AFRICA HEALTH ACCESS (AHA)’s Post

A report from the British Medical Journal says that part of the reason for the spread is a drop in vaccination rates.  In most European countries, babies get their first two doses of the combined whooping cough, diptheria and tetanus vaccine between two and 12 months, with another dose by the time they’re 2 years old and a final dose between 3 and 7.  But to protect newborn babies from the disease, pregnant women can also be offered pertussis vaccines. In England, the BMJ reports, uptake among this group has fallen from over 70 percent in September 2017 to 58 percent in September 2023. That’s particularly concerning given the risk posed to young infants.  While whooping cough can be very unpleasant for adults — cracked ribs can be a side effect of the ailment known in Serbian as the “donkey cough” because of the hacking sound sufferers make — pertussis can have serious complications in babies. Teenagers between 15 and 19 make up the majority of current cases but “virtually all deaths” in the EU and EEA this year have been in babies under three months, according to the ECDC. There have been four deaths in recent weeks in the Netherlands, more than double the usual annual rate. Covid hangover Europe's disease agency also suggested Covid could be to blame for the rise. “The current increase is potentially linked to lower circulation during COVID-19 pandemic, combined with suboptimal vaccination uptake in certain groups during the COVID-19 pandemic,” it wrote in a March report. Getting people vaccinated is key to stemming the outbreak, but that’s becoming easier said than done.  In the U.K., five regional health services reported that the pandemic adversely affected vaccination rates, on top of a longer-term decline. “We saw a lot of misinformation from the anti-vax lobby across the pandemic and I think there was quite a concern from a few of us that that misinformation would spread into hesitancy around routine immunization,” Michael Head, a senior research fellow in global health at the University of Southampton, told POLITICO. Head also pointed to the measles outbreak in Europe which has also been largely attributed to falling immunization levels. 

🌍 Exploring the Broader Impact of BCG Vaccination on Childs' Health I'm sharing groundbreaking research on the Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) vaccine, known primarily for its role in tuberculosis (TB) prevention. A recent study by Inês Fronteira and colleagues highlights its significant nonspecific benefits, such as reducing all-cause mortality and morbidity in children under five. These effects likely stem from the vaccine's ability to train the innate immune system to respond more effectively to various pathogens. - **Historical Insight**: BCG vaccination has been linked to lower all-cause mortality since its introduction in the 1920s, with various studies confirming these benefits across different countries and time periods. - **Policy Shift and Impact**: In Portugal, a 2016 policy change limited BCG vaccination to high-risk children, resulting in a notable increase in TB incidence among those unvaccinated. - **Upcoming Research**: A comprehensive cohort study will analyse the impact of this policy shift on mortality and morbidity in children born between 2010 and 2021. This study, involving nearly 970,000 children, will provide critical insights into the broader benefits of the BCG vaccine. In an era marked by vaccine hesitancy, particularly in high-income countries, it is crucial to highlight the extensive benefits of vaccines beyond their primary targets. The upcoming study aims to furnish robust evidence on how BCG vaccination contributes to overall child health, reinforcing the vaccine's role in preventing not just TB but also enhancing immune resilience against various infections. Stay tuned for more updates as we advance our understanding of how vaccines like BCG can be pivotal in safeguarding child health on a broader scale. Let's continue to support and trust in the power of vaccination to prevent not just specific diseases but to improve overall health outcomes. 🔬 How can we better communicate the comprehensive benefits of vaccines to combat hesitancy? Share your thoughts below in the comments! 👇 #BCGVaccine #ChildHealth #PublicHealth #Vaccination #Immunization #VaccineResearch #GlobalHealth #HealthcarePolicy #VaccineBenefits #PreventiveHealth #MedicalResearch #InfectiousDiseases #ChildhoodVaccination #HealthPolicy #VaccineHesitancy #HealthData #ClinicalTrials #HealthcareInnovation #HealthyChildren #ImmuneSystem

Alarming trend: U.S. cases of meningococcal disease have increased and now exceed pre-pandemic levels. In 2023, 438 confirmed and probable cases were reported — the largest number of cases reported since 2013. Healthcare providers are advised to be on heightened alert for the disease and its symptoms and encourage appropriate meningococcal vaccination. #infectioncontrol #infectionprevention #infectiousdisease #infectiousdiseases #vaccine #vaccination

For decades, meningitis had plagued the African meningitis belt, including Nigeria, claiming countless lives and causing widespread devastation. But the introduction of the Men5CV vaccine, which provided protection against five different serogroups of Neisseria meningitidis, offered a beacon of hope. This vaccine wasn’t just a medical breakthrough—it symbolized the growing prowess in the public health arena, cementing Nigeria as a leader in disease prevention and vaccine innovation. The piece was also a celebration of Nigeria’s resilience. It illustrated how the nation had leveraged its experience with previous immunization campaigns to effectively navigate the challenges posed by the Men5CV roll-out. From mobilizing communities to fostering public trust in vaccines, Nigeria was setting a new standard for public health interventions. "A Perspective on the Novel Pentavalent Men5CV Vaccine and Nigeria's Pioneering Roll Out" was not merely a scientific publication. It was a rallying cry for a new era in African public health leadership—one where innovation, resilience, and collaboration became the driving forces behind life-saving breakthroughs. Congratulations to the team led by Bonaventure Michael Ukoaka

❗ ❗ Publication Alert❗ ❗ Meningitis continues to ravage regions, particularly those in the meningitis belt, causing devastating morbidity and mortality. Vaccines now seem the only effective preventive measure, offering the most promising solution to this scourge. In our latest publication, "A perspective on the novel pentavalent Men5CV (NmCV-5) meningitis vaccine and Nigeria’s pioneering rollout campaign," we expound on the burden of meningitis, historical perspective, and past efforts to eradicate it through mass vaccination. We highlight Nigeria's historic move, which sets a precedent for other countries. The African meningitis belt, spanning 26 countries and home to approximately 400 million people, bears the brunt of recurrent meningitis outbreaks. This region faces a three-fold higher burden compared to the global average incidence rate of 35.4 cases per 100,000 population. Vaccination efforts have prevented over 236,000 deaths, underscoring the need for enhanced preventive measures. A recent Neisseria meningitidis serogroup C outbreak in Nigeria resulted in 1,742 suspected meningitis cases, with 101 confirmed instances and 153 fatalities across seven states from October 1, 2023, to March 11, 2024. In response, health authorities initiated a vaccination drive from March 25-28, 2024, targeting over one million individuals between the ages of 1 and 29 years. Nigeria has led the charge as the first country to carry out a massive rollout campaign of the novel Men5CV meningococcal vaccine, with over a million vaccines distributed. This feat has set the pace for other countries in the meningitis belt to incorporate the Men5CV into their expanded programs for immunization (EPI) even as countries align plans with WHO’s roadmap to eradicating meningitis by 2030. Thanks to Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, Serum Institute of India Pvt. Ltd. for supporting this course. Deepest appreciation to all the co-authors Olalekan John Okesanya, Daniel Faithful Miebaka MBBCh Mmekom Affia, and Victoria Emeruwa. We thank Le Infezioni in Medicina journal for thoroughly reviewing and publishing this work, and covet your readership and feedback. Link: https://lnkd.in/dyJzH6_G #Meningitis #Vaccine #Gavi #Men5CV

#Key Discussions on Immunization and Vaccinology in Africa, Day 4 @Annual African Vaccinology Course, #AAVC2024, VACFA - Vaccines for Africa Here are the main insights from today: #LifeCourseVaccination Emphasis was placed on the need for continuity and equity in immunization across all age groups. Discussions centered on policies and strategies to provide access to vaccines throughout the lifespan, ensuring that no one is left behind in immunization efforts. #VaccineProductionInAfrica: A Path Toward Sustainability Experts discussed the importance of building a sustainable vaccine production framework within Africa. Investing in local manufacturing capabilities, the continent aims to reduce dependency on external sources, strengthen health security, and ensure a more resilient supply chain. The role of #AfricaCDC in coordinating these efforts was emphasized. #MalariaVaccines: SAGE Recommendations and Africa's Future Approach The recommendations from the Strategic Advisory Group of Experts on Immunization (SAGE) for malaria vaccines were reviewed. Discussions explored the development, piloting, and implementation of the RTS,S/AS01 and R21/Matrix-M vaccines, as well as the challenges faced and lessons learned. #VaccinationDuringMassGatherings Unique challenges associated with immunization during large-scale events were highlighted. Strategies included tailoring vaccination campaigns for event attendees to mitigate the risk of disease outbreaks. Past incidents where vaccine-preventable diseases spread at mass gatherings were reviewed, along with measures to prevent similar occurrences. #VaccinesAsToolsToCombatAMR With underserved African populations at high risk for antimicrobial resistance (AMR), vaccines were examined as critical tools in reducing the need for antibiotics and thus combatting AMR. Vaccination programs can help decrease infections that often lead to antimicrobial use, safeguarding vulnerable communities. #HPVVaccineHesitancy HPV vaccine hesitancy remains a barrier to broader coverage. Experts emphasized the importance of community engagement, transparent communication, and education to address concerns and misinformation. Roleplays were conducted, providing valuable lessons from shared experiences to help boost HPV uptake and hence reduce cervical cancer cases in Africa. Today’s sessions reflected the collective expertise of speakers dedicated to advancing immunization efforts across Africa. Big thanks to all speakers for their insights and vision: Sipho Dlamini. Morena Makhoana Opokua Ofori-Anyinam @Elloise Du Toit, UCT. @Salim Parker, South African Society of Travel Medicine. Dr. Edina Amponsah-Dacosta What additional strategies do you think could sustain immunization gains across Africa? Yesterday set a high bar, but today was just as inspiring! One more day to go in this impactful week. 😊 #VaccinesForAfrica #Immunization #GlobalHealth

“Shingles (also called herpes zoster) is the disease caused when the chickenpox virus reactivates. Shingles can cause severe pain that can last for months. Vaccination is a safe and effective way to protect yourself from serious disease caused by shingles. Who should get vaccinated against shingles? Free shingles vaccination under the National Immunisation Program (NIP) is available for eligible people most at risk of complications from shingles. A 2-dose course of Shingrix is available for free for: • people aged 65 years and over • First Nations people aged 50 years and over • immunocompromised people aged 18 years and over with the following medical conditions: • haematopoietic stem cell transplant • solid organ transplant • haematological malignancy • advanced or untreated HIV If you previously received a free Zostavax shingles vaccine under the NIP, you are not eligible for a free Shingrix vaccine for at least 5 years. If you purchased the Zostavax vaccine privately, you can receive Shingrix for free under the program if you’re eligible. You should wait at least 12 months between receiving Zostavax and getting the Shingrix vaccine.” Department of Health. If eligible for the free shingles vaccine you can book directly into the Immunisation Clinic Diary: https://lnkd.in/gzZ5zyeE Or make an appointment with your doctor to find out more: https://lnkd.in/gPq8D9vr #Shingles #protectyourself #community #health #activemedical #carolinesprings

I can still remember my first year in university when we were told to go for the meningitis vaccine. Was I afraid of injections? Yes! Did I receive the vaccine? Yes! At that time, I honestly knew nothing about vaccines nor meningitis. They told us it was a vaccine to protect us from meningio- encephalitis. The vaccinators explained that meningitis happens when the tissues around the brain swell, usually due to high temperatures or infection. They described symptoms like a headache, fever, and a stiff neck, and warned us that if not treated, it could cause death. This information got me scared and so I took the vaccine. I forgot about whether or not I needed a booster. Moving forward to June,2024, meningitis became painfully real to me when I lost a colleague to it. He was mismanaged at the health facility. This reminder is even more urgent in light of the current situation in Nigeria. Between 1 October 2023 and 11 March 2024, there has been an outbreak of Neisseria meningitidis (meningococcus) serogroup C across seven states (Adamawa, Bauchi, Gombe, Jigawa, Katsina, Yobe, Zamfara), This resulted in 1,742 suspected meningitis cases, 101 confirmed cases, and tragically, 153 deaths. Sad how a vaccine preventable disease could claim lives of many. 🤔 Meningitis is the inflammation of the brain and spinal cord tissues. It can be caused by bacteria, viruses, fungi, or even parasites. Bacterial meningitis is the most dangerous—it can kill within 24 hours. Meningitis can affect people of any age. The risk of meningitis is higher when people live in close proximity—places like crowded households, student hostels, mass gatherings, or refugee camps. Factors like immune deficiencies (such as HIV), immunosuppression, and smoking can also increase the chances of contracting the disease. The good news is that #vaccines can prevent meningitis caused by: •Meningococcus •Pneumococcus •Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib). What vaccines can prevent against viral meningitis ⁉️ As we mark #WorldMeningitisDay, let’s light the road ahead for meningitis prevention; spread the awareness to those around us about the role of vaccines in preventing the disease. Prevention is easier than cure—vaccines save lives! #worldmeningitisday #vaccineswork #healthpromotion #phoenixgate

New Post: Shipment to Nigeria Marks First-ever Use of New Meningitis Vaccine - https://lnkd.in/dAQCd2pJ to Nigeria Marks First-ever Use of New Meningitis Vaccinehttps://lnkd.in/dvNJ-dBA, Switzerland//-— Nigeria has become the first country to receive the new MenFive vaccine from the Gavi-funded global stockpile, with a shipment delivered by UNICEF arriving last evening. Nigerian flag Geneva, Switzerland//-— Nigeria has become the first country to receive the new MenFive vaccine from the Gavi-funded global stockpile, with a shipment delivered by UNICEF arriving last evening. Doses will be used to respond to an ongoing meningococcus C outbreak, targeting to vaccinate around a million children in six local government areas in Jigawa state: Babura, Birniwa, Gagarawa, Gumel, Maigatari, and Sule Tankarkar. Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance funds the global stockpiles of vaccines against cholera, Ebola, meningitis and yellow fever, and supports outbreak response campaigns in lower-income countries. Country requests for these stockpiles are managed by the World Health Organization’s International Coordinating Group (ICG) on Vaccine Provision. The ICG has approved the deployment of 1,043,377 doses of MenFive in response to Nigeria’s request. The MenFive vaccine, developed through a 13-year collaboration between PATH and the Serum Institute of India, with support from the UK government’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, received WHO prequalification in July 2023. The vaccine protects against the five main serogroups of meningococcal meningitis impacting Africa – meningococcal serogroups A, C, W, Y, and X. It is the only vaccine that protects against serogroup X. Dr Tokunbo Oshin, Director of High Impact Countries at Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance comments on this milestone: “With outbreaks of infectious diseases on the rise worldwide, innovations such as MenFive are critical in helping us fight back. Thanks to vaccines, we have eliminated large and disruptive outbreaks of meningitis A in Africa: now we have a tool to respond to other meningococcal meningitis serogroups that still cause large outbreaks resulting in long-term disability and deaths. Gavi will be working closely with the Nigerian government as well as our partners such as UNICEF and WHO to support the response to this outbreak.” This first shipment signals the start of Gavi support for a multivalent meningococcal conjugate vaccine (MMCV) program, which will see the MenFive vaccine rolled out through outbreak response, routine immunization, and catch-up campaigns in high-risk countries. Over the years, Gavi has worked with countries to support vaccination against meningitis A, reaching nearly 400 million children through campaigns and routine immunisation. These efforts have helped Africa defeat mening