests
May 19, 2022 — Scientists analyzed survey data from more than 54,000 female nurses and their children.
NIH announces antiviral drug development awards
May 18, 2022 — Scientists will seek to develop potential antivirals for COVID-19 and viral families with high potential to cause future pandemics.
Scientists identify characteristics to better define long COVID
May 16, 2022 — Using machine learning, researchers find patterns in electronic health record data to better identify those likely to have the condition.
Researchers identify the high costs of living with sickle cell disease
May 16, 2022 — Potential curative therapies may help reduce the burden, but are also costly.
Nuffield Council on Bioethics
https://www.nuffieldbioethics.org/news
News
17 May 2022
Ethics tools for decision-makers: Responding to public health threats
Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, the Nuffield Council on Bioethics has consistently raised the importance of transparency in decision-making, especially the values that inform decisions.
Our latest publication ‘Ethics tools for decision-makers: Responding to public health threats’ aims to help decision-makers with this. Drawing on our in-depth work on public health ethics, these tools explain what action decision-makers can take to develop a proportionate response to public health threats, guided by important public values such as reducing suffering, being fair and being respectful.
Summary
– The state has responsibilities to enable people to live healthy lives and reduce health inequalities.
– There are no easy answers, but responses to public health threats can be guided by the values of reducing suffering, treating people with respect, and fairness.
– Options for public health interventions range from doing nothing to removing choice altogether.
– Decision makers should aim for a proportionate response that takes into account the nature and degree of the harm posed, the certainty of the evidence, the intrusiveness of the intervention, and the views of those affected.
– The application of each intervention is likely to generate further ethical questions and decision makers need to be alert to the need for transparency and accountability in decision making processes.
The tools include a version of our widely used ladder for public health interventions, adapted with examples for responding to COVID-19. Katharine Wright, lead author and Assistant Director of the Nuffield Council on Bioethics, said: “Public health threats such as COVID-19 are ethically challenging because they cannot be managed effectively by individuals alone, and any action taken will have broad and relatively indiscriminate impact. We believe looking at the problem through an ethics lens can help us reach good decisions about how to respond.”
PDF: https://www.nuffieldbioethics.org/assets/pdfs/Ethics-tools-for-decision-makers-FINAL1.pdf
OECD [to 21 May 2022]
http://www.oecd.org/newsroom/publicationsdocuments/bydate/
Newsroom/Library
No new digest content identified.
PATH [to 21 May 2022]
https://www.path.org/media-center/
Press Releases
No new digest content identified.
Rockefeller Foundation [to 21 May 2022]
Selected Reports/Press Releases
No new digest content identified.
Press Releases/
Global Energy Alliance for People and Planet and Sustainable Energy for All Announce Expanded Partnership to Tackle Energy Poverty Worldwide
05.18.22
$50 million commitment will support the scale-up of the Universal Energy Facility and advancement of countries’ energy access and transition plans
Sabin Vaccine Institute [to 21 May 2022]
http://www.sabin.org/updates/pressreleases
Statements and Press Releases
Sabin Vaccine Institute Receives up to $6.3 Million from CEPI for Dose-Optimizing COVID-19 Vaccine Clinical Trial
Tuesday, May 17, 2022
WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Sabin Vaccine Institute was awarded up to $6.3 million from the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI) for a clinical trial to evaluate the immunogenicity and safety of lower, fractional doses of registered COVID-19 vaccines used as a booster dose. This dose optimizing trial will allow us to understand if smaller doses of COVID-19 vaccines generate similar immune responses to full doses. It will also provide key information as to whether lower doses may have fewer side effects, potentially increasing vaccine acceptance.
“This research has the potential to have the biggest impact in the places that need it the most,” said Amy Finan, CEO of the Sabin Vaccine Institute. “Just 1 in 6 people, 17.4%, have received a COVID-19 vaccine in low-income countries, compared to 72% in high income countries. There are currently sufficient global supplies of vaccine to meet demand, but that situation could change once again. The only way to end this pandemic is to ensure that everyone, everywhere has access to vaccines. That was Dr. Sabin’s goal during his lifetime, and it’s the goal now of the Sabin Vaccine Institute and this research.”…
UNAIDS [to 21 May 2022]
http://www.unaids.org/en
Selected Press Releases/Reports/Statements
20 May 2022
Helping Ukrainian refugees with HIV treatment and support in Berlin
17 May 2022
Unboxing self-esteem among transgender women in Brazil and their dreams for a dignified life
16 May 2022
Keeping LGBTI people safe in times of war
UNHCR Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees [to 21 May 2022]
http://www.unhcr.org/en-us/media-centre.htmlS
Selected News Releases, Announcements
UN High Commissioner for Refugees calls on states to lift remaining pandemic-related asylum restrictions
20 May 2022
[See Week in Review above for detail]
UN High Commissioner for Refugees Filippo Grandi’s message on the International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia
17 May 2022
UNICEF [to 21 May 2022]
https://www.unicef.org/media/press-releases
Press Releases, News Notes, Statements [Selected]
Press release
18 May 2022
IOM and UNICEF sign new strategic collaboration framework
https://www.unicef.org/press-releases/iom-and-unicef-sign-new-strategic-collaboration-framework
NEW YORK, 18 May 2022 – The International Organization for Migration (IOM) and UNICEF today signed a new Strategic Collaboration Framework solidifying the organizations’ united commitment towards protecting the rights of migrant children. In 2006, UNICEF and IOM signed a Memorandum of Understanding defining the main areas of cooperation between…
Press release
18 May 2022
Landmark meeting urges prioritization of water and sanitation to get health, climate and economic targets back on track
https://www.unicef.org/press-releases/landmark-meeting-urges-prioritization-water-and-sanitation%E2%80%AF-get-health-climate-and
JAKARTA, 18 May 2022 – More than 350 participants from 57 countries gathered today in Jakarta for the opening of the Sector Ministers’ Meeting which will generate urgent prioritization of water and sanitation worldwide. Among them were 50 ministers of water, sanitation, health, environment and the economy, who met to discuss the COVID-19…
Remarks
17 May 2022
UNICEF Executive Director Catherine Russell’s remarks at UN high-level event on conflict, hunger and children with Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield of the United States
https://www.unicef.org/press-releases/unicef-executive-director-catherine-russells-remarks-un-high-level-event-conflict
NEW YORK, 17 May 2022 — “Excellencies, Colleagues, Friends. “I am honored to welcome you to UNICEF House for this critical conversation. “I want to acknowledge and thank the United States Government, and my co-host, United States Ambassador to the United Nations Linda Thomas-Greenfield, for putting children at the center of the discussion on…
Press release
16 May 2022
World a ‘virtual tinderbox’ for catastrophic levels of severe malnutrition in children
https://www.unicef.org/press-releases/world-virtual-tinderbox-catastrophic-levels-severe-malnutrition-children
NEW YORK, 17 May 2022 — The number of children with severe wasting was rising even before war in Ukraine threatened to plunge the world deeper into a spiralling global food crisis – and it’s getting worse, UNICEF warned in a new Child Alert. Released today, Severe wasting: An overlooked child survival emergency shows that in spite of rising levels…
Press release
16 May 2022
Almost one billion children and adults with disabilities and older persons in need of assistive technology denied access, according to new report
https://www.unicef.org/press-releases/almost-one-billion-children-and-adults-disabilities-and-older-persons-need-assistive
GENEVA/NEW YORK, 16 May 2022 – A new report published today by WHO and UNICEF reveals that more than 2.5 billion people need one or more assistive products, such as wheelchairs, hearing aids, or apps that support communication and cognition. Yet nearly one billion of them are denied access, particularly in low- and middle-income countries, where…
Unitaid [to 21 May 2022]
https://unitaid.org/
Featured News
19 May 2022
Unitaid marks 15th anniversary, celebrates greater equity in global health
19 May 2022
UN Secretary-General commends Unitaid’s commitment to health equity and innovation in advance of 15th anniversary
19 May 2022
Former US President Bill Clinton congratulates Unitaid on 15 years of life-saving work, in advance of anniversary event
16 May 2022
Portable thermal ablation devices allow more women to access lifesaving cervical cancer prevention in countries where the majority of deaths occur
Vaccine Equity Cooperative [nee Initiative] [to 21 May 2022]
News
No new digest content identified.
Vaccination Acceptance & Demand Initiative [Sabin) [to 21 May 2022]
https://www.vaccineacceptance.org/
Announcements, Blog
No new digest content identified.
Vaccine Confidence Project [to 21 May 2022]
http://www.vaccineconfidence.org/
News, Research and Reports
No new digest content identified.
Vaccine Education Center – Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia [to 21 May 2022]
http://www.chop.edu/centers-programs/vaccine-education-center
News
Vaccine Update for Providers
May 2022
– Announcements: Misinterpreted science, new videos and essay contest reminder
– News & views: COVID-19 death rates – Reality and conspiracies
– In the journals: Underuse of convalescent plasma in treating COVID-19 led to excess deaths
– Technically speaking: The hepatitis B midlife crisis
– From the media: “With Kindness and Respect, We Can Help Others Choose to Be Vaccinated”
– On the calendar: May is Hepatitis Awareness Month
– On the bookshelf — Vaccinating Adults: A Step-by-Step Guide
– Resources: COVID conversation guide, Public Health Law News, and “For Your Health News” project
Wellcome Trust [to 21 May 2022]
https://wellcome.ac.uk/news
News. Opinion, Reports
No new digest content identified.
The Wistar Institute [to 21 May 2022]
https://www.wistar.org/news/press-releases
Press Releases
No new digest content identified.
WFPHA: World Federation of Public Health Associations [to 21 May 2022]
Latest News – Blog
Older Adults’ Vaccination: Why Is Vaccination Even More Crucial for the Most Vulnerable Subgroups?
May 19, 2022
World Bank [to 21 May 2022]
http://www.worldbank.org/en/news/all
Selected News, Announcements
World Bank Announces Planned Actions for Global Food Crisis Response
$30 billion available for implementation to address food insecurity over next 15 months WASHINGTON, May 18, 2022—The World Bank today announced actions it plans to take as part of a comprehensive, global…
Date: May 18, 2022 Type: Press Release
World Customs Organization – WCO [to 21 May 2022]
http://www.wcoomd.org/
Latest News
17 May 2022
WCO Members of the Asia-Pacific region share lessons learnt from COVID-19 and discuss ways to enhance preparedness to tackle disruptive events
World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) [to 21 May 2022]
https://www.oie.int/en/
Press Releases, Statements
Egg prices on the rise: the effects of animal diseases
Editor’s Choice
16 May 2022
WTO – World Trade Organisation [to 21 May 2022]
http://www.wto.org/english/news_e/news_e.htm
WTO News and Events [Selected]
WTO virtual event looks at finance and trade lessons learned from COVID-19 pandemic
20 May 2022
A virtual event organized by the WTO on 20 May looked at the finance and trade lessons learned from the COVID-19 pandemic over the past two years. The event was attended by representatives and government officials from WTO members and observers with responsibilities relating to the implementation and negotiation of trade, intellectual property, finance and public health issues.
The event webpage, including access to the livestream, presentation and background materials, is available here: WTO | Finance and Trade Lessons from the Pandemic – Looking Forward.
::::::
ARM [Alliance for Regenerative Medicine] [to 21 May 2022]
Selected Press Releases
No new digest content identified.
BIO [to 21 May 2022]
https://www.bio.org/press-releases
Press Release
No new digest content identified.
DCVMN – Developing Country Vaccine Manufacturers Network [to 21 May 2022]
http://www.dcvmn.org/
News; Upcoming events
No new digest content identified.
ICBA – International Council of Biotechnology Associations [to 21 May 2022]
https://internationalbiotech.org/news/
News
No new digest content identified.
IFPMA [to 21 May 2022]
http://www.ifpma.org/resources/news-releases/
Selected Press Releases, Statements, Publications
Diversity and Inclusion in Clinical Trials: Bioethical Perspective and Principles
20 May 2022
As IFPMA members, we believe that the knowledge gained from clinical trials should be used to support the development and use of innovative medicines, vaccines and other therapies, in order to develop the right treatment for the right patient. We believe that patient populations in clinical trials should be reflective of the epidemiology and demographics of those who would benefit from the therapeutic agent. To this end, we believe that diversity and inclusion in clinical trials is a matter of both equity and scientific rigor and, as such, that all individuals should have equal opportunity to participate in relevant clinical trials. The biopharmaceutical industry is committed to take affirmative steps to increase clinical trial diversity.
PDF: https://www.ifpma.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/IFPMA-Global-Clinical-Trial-Diversity-Principles_May-19-2022-.pdf
International Alliance of Patients’ Organizations – IAPO [to 21 May 2022]
https://www.iapo.org.uk/news/topic/6
Press and media [Selected]
No new digest content identified.
International Generic and Biosimilar Medicines Association [IGBA]
https://www.igbamedicines.org/
News
No new digest content identified.
PhRMA [to 21 May 2022]
http://www.phrma.org/
Latest News [Selected]
No new digest content identified.
vaccines and global health :: ethics and policy 