Global Health Notes Double Edition: Mpox, Malaria & Drones + More
Pascal Barollier
Chief Engagement & Information Officer • Swiss Board Certified • Purpose-driven & Mountaineer
TOP THREE
The World Health Organization has declared Africa's mpox outbreak a public health emergency of international concern. Cases are surging - with over 17,000 cases and 517 deaths this year, the region is facing a vaccine shortage. Efforts are underway to scale up vaccination and response strategies amid the alarming increases in cases.
Zipline drones are delivering vaccines to remote areas of western Kenya, including malaria-prone Kisumu. The service is enhancing access by swiftly transporting vaccines, including emergency anti-rabies shots and routine jabs, to health centres. This innovation is reducing stock-outs and improving staff availability, addressing critical gaps in healthcare delivery.
India has a massive poultry sector, a large population of migratory birds, and several cases of avian influenza in humans in its recent history. Is a bird flu pandemic likely? While there is no sustained human-to-human transmission yet, scientists are emphasising vigilance and strengthening surveillance. Recent human infections are prompting concern, but the situation is being closely monitored.
Lagos is aiming to vaccinate 1 million girls with the HPV vaccine by year’s end, as it transitions from campaign-mode to routine immunisation. Learning from initial uptake challenges, the state immunisation leaders say they’re getting out ahead of misinformation.
Amid extreme summer heat in Pakistan, a robust vaccine cold chain is safeguarding children’s health. Solar-powered refrigerators and ice-lined units are maintaining vaccine efficacy amid frequent power cuts. EPI’s system, supported by international donors, is preserving vaccine potency and protecting millions of children in challenging conditions.
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Bird flu is evolving to spread between mammals and humans, raising pandemic concerns. The virus recently jumped from cows to farm workers, with mutations enhancing human infection. In many places, surveillance is weak, with cases potentially going unreported. WHO is developing mRNA vaccines for H5N1 to improve global pandemic preparedness.
IN BRIEF
· Research is highlighting how addressing gender barriers is increasing women's access to lifesaving vaccines.
· Mothers in Mozambique's Zambezia province are walking hours to access new malaria vaccines for their children.
· Investing in clinical research is transforming Africa’s healthcare, driving economic growth, and enhancing research infrastructure.
· New rapid diagnostic tests for cholera in Zimbabwe are a game-changer, health workers say
· In Kenya’s Marsabit, pastoralists are embracing farming to combat childhood malnutrition and disease as droughts get ever more common
· In Nigeria, a range of health workers tried out root cause analysis to drill into immunisation impediments, enabling targeted solutions
VIDEOS OF THE WEEK
OLYMPIAN LAURE MANAUDOU As an Olympian, Laure understands that a long, successful career starts with equal access to essential vaccines. In this video, Laure explains how we can protect more children from preventable diseases.
STRENGTHENING GLOBAL HEALTH: In Vientiane, ASEAN and Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, held a high-level side event to discuss immunisation successes and challenges. Find out more about this event
FROM THE ARCHIVE
With The WHO pronouncing Africa's mpox outbreak a public health emergency, this insightful piece explores the severe implications for individuals with advanced HIV. Highlighting the emergence of a more dangerous form of mpox in this vulnerable group, urging immediate testing and vaccination.
With climate change intensifying health crises worldwide, this insightful piece delves into the complex and interconnected impacts of extreme weather events on communities, offering a crucial perspective on the critical necessity for resilient health systems and comprehensive climate adaptation strategies.
NOUVELLES DE LA SEMAINE
Une souche inédite du virus Mpox se propage actuellement près de la frontière entre la RDC, l’Ouganda, le Burundi et le Rwanda. Linda Geddes a discuté avec Leandre Murhula Masirika, Jean Claude Udahemuka et Trudie Lang, qui travaillent sans relâche pour comprendre et contenir cette nouvelle menace virale.
Les agents de santé avaient du mal à vacciner les quelque 8 700 enfants éligibles de Lindi Ward, un des quartiers du gigantesque bidonville de Kibera, à Nairobi. Ce n'est plus le cas aujourd'hui.