分类： health

The MacArthur Foundation has announced a $100 million grant to Sentinel, an African-led initiative focused on pandemic prevention and infectious disease surveillance. This significant investment comes at a critical time when global health funding is dwindling, particularly from major donor nations. Sentinel, a project that develops cost-effective pathogen detection tests, employs real-time outbreak tracking tools, and trains local scientists, has already trained over 3,000 public health workers across 53 African countries. The funding will enable Sentinel to expand its reach over the next five years, enhancing its ability to detect and respond to emerging diseases swiftly. Christian Happi, co-director of Sentinel, emphasized that this initiative demonstrates Africa’s leadership in addressing global health challenges through trust, collaboration, and community-driven systems. The MacArthur Foundation’s 100&Change competition, which aims to inspire bold philanthropic endeavors, selected Sentinel for its innovative and impactful approach. Chris Cardona, the foundation’s managing director, highlighted the importance of international funding, especially for projects like Sentinel that build cross-country capacity. However, global health programs face increasing challenges as donor countries reduce multilateral support. For instance, Gavi, a public-private vaccine alliance, faces funding shortfalls due to cuts by the U.S. government. Similarly, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has scaled back collaboration with the World Health Organization, potentially hindering outbreak responses. Sentinel’s work, rooted in community engagement and advanced diagnostics, aims to empower local responders to detect and mitigate disease threats. Dr. Pardis Sabeti, a collaborator on the project, described the grant as transformative, stressing the need for continuous pandemic surveillance. Former USAID official Nidhi Bouri underscored the global responsibility to support diverse funding streams for health initiatives, as disease outbreaks have far-reaching consequences. This grant not only bolsters Sentinel’s efforts but also sets a precedent for philanthropy to address global health challenges collaboratively.

In a groundbreaking move, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) is set to introduce a nasal spray flu vaccine for the first time, as reported by Emarat Al Youm. This innovative needle-free option will be available in both public and private healthcare centers and hospitals across the country, marking a significant expansion in the nation’s immunization strategy. The vaccine, which covers the same flu strains as the traditional injectable version, is designed for healthy individuals aged 2 to 49 years old. It utilizes a live attenuated virus, making it an ideal choice for children and those who are apprehensive about needles. The Ministry of Health and Prevention emphasized that this new option aims to enhance vaccination coverage rates and provide safe, effective alternatives for the community. Dr. Nada Al Marzouqi, Director of the Public Health and Prevention Department, highlighted that the nasal spray vaccine first received U.S. FDA approval in 2003 for ages 5 to 49, with the age range later extended to include children as young as 2 in 2007. However, the vaccine is not recommended for certain groups, including children under 2, adults over 50, pregnant women, individuals with immune disorders, and those with specific chronic diseases. For these groups, the injectable vaccine or other physician-recommended options remain the preferred choice. The Ministry assured that the nasal spray vaccine is registered in the UAE and subject to rigorous pharmaceutical oversight, with approvals from global regulatory bodies such as the FDA, WHO, and EMA. Additionally, the UAE’s pharmacovigilance program will monitor the vaccine’s side effects and effectiveness to ensure the highest standards of safety and quality.

Eswatini has made history by becoming the first African nation to introduce lenacapavir, a revolutionary twice-yearly HIV prevention injection. Developed by Gilead Sciences, this groundbreaking drug has shown near-total protection in clinical trials and is hailed as a transformative tool in combating HIV, a virus that has claimed millions of lives across the continent. The rollout is part of the U.S. President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), in collaboration with the Global Fund, aiming to benefit at least 2 million people in 10 high-risk African countries by 2027. Eswatini, with the world’s highest HIV incidence, received the drug in the same year as its U.S. approval, marking a significant milestone. Zambia also received its first shipment, while regulatory approvals are pending in Botswana, Kenya, Malawi, Namibia, Rwanda, Tanzania, Uganda, and Zimbabwe. The U.S. initially planned to distribute 250,000 doses in 2024 but increased this to 325,000 due to high demand. In Eswatini, approximately 6,000 high-risk individuals, particularly mothers and newborns, will benefit from the initial rollout. Despite its potential, concerns over limited supplies and manufacturing rights have sparked debates, with South Africa’s health minister highlighting the need for broader access. Gilead has significantly reduced the drug’s price for lower-income countries, making it more accessible. However, civil society groups in South Africa have criticized the exclusion of local manufacturers from licensing agreements, despite their contributions to clinical trials.

A groundbreaking three-year campaign led by Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, has successfully prevented an estimated 1.4 million cervical cancer deaths in low-income countries. The initiative, which focused on delivering human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccines, has protected 86 million girls against the leading cause of cervical cancer. Gavi announced this milestone on World Cervical Cancer Elimination Day, highlighting the disproportionate impact of HPV-related cancers in low-income regions, which accounted for 90% of the 350,000 cervical cancer deaths recorded in 2022. These areas often lack access to screening and treatment services, exacerbating the crisis. Gavi’s CEO, Sania Nishtar, praised the ‘incredible commitment’ of participating countries and organizations in achieving this life-saving goal. The vaccine coverage rate in Africa surged from 4% in 2014 to 44% by the end of 2024, surpassing Europe’s 38% rate. Gavi leveraged economies of scale to reduce vaccine costs, making doses available for as low as $2.90 to $5.18 in supported countries, compared to over $100 elsewhere. The World Health Organization’s 2022 endorsement of a single-dose HPV vaccination schedule further doubled the reach of existing vaccine stocks. Despite these advances, cervical cancer remains a critical threat, claiming a woman’s life every two minutes. Gavi’s efforts underscore the importance of global collaboration in combating this preventable disease.