Better Prepare Than React: Reordering Public Health Priorities 100 Years After the Spanish Flu Epidemic

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American Journal of Public Health
November 2018  108(11)
http://ajph.aphapublications.org/toc/ajph/current

PREPAREDNESS
Better Prepare Than React: Reordering Public Health Priorities 100 Years After the Spanish Flu Epidemic
Health Law, Public Health Practice, Epidemiology, Health Policy
Michael Greenberger
108(11), pp. 1465–1468

100 Years of Medical Countermeasures and Pandemic Influenza Preparedness

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American Journal of Public Health
November 2018  108(11)
http://ajph.aphapublications.org/toc/ajph/current

MEDICAL COUNTERMEASURES
100 Years of Medical Countermeasures and Pandemic Influenza Preparedness
History, Prevention, Public Health Practice
Barbara J. Jester, Timothy M. Uyeki, Anita Patel, Lisa Koonin and Daniel B. Jernigan
108(11), pp. 1469–1472

 

100 Years of Medical Countermeasures and Pandemic Influenza Preparedness

Posted on by

American Journal of Public Health
November 2018  108(11)
http://ajph.aphapublications.org/toc/ajph/current

MEDICAL COUNTERMEASURES
100 Years of Medical Countermeasures and Pandemic Influenza Preparedness
History, Prevention, Public Health Practice
Barbara J. Jester, Timothy M. Uyeki, Anita Patel, Lisa Koonin and Daniel B. Jernigan
108(11), pp. 1469–1472

 

Researcher Requests for Inappropriate Analysis and Reporting: A U.S. Survey of Consulting Biostatisticians

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Annals of Internal Medicine
16 October 2018 Vol: 169, Issue 8
http://annals.org/aim/issue

Research and Reporting Methods
Researcher Requests for Inappropriate Analysis and Reporting: A U.S. Survey of Consulting Biostatisticians
Min Qi Wang, PhD; Alice F. Yan, MD, PhD; Ralph V. Katz, DMD, MPH, PhD
Conclusion:
This survey suggests that researchers frequently make inappropriate requests of their biostatistical consultants regarding the analysis and reporting of their data. Understanding the reasons for these requests and how they are handled requires further study.

Inappropriate Statistical Analysis and Reporting in Medical Research: Perverse Incentives and Institutional Solutions

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Annals of Internal Medicine
16 October 2018 Vol: 169, Issue 8
http://annals.org/aim/issue

Editorials
Inappropriate Statistical Analysis and Reporting in Medical Research: Perverse Incentives and Institutional Solutions
Russell Localio, PhD; Catharine B. Stack, PhD; Anne R. Meibohm, PhD; Eric A. Ross, PhD; Eliseo Guallar, MD, DrPH; John B. Wong, MD; John E. Cornell, PhD; Michael E. Griswold, PhD; Steven N. Goodman, MD, MHS, PhD

A Beginning to Principles of Ethical and Regulatory Oversight of Patient-Centered Research

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Annals of Internal Medicine
16 October 2018 Vol: 169, Issue 8
http://annals.org/aim/issue

A Beginning to Principles of Ethical and Regulatory Oversight of Patient-Centered Research
Special Article
Robert M. Califf, MD
This issue of Annals includes recommendations on ethical and regulatory issues related to the involvement of patients in the research process (1). The recommendations, which were produced by a panel funded by the Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute (PCORI), are organized into 3 categories: a description of roles for patients and oversight of those roles, oversight of the inclusion of emerging technologies in research protocols, and identification and engagement of patients in research. The panel used a Delphi process, beginning with extensive surveys of and interviews with relevant members of the research community. Based on these exchanges, draft recommendations were produced, after which a series of Delphi exercises included a group of patients, researchers, and regulators to achieve consensus on the final recommendations. The panel did not address traditional roles of patients in research in the context of patient-centeredness, citing extensive discussions stemming from challenges made to the SUPPORT trial (Surfactant, Positive Pressure, and Oxygenation Randomized Trial) (2, 3)

 

Addressing vaccine hesitancy requires an ethically consistent health strategy

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BMC Medical Ethics
http://www.biomedcentral.com/bmcmedethics/content
(Accessed 27 Oct 2018 )

Debate
|   24 October 2018
Addressing vaccine hesitancy requires an ethically consistent health strategy
Vaccine hesitancy is a growing threat to public health. The reasons are complex but linked inextricably to a lack of trust in vaccines, expertise and traditional sources of authority. Efforts to increase immunization uptake in children in many countries that have seen a fall in vaccination rates are two-fold: addressing hesitancy by improving healthcare professional-parent exchange and information provision in the clinic; and, secondly, public health strategies that can override parental concerns and values with coercive measures such as mandatory and presumptive vaccination.
Authors: Laura Williamson and Hannah Glaab

Antenatal influenza and pertussis vaccination in Western Australia: a cross-sectional survey of vaccine uptake and influencing factors

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BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth
http://www.biomedcentral.com/bmcpregnancychildbirth/content
(Accessed 27 Oct 2018 )

Research article
Antenatal influenza and pertussis vaccination in Western Australia: a cross-sectional survey of vaccine uptake and influencing factors
Influenza and pertussis vaccines have been recommended in Australia for women during each pregnancy since 2010 and 2015, respectively. Estimating vaccination coverage and identifying factors affecting uptake a…
Authors: Donna B. Mak, Annette K. Regan, Dieu T. Vo and Paul V. Effler
Citation: BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth 2018 18:416
Published on: 24 October 2018

Moderating the impact of patent linkage on access to medicines: lessons from variations in South Korea, Australia, Canada, and the United States

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Globalization and Health
http://www.globalizationandhealth.com/
[Accessed 27 Oct 2018 ]

Research
|   24 October 2018
Moderating the impact of patent linkage on access to medicines: lessons from variations in South Korea, Australia, Canada, and the United States
The inclusion of patent linkage mechanisms in bilateral and plurilateral trade and investment agreements has emerged as a key element in the United States’ TRIPS-Plus intellectual property (IP) negotiating agenda. However, the provisions establishing patent linkage mechanisms in several agreements appear to reflect a degree of ambiguity, potentially enabling some flexibility in their implementation. In this study, we reviewed the features of the prototypic patent linkage mechanism established by the Hatch-Waxman Act in the United States, and compared these with the implementation of systems in three countries whose agreements with the US include patent linkage obligations. From these analyses, we draw lessons for moderating the impact of these mechanisms on access to generic medicines.

Authors: Kyung-Bok Son, Ruth Lopert, Deborah Gleeson and Tae-Jin Lee

Reducing incidence of cervical cancer: knowledge and attitudes of caregivers in Nigerian city to human papilloma virus vaccination

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Infectious Agents and Cancer
http://www.infectagentscancer.com/content
[Accessed 27 Oct 2018 ]

Research Article
|   17 August 2018
Reducing incidence of cervical cancer: knowledge and attitudes of caregivers in Nigerian city to human papilloma virus vaccination
Authors: Adaobi I. Bisi-Onyemaechi, Ugo N. Chikani and Obinna Nduagubam

 

African swine fever: an unprecedented disaster and challenge to China

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Infectious Diseases of Poverty
http://www.idpjournal.com/content
[Accessed 27 Oct 2018 ]

Commentary
|   26 October 2018
African swine fever: an unprecedented disaster and challenge to China
African swine fever (ASF), caused by African swine fever virus, is a hemorrhagic and often fatal disease of domestic pigs and wild boar, which is notifiable to the World Organization for Animal Health. On August 3, 2018, China reported the first outbreak of ASF in Shenyang, a northeastern city of China. As of October 8, a total of 33 ASF outbreaks were reported in eight provinces in China, the biggest pork producer and consumer in the world.
Authors: Tao Wang, Yuan Sun and Hua-Ji Qiu

Paper: Fair, just and compassionate: A pilot for making allocation decisions for patients requesting experimental drugs outside of clinical trials

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Journal of Medical Ethics
November 2018 – Volume 44 – 11
http://jme.bmj.com/content/current

Research ethics
Paper: Fair, just and compassionate: A pilot for making allocation decisions for patients requesting experimental drugs outside of clinical trials
(25 October, 2018) Free
Arthur L Caplan, J Russell Teagarden, Lisa Kearns, Alison S Bateman-House, Edith Mitchell, Thalia Arawi, Ross Upshur, Ilina Singh, Joanna Rozynska, Valerie Cwik, Sharon L Gardner

Doctors and scientists must defend a free press

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The Lancet
Oct 27, 2018 Volume 392 Number 10157 p1487-1598
https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lancet/issue/current

Editorial
Doctors and scientists must defend a free press
The Lancet
Nov 2 marks the International Day to End Impunity for Crimes against Journalists. UNESCO has recorded 1010 killings of journalists in the past 12 years. In 90% of cases, the killers went unpunished. The work of journalists worldwide offers a vital platform to discuss and debate the health and wellbeing of populations whose plight might otherwise never come to international attention.
Death is not the only way journalists are silenced—they are regularly intimidated and detained as well. Already this year, The Lancet has condemned Shahidul Alam’s detention for highlighting the Government of Bangaldesh’s failure to ensure road safety for its citizens. 2018 has also seen Wa Lone and Kyaw Soe Oo of Reuters convicted after reporting on the alleged killings of ten Rohingya at the hands of soldiers and Buddhist villagers in Myanmar. Journalists risk their personal safety because highlighting health and human rights atrocities is so important.
Press freedom around the world is currently at its lowest ebb for 13 years. 2017 saw 73,000 people classify themselves as journalists or editors, down from 84,000 just 1 year previously. Only 13% of the world’s population currently has a free press. Free press and free expression are inextricably linked to the struggle to advance health for individuals and populations. As we can see from the recent scrambles by Russia and Saudi Arabia to invent narratives to explain their illegal actions, it is only wider attention that can bring sufficient pressure on governments to act within the law and respect the health and human rights of its citizens. Journalists offer a key avenue for applying this pressure.
Let Nov 2, this year, mark a change in the way we think of journalists. It is not just the job of press colleagues, lawyers, and governments to defend the rights of journalists worldwide—health professionals and scientists must stand up for a free press too. If we hope for the better health of people worldwide, we must defend the rights of the most objective international monitoring mechanism we have—a free press.

 

Effectiveness of strategies to improve health-care provider practices in low-income and middle-income countries: a systematic review

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Lancet Global Health
Nov 2018 Volume 6 Number 11 e1139-e1252

http://www.thelancet.com/journals/langlo/issue/current

Articles
Effectiveness of strategies to improve health-care provider practices in low-income and middle-income countries: a systematic review
Inadequate health-care provider performance is a major challenge to the delivery of high-quality health care in low-income and middle-income countries (LMICs). The Health Care Provider Performance Review (HCPPR) is a comprehensive systematic review of strategies to improve health-care provider performance in LMICs.
Alexander K Rowe, Samantha Y Rowe, David H Peters, Kathleen A Holloway, John Chalker, Dennis Ross-Degnan

Assessment of quality of primary care with facility surveys: a descriptive analysis in ten low-income and middle-income countries

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Lancet Global Health
Nov 2018 Volume 6 Number 11 e1139-e1252
http://www.thelancet.com/journals/langlo/issue/current

Assessment of quality of primary care with facility surveys: a descriptive analysis in ten low-income and middle-income countries
Erlyn K Macarayan, Anna D Gage, Svetlana V Doubova, Frederico Guanais, Ephrem T Lemango, Youssoupha Ndiaye, Peter Waiswa, Margaret E Kruk

High-quality health systems in the Sustainable Development Goals era: time for a revolution

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Lancet Global Health
Nov 2018 Volume 6 Number 11 e1139-e1252
http://www.thelancet.com/journals/langlo/issue/current

The Lancet Global Health Commission
High-quality health systems in the Sustainable Development Goals era: time for a revolution
Margaret E Kruk, Anna D Gage, Catherine Arsenault, Keely Jordan, Hannah H Leslie, Sanam Roder-DeWan, Olusoji Adeyi, Pierre Barker, Bernadette Daelmans, Svetlana V Doubova, Mike English, Ezequiel García Elorrio, Frederico Guanais, Oye Gureje, Lisa R Hirschhorn, Lixin Jiang, Edward Kelley, Ephrem Tekle Lemango, Jerker Liljestrand, Address Malata, Tanya Marchant, Malebona Precious Matsoso, John G Meara, Manoj Mohanan, Youssoupha Ndiaye, Ole F Norheim, K Srinath Reddy, Alexander K Rowe, Joshua A Salomon, Gagan Thapa, Nana A Y Twum-Danso, Muhammad Pate
Executive summary
Although health outcomes have improved in low-income and middle-income countries (LMICs) in the past several decades, a new reality is at hand. Changing health needs, growing public expectations, and ambitious new health goals are raising the bar for health systems to produce better health outcomes and greater social value. But staying on current trajectory will not suffice to meet these demands. What is needed are high-quality health systems that optimise health care in each given context by consistently delivering care that improves or maintains health, by being valued and trusted by all people, and by responding to changing population needs. Quality should not be the purview of the elite or an aspiration for some distant future; it should be the DNA of all health systems. Furthermore, the human right to health is meaningless without good quality care because health systems cannot improve health without it.
We propose that health systems be judged primarily on their impacts, including better health and its equitable distribution; on the confidence of people in their health system; and on their economic benefit, and processes of care, consisting of competent care and positive user experience. The foundations of high-quality health systems include the population and their health needs and expectations, governance of the health sector and partnerships across sectors, platforms for care delivery, workforce numbers and skills, and tools and resources, from medicines to data. In addition to strong foundations, health systems need to develop the capacity to measure and use data to learn. High-quality health systems should be informed by four values: they are for people, and they are equitable, resilient, and efficient.

Tuberculosis at the United Nations: a missed chance

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Lancet Infectious Diseases
Nov 2018 Volume 18 Number 11 p1161-1288  e339-e367
http://www.thelancet.com/journals/laninf/issue/current

Editorial
Tuberculosis at the United Nations: a missed chance
The Lancet Infectious Diseases
On Sept 26, the UN General Assembly hosted the first high-level meeting on tuberculosis under the key theme “United to end tuberculosis: an urgent global response to a global epidemic” in New York (NY, USA). The purpose of the meeting was to provide a platform for high-level leaders to reaffirm their commitment to accelerate efforts towards the Sustainable Development Goal of ending the tuberculosis epidemic by 2030, but the outcome was unsatisfactory.

The meeting was preceded by the publication of the WHO 2018 Global Tuberculosis Report on Sept 18. The report showed that despite progress in reducing mortality and incidence, tuberculosis remains a leading cause of death worldwide. In 2017, 1·7 million people died of tuberculosis (300,000 of whom were coinfected with HIV) and there were around 10·4 million new cases. These data show that we are not on track to meet the End TB strategy targets set by WHO in 2014: a 95% reduction in tuberculosis deaths and 90% decrease in new cases between 2015 and 2035.

The WHO 2018 Global Tuberculosis Report indicated that current funding for tackling tuberculosis is insufficient: of the estimated US$10·4 billion needed by countries to fund tuberculosis interventions in 2018, only $6.9 billion were available. Thus, it was expected that the UN high-level meeting would address the gap in the funding by stimulating a stronger commitment from funders and governments to invest more resources to control tuberculosis.

The main objective of the UN high-level meeting was the endorsement of a declaration that should have been agreed in terms of wording by all partys in advance. However, a dispute between the USA and other member countries over language related to intellectual property, an area in which agreement had existed internationally for many years, and with implications for the affordability of drugs, complicated the drawing up of the declaration. South African Health Minister Aaron Motsoaledi bravely took the lead in standing up against the world’s largest donor and drove negotations towards a compromise that maintained the status quo on intellectual property rights, but hard feelings that the USA had tried to side with the pharmaceutical industry instead of giving the priority to saving lives persisted during the meeting.

Looking closely at the final endorsed version of the political declaration on tuberculosis, however, shows that only two quantifiable short-term objectives are mentioned: commitment to provide diagnosis and treatment with the aim of successfully treating 40 million people with tuberculosis from 2018 to 2022, including 3·5 million children; and provision of preventive treatment for 30 million people by 2022. How these targets will be met, where the money and infrastructural strengthening will come from, and what individual countries will need to do to achieve those goals was not clearly defined.

People working in tuberculosis control expressed disappointment at the outcome of a unique opportunity to put tuberculosis at centre stage. One of the main issues raised was low attendance and absence of political leaders from Europe and North America. Since most funding for tuberculosis comes from these regions, the disinterest of leaders of high-income countries in the meeting gave the impression that tuberculosis was seen as a problem of others.

Another crucial point was the absence of clear targets to define improvements in tuberculosis control at the country and regional levels. The declaration fails to give any indication of what measures will be considered and what milestones a country should meet to ensure its contribution to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goal of ending the tuberculosis epidemic by 2030.

The vague political wording of the declaration also underlies another important problem: who will be accountable for the progress or worsening in the control of tuberculosis? Despite a pledge to raise the funding for tuberculosis, from where will the money come and who will manage it? And for a disease such as tuberculosis, which is strongly associated with poverty and inequalities, should there have been more focus on the role of universal health care?

The UN high-level meeting was seen as a unique chance to gain a strong political support to strengthen measures to control tuberculosis in the coming years and define targets and responsibilities. The reality is that—despite some nice words on paper—a valuable opportunity to galvanise tuberculosis control has been missed.

Estimates of the global, regional, and national morbidity, mortality, and aetiologies of lower respiratory infections in 195 countries, 1990–2016: a systematic analysis for the Global Burden of Disease Study 2016

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Lancet Infectious Diseases
Nov 2018 Volume 18 Number 11 p1161-1288  e339-e367
http://www.thelancet.com/journals/laninf/issue/current

Articles
Estimates of the global, regional, and national morbidity, mortality, and aetiologies of lower respiratory infections in 195 countries, 1990–2016: a systematic analysis for the Global Burden of Disease Study 2016
GBD 2016 Lower Respiratory Infections Collaborators

Estimates of the global, regional, and national morbidity, mortality, and aetiologies of diarrhoea in 195 countries: a systematic analysis for the Global Burden of Disease Study 2016 GBD 2016 Diarrhoeal Disease Collaborators

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Lancet Infectious Diseases
Nov 2018 Volume 18 Number 11 p1161-1288  e339-e367
http://www.thelancet.com/journals/laninf/issue/current

Estimates of the global, regional, and national morbidity, mortality, and aetiologies of diarrhoea in 195 countries: a systematic analysis for the Global Burden of Disease Study 2016

GBD 2016 Diarrhoeal Disease Collaborators

Morbidity and mortality due to shigella and enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli diarrhoea: the Global Burden of Disease Study 1990–2016

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Lancet Infectious Diseases
Nov 2018 Volume 18 Number 11 p1161-1288  e339-e367
http://www.thelancet.com/journals/laninf/issue/current

Morbidity and mortality due to shigella and enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli diarrhoea: the Global Burden of Disease Study 1990–2016
Ibrahim A Khalil, Christopher Troeger, Brigette F Blacker, Puja C Rao, Alexandria Brown, Deborah E Atherly, Thomas G Brewer, Cyril M Engmann, Eric R Houpt, Gagandeep Kang, Karen L Kotloff, Myron M Levine, Stephen P Luby, Calman A MacLennan, William K Pan, Patricia B Pavlinac, James A Platts-Mills, Firdausi Qadri, Mark S Riddle, Edward T Ryan, David A Shoultz, A Duncan Steele, Judd L Walson, John W Sanders, Ali H Mokdad, Christopher J L Murray, Simon I Hay, Robert C Reiner Jr

Antibody persistence after vaccination of adolescents with monovalent and combined acellular pertussis vaccines containing genetically inactivated pertussis toxin: a phase 2/3 randomised, controlled, non-inferiority trial

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Lancet Infectious Diseases
Nov 2018 Volume 18 Number 11 p1161-1288  e339-e367
http://www.thelancet.com/journals/laninf/issue/current

Antibody persistence after vaccination of adolescents with monovalent and combined acellular pertussis vaccines containing genetically inactivated pertussis toxin: a phase 2/3 randomised, controlled, non-inferiority trial
Punnee Pitisuttithum, Kulkanya Chokephaibulkit, Chukiat Sirivichayakul, Sirintip Sricharoenchai, Jittima Dhitavat, Arom Pitisuthitham, Wanatpreeya Phongsamart, Kobporn Boonnak, Keswadee Lapphra, Yupa Sabmee, Orasri Wittawatmongkol, Mukesh Chauhan, Wassana Wijagkanalan, Greanggrai Hommalai, Librada Fortuna, Pailinrut Chinwangso, Indrajeet Kumar Poredi, Anita H J van den Biggelaar, Hong Thai Pham, Simonetta Viviani

Phase 2b Controlled Trial of M72/AS01E Vaccine to Prevent Tuberculosis

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New England Journal of Medicine
October 25, 2018  Vol. 379 No. 17
http://www.nejm.org/toc/nejm/medical-journal

Original Articles
Phase 2b Controlled Trial of M72/AS01E Vaccine to Prevent Tuberculosis
Olivier Van Der Meeren, M.D., Mark Hatherill, M.D., Videlis Nduba, M.B., Ch.B., M.P.H., Robert J. Wilkinson, F.Med.Sci., Monde Muyoyeta, M.B., Ch.B., Ph.D., Elana Van Brakel, M.B., Ch.B., Helen M. Ayles, M.B., B.S., Ph.D., German Henostroza, M.D., Friedrich Thienemann, M.D.,
Thomas J. Scriba, Ph.D., Andreas Diacon, M.D., Ph.D., Gretta L. Blatner, M.S., M.P.H., Marie-Ange Demoitié, M.Sc., Michele Tameris, M.B., Ch.B., Mookho Malahleha, M.D., M.P.H., James C. Innes, M.B., Ch.B., Elizabeth Hellström, M.B., Ch.B., Neil Martinson, M.B., Ch.B., M.P.H., Tina Singh, M.D., Elaine J. Akite, M.Sc., Aisha Khatoon Azam, M.B., B.S., Anne Bollaerts, M.Sc., Ann M. Ginsberg, M.D., Ph.D., Thomas G. Evans, M.D., Paul Gillard, M.D., and Dereck R. Tait, M.B., Ch.B.

We conducted a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, phase 2b trial of the M72/AS01E tuberculosis vaccine in Kenya, South Africa, and Zambia. Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)–negative adults 18 to 50 years of age with latent M. tuberculosis infection (by interferon-γ release assay) were randomly assigned (in a 1:1 ratio) to receive two doses of either M72/AS01E or placebo intramuscularly 1 month apart. Most participants had previously received the bacille Calmette–Guérin vaccine. We assessed the safety of M72/AS01E and its efficacy against progression to bacteriologically confirmed active pulmonary tuberculosis disease. Clinical suspicion of tuberculosis was confirmed with sputum by means of a polymerase-chain-reaction test, mycobacterial culture, or both.

Epidemiological metrics and benchmarks for a transition in the HIV epidemic

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PLoS Medicine
http://www.plosmedicine.org/
(Accessed 27 Oct 2018 )

Perspective
Epidemiological metrics and benchmarks for a transition in the HIV epidemic
Peter D. Ghys, Brian G. Williams, Mead Over, Timothy B. Hallett, Peter Godfrey-Faussett
| published 25 Oct 2018 PLOS Medicine
https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pmed.1002678
Introduction
The goal of ‘Ending the AIDS epidemic as a public health threat by 2030’ has been reflected in the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and similar language has been adapted for other diseases and conditions [1]. Between 2010 and 2017, the number of AIDS-related deaths has declined by 34%, and the number of new HIV infections has declined by 18% [2]. Although these declines constitute important achievements, progress has been slower than envisaged, which is likely due to a combination of suboptimal or inappropriate policies, lack of funding, limited or misdirected implementation of available strategies and tools, or other obstacles. Metrics and corresponding target values or benchmarks that demonstrate progress in the AIDS response and its effect on the AIDS epidemic are useful as the world heads towards that goal.

‘Ending the AIDS epidemic’ has not been defined in scientific terms, and it can be seen as a global aspiration in a distant future. Elimination of all new infections does not appear possible in the short and medium term with the tools available today. Metrics that signal medium-term progress and can be applied in countries, subnational entities, and population groups may be particularly valuable, as they can allow for local accountability and target-driven programme management. Achieving a certain benchmark would then herald the gradual reduction in the HIV burden in that community and could help lay the groundwork for a push to end the epidemic. The benchmarks for the metrics discussed in this paper should not be seen as indicative of tipping points, as those are unlikely to exist in the real world for an infection with a long incubation period and with survival being extended by antiretroviral treatment. Rather, they can be seen as important achievements in the management of epidemics…

Advanced surveillance and preparedness to meet a new era of invasive vectors and emerging vector-borne diseases

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PLoS Neglected Tropical Diseases
http://www.plosntds.org/
(Accessed 27 Oct 2018 )

Viewpoints
Advanced surveillance and preparedness to meet a new era of invasive vectors and emerging vector-borne diseases
Rebekah C. Kading, Andrew J. Golnar, Sarah A. Hamer, Gabriel L. Hamer
Viewpoints | published 25 Oct 2018 PLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases
https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pntd.0006761

From recognition to action: A strategic approach to foster sustainable collaborations for rabies elimination

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PLoS Neglected Tropical Diseases
http://www.plosntds.org/
(Accessed 27 Oct 2018)

Policy Platform
From recognition to action: A strategic approach to foster sustainable collaborations for rabies elimination
Rany Octaria, Stephanie J. Salyer, Jesse Blanton, Emily G. Pieracci, Peninah Munyua, Max Millien, Louis Nel, Ryan M. Wallace
| published 25 Oct 2018 PLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases
https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pntd.0006756

An ethical framework for evaluation of public health plans: a systematic process for legitimate and fair decision-making

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Public Health  
November 2018 Volume 164, In Progress
http://www.publichealthjrnl.com/current

An ethical framework for evaluation of public health plans: a systematic process for legitimate and fair decision-making
Akrami, A. Zali, M. Abbasi, R. Majdzadeh, A. Karimi, M. Fadavi, A. Mehrabi Bahar
p30–38
Published online: August 28, 2018

Vaccine Hesitancy in Pediatric Primary Care Practices

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Qualitative Health Research
Volume 28 Issue 13, November 2018
http://qhr.sagepub.com/content/current

Research Articles
Vaccine Hesitancy in Pediatric Primary Care Practices
Salini Mohanty, Amy Carroll-Scott, Marissa Wheeler, Cecilia Davis-Hayes, Renee Turchi, Kristen Feemster, Michael Yudell, Alison M. Buttenheim
First Published June 27, 2018; pp. 2071–2080
Preview
Understanding how pediatric practices handle parental vaccine hesitancy is important as it impacts the efficiency and effectiveness of pediatric practices. In total, 21 semi-structured interviews with pediatric practice staff within a primary care network were conducted between May 2012 and March 2013. Thematic analysis focused on the barriers and challenges of vaccine hesitancy and strategies to reduce the burden at the practice level. Barriers and challenges of vaccine hesitancy included time constraints, administrative challenges, financial challenges and strained patient-provider relationships. Strategies to minimize the burden of vaccine hesitancy included training for vaccine counseling, screening for vaccine hesitancy prior to immunization visits, tailored vaccine counseling, and primary care provider visits for follow-up immunization. Pediatric practices reported many challenges when caring for vaccine-hesitant families. Multiple strategies were identified to reduce the burden of vaccine hesitancy, which future studies should explore to determine how effective they are in increasing vaccine acceptance in pediatric practices.

Appraising Qualitative Research for Evidence Syntheses: A Compendium of Quality Appraisal Tools

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Qualitative Health Research
Volume 28 Issue 13, November 2018
http://qhr.sagepub.com/content/current

Methods
Appraising Qualitative Research for Evidence Syntheses: A Compendium of Quality Appraisal Tools
Umair Majid, Meredith Vanstone
First Published July 26, 2018; pp. 2115–2131
Preview
As the movement toward evidence-based health policy continues to emphasize the importance of including patient and public perspectives, syntheses of qualitative health research are becoming more common. In response to the focus on independent assessments of rigor in these knowledge products, over 100 appraisal tools for assessing the quality of qualitative research have been developed. The variety of appraisal tools exhibit diverse methods and purposes, reflecting the lack of consensus as to what constitutes appropriate quality criteria for qualitative research. It is a daunting task for those without deep familiarity of the field to choose the best appraisal tool for their purpose. This article provides a description of the structure, content, and objectives of existing appraisal tools for those wanting to evaluate primary qualitative research for a qualitative evidence synthesis. We then discuss common features of appraisal tools and examine their implications for evidence synthesis.

 

Threats to timely sharing of pathogen sequence data

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Science         
26 October 2018  Vol 362, Issue 6413
http://www.sciencemag.org/current.dtl

Policy Forum
Threats to timely sharing of pathogen sequence data
By Carolina dos S. Ribeiro, Marion P. Koopmans, George B. Haringhuizen
Science26 Oct 2018 : 404-406 Restricted Access
The Nagoya Protocol may impose costs and delays
Summary
Pathogen genome sequence databases are taking over important functions of physical collections of microbial and viral cultures (biobanks), adding functionalities for worldwide rapid sharing of pathogen genetic resources in support of research and outbreak response (1). But biobanks and databases also have to respect the ownership and rights of the sample and data providers, including the sovereign right of states to decide on the use of their resources [as stated in the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) (2)]. Where domestic or international regulation in this regard is absent or unclear, the integrity of databases and biobanks can be threatened by divergent interpretations, potentially leading to perceived violation of globally agreed sovereignty rights. In particular, the impact of the Nagoya Protocol (NP) to the CBD on public health and infectious disease control is highly debated and focused now on whether genetic sequence data (GSD) fall within the scope of the NP, which thus far has concentrated on access to physical samples. With this question on the agenda of the upcoming CBD Conference of the Parties (17 to 29 November) (3), we explore possible adaptations of existing biobank frameworks to support efficient transfer of pathogen genetic resources (PGR) during public health emergencies.

 

An experimental investigation into the transmission of antivax attitudes using a fictional health controversy

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Social Science & Medicine
Volume 215   Pages 1-166 (October 2018)
https://www.sciencedirect.com/journal/social-science-and-medicine/vol/215/suppl/C

Short communication   Abstract only
An experimental investigation into the transmission of antivax attitudes using a fictional health controversy
Ángel V. Jiménez, Joseph M. Stubbersfield, Jamshid J. Tehrani
Pages 23-27

Partially systematic thoughts on the history of systematic reviews

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Systematic Reviews
https://systematicreviewsjournal.biomedcentral.com/articles
[Accessed 27 Oct 2018 ]

Commentary
Partially systematic thoughts on the history of systematic reviews
Six years after the launch of Systematic Reviews by Biomed Central, this article is part of the celebration of the journal. It contains personal reflections on the past, present and future of systematic reviews, …
Authors: Mike Clarke
Citation: Systematic Reviews 2018 7:176
Published on: 27 October 2018

The choice of analytical methodology can alter conclusions regarding herd effects of paediatric pneumococcal vaccination programmes

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Vaccine
Volume 36, Issue 46   Pages 6895-7118 (12 November 2018)
https://www.sciencedirect.com/journal/vaccine/vol/36/issue/46

Research article  Open access
The choice of analytical methodology can alter conclusions regarding herd effects of paediatric pneumococcal vaccination programmes
Jean-Yves Pirçon, Carla A Talarico, Kaatje Bollaerts, William P Hausdorff, Christopher J Clarke
Pages 6933-6943

Successful polio supplementary immunisation activities in a security compromised zone – Experiences from the Southwest region of Cameroon

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Vaccine
Volume 36, Issue 46   Pages 6895-7118 (12 November 2018)
https://www.sciencedirect.com/journal/vaccine/vol/36/issue/46

Research article  Abstract only
Successful polio supplementary immunisation activities in a security compromised zone – Experiences from the Southwest region of Cameroon
Supplementary immunisation activities (SIAs) play a central role in polio eradication efforts. Armed conflicts resulting in insecurity negatively affect SIAs. In the Southwest region of Cameroon, armed conflicts persisted in 2018. We present our experiences of conducting a polio SIA in an insecure region.
Eposi C. Haddison, Dorine Ngono, Gael T. Kouamen, Benjamin M. Kagina
Pages 6961-6967

Epidemiologic and economic impact of pharmacies as vaccination locations during an influenza epidemic

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Vaccine
Volume 36, Issue 46   Pages 6895-7118 (12 November 2018)
https://www.sciencedirect.com/journal/vaccine/vol/36/issue/46

Research article  Open access
Epidemiologic and economic impact of pharmacies as vaccination locations during an influenza epidemic
Sarah M. Bartsch, Michael S. Taitel, Jay V. DePasse, Sarah N. Cox, … Bruce Y. Lee
Pages 7054-7063

Epidemiologic and economic impact of pharmacies as vaccination locations during an influenza epidemic

Posted on by

Vaccine
Volume 36, Issue 46   Pages 6895-7118 (12 November 2018)
https://www.sciencedirect.com/journal/vaccine/vol/36/issue/46

Research article  Open access
Epidemiologic and economic impact of pharmacies as vaccination locations during an influenza epidemic
Sarah M. Bartsch, Michael S. Taitel, Jay V. DePasse, Sarah N. Cox, … Bruce Y. Lee
Pages 7054-7063

The roles of neighborhood composition and autism prevalence on vaccination exemption pockets: A population-wide study

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Vaccine
Volume 36, Issue 46   Pages 6895-7118 (12 November 2018)
https://www.sciencedirect.com/journal/vaccine/vol/36/issue/46

Research article  Abstract only
The roles of neighborhood composition and autism prevalence on vaccination exemption pockets: A population-wide study
Ashley Gromis, Kayuet Liu
Pages 7064-7071

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 27 Oct 2018  
The Main Suspect Behind an Ominous Spike in a Polio-like Illness
A common virus seems to be behind a puzzling condition that’s paralyzing children, but uncertainties remain.
Ed Yong
Oct 25, 2018
 
 
BBC
http://www.bbc.co.uk/
Accessed 27 Oct 2018  
[No new, unique, relevant content]
 
 
The Economist
http://www.economist.com/
Accessed 27 Oct 2018  
[No new, unique, relevant content]
 
 
Financial Times
http://www.ft.com/home/uk
Accessed 27 Oct 2018  
[No new, unique, relevant content]
 
 
Forbes
http://www.forbes.com/
Accessed 27 Oct 2018
[No new, unique, relevant content]
 
 
Foreign Affairs
http://www.foreignaffairs.com/
Accessed 27 Oct 2018  
[No new, unique, relevant content]
 
 
Foreign Policy
http://foreignpolicy.com/
Accessed 27 Oct 2018  
Bashar al-Assad is Waging Biological War—By Neglect
By deliberately destroying and degrading public health infrastructure, the Syrian regime is reviving long-eradicated diseases and killing civilians.
Argument | October 24, 2018
Annie Sparrow
Biological warfare is generally understood as the deliberate wartime introduction of a lethal pathogen with the intent to kill or maim. Syria under President Bashar al-Assad is pursuing a sinister variation—one with long and dangerous historical precedents. Assad’s government has allowed pathogens normally controlled by public health measures—such as clean water, sanitation, waste disposal, vaccination, and infection control—to emerge as biological weapons
Assad’s government has allowed pathogens normally controlled by public health measures—such as clean water, sanitation, waste disposal, vaccination, and infection control—to emerge as biological weapons through the deliberate destruction and withholding of those measures. The conflict has in effect reversed public health advances to achieve levels of disease not seen since the Napoleonic era…
 
 
The Guardian
http://www.guardiannews.com/
Accessed 27 Oct 2018
Ebola
Wave of rebel attacks leads to surge in DRC Ebola cases
Jason Burke , Africa correspondent
Thu 25 Oct 2018
…The outbreak is centred on the North Kivu and Ituri provinces, both wracked by armed rebellion and ethnic killing since two civil wars in the late 1990s.
In the city of Butembo, militia killed two members of the medical unit of the Congo’s army on Saturday. The same day, 11 civilians and one soldier were killed in the city of Beni, where scores of people have contracted the virus.
The rebels also attacked Congolese army positions and abducted a dozen children aged between five and 10. Another five people died in an attack near Goma, the capital of North Kivu, on Tuesday.
The new violence comes amid warnings from international health officials that the outbreak could worsen significantly unless the response to the lethal virus is intensified…
 
 
New Yorker
http://www.newyorker.com/
Accessed 27 Oct 2018
[No new, unique, relevant content]
 
 
New York Times
http://www.nytimes.com/
Accessed 27 Oct 2018
[No new, unique, relevant content]
 
 
Wall Street Journal
http://online.wsj.com/home-page?_wsjregion=na,us&_homepage=/home/us
Accessed 27 Oct 2018
[No new, unique, relevant content]
 
 
Washington Post
http://www.washingtonpost.com/
Accessed 27 Oct 2018
Drop in adult flu vaccinations may be factor in last season’s record-breaking deaths, illnesses
Lena H. Sun · Oct 25, 2018
 
 

Think Tanks et al

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Think Tanks et al

 

Brookings
http://www.brookings.edu/
Accessed 27 Oct 2018
[No new relevant content]

Center for Global Development  
http://www.cgdev.org/page/press-center
Accessed 27 Oct 2018
The Declaration of Alma-Ata at 40: Realizing the Promise of Primary Health Care and Avoiding the Pitfalls in Making Vision Reality
Publication
10/24/18
At the Global Conference on Primary Health Care (PHC) in Astana on October 25–26, 2018, world leaders will redouble their commitment to PHC as a cornerstone of universal health coverage (UHC). The event marks the 40th anniversary of the Declaration of Alma-Ata, which enshrined health as a basic human right and underscored the potential of equitable, high-quality PHC to deliver “health for all.”

Ebola Then and Now: Lessons to Reshape Our Strategies Amidst New Outbreaks
Event
10/29/18
More than two years after we saw the end of a deadly Ebola epidemic that claimed the lives of over 11,000 people and devastated populations in West Africa, new mechanisms have been pursued to strengthen preparedness efforts, stimulate innovation for new vaccines and therapies, and develop rapid and comprehensive response strategies. But how equipped are we to address new Ebola threats?

CSIS
https://www.csis.org/
Accessed 27 Oct 2018
Upcoming Event
Innovations to Improve Vaccine Equity
November 13, 2018

Council on Foreign Relations
http://www.cfr.org/
Accessed 27 Oct 2018
[No new relevant content]