Malaria Hope, Mpox Menace and No Covid for the Holidays, please

Global Health Notes                     18 December 2024

TOP THREE

1.    IN THE DRC, THE MALARIA VACCINE USHERS IN A NEW CHAPTER IN THE FIGHT AGAINST THE DISEASE

This week VaccinesWork spoke to parents in the DRC to get their thoughts on the roll-out of the new malaria vaccine. We think Rolande Bashi, in Bukavu, put it best: "It's a relief to see this vaccine finally here. So many children have died from malaria, and the financial burden on families is enormous. This vaccine offers a real solution."

2.    MPOX CONTINUES TO MENACE BURUNDI  

Burundi has reported over 2,000 cases of mpox since its first case in July. We spoke to the health workers battling the outbreak, with cases appearing to be gradually plateauing.

3.    HOW YOU CAN AVOID CATCHING THE LATEST COVID-19 VARIANTS THIS CHRISTMAS

As COVID-19 variants KP.3.1.1 and XEC continue to spread this festive period, it's crucial to protect yourself and others. Wearing masks, improving ventilation and practising good hand hygiene are continue to be key to avoiding infection.

IN BRIEF

·      Health workers across Africa are using common apps like WhatsApp to improve vaccine outreach and coordinate care.

·      Zimbabwe is rolling out a mass drug campaign to tackle elephantiasis, aiming to prevent and treat this debilitating disease.

·      In Nigeria’s Delta State communities are fighting sleeping sickness by clearing bushes and using bed nets.

VIDEO OF THE WEEK

COLD CHAIN

From camels to drones, bikes to bridges, the journey vaccines take is nothing short of epic. But keeping them safe at 2-8°C along the way? That’s where the real magic happens. Here’s how the cold chain is ensuring life-saving vaccines reach kids in every corner of the world.

FROM THE ARCHIVE

HOW THE LESSONS OF COVID-19 ENSURED A RAPID VACCINE RESPONSE TO THE MPOX OUTBREAK

With Gavi acting quickly on lessons from COVID-19, this week we focus on the swift procurement of 500,000 doses of mpox vaccines, enabling a rapid response to the outbreak.

NOUVELLES DE LA SEMAINE

LA COURSE CONTRE LA MONTRE DE L’AFRIQUE POUR STOPPER LA RÉSISTANCE AUX MÉDICAMENTS CONTRE LE PALUDISME

Les parasites du paludisme commencent à échapper au meilleur médicament contre le paludisme dont nous disposons. Voici comment les scientifiques s’efforcent de mettre un terme à ce scénario apocalyptique.