Research News

1. Challenges to diagnosis and treatment of bacterial meningitis in developing countries.

In a recent review published in The Lancet Neurology, Scarborough and Thwaites discuss the challenges of diagnosing and managing bacterial meningitis in resource-poor settings, where laboratory support and antibiotics are scare. The authors emphasize the use of defined diagnostic algorithms that rely on clinical and laboratory features to distinguish ABM from other infections, as well as the use of generic and more affordable ceftriaxone as an alternative to treat penicillin and chloramphenical-resistant bacterial infections. Improvements in access to healthcare facilities alongside effective and rapid treatment are essential, the authors state, and provision of effective conjugate vaccines against S. pneumoniae, H. influenzae, and N. meningitidesin the poorest regions of the world is critical for control of the disease.

2. Vaccines to prevent pneumonia and improve child survival.

A recent review by Madhi et al highlights advances made in optimizing the use of established vaccines and the potential issues related to newer bacterial conjugate vaccines in reducing childhood pneumonia morbidity and mortality. The piece contextualizes the potential role for vaccines as part of a package of childhood interventions, and their advantages in being able to reach a high proportion of all children, including those with limited access to health services. The authors outline the impact of pertussis and measles control on pneumonia reduction, and the role of influenza vaccines in reducing pneumonia disease burden. The development of newer vaccines that can be delivered through existing immunization programmes are discussed, and the authors recognize the role of GAVI in facilitating rapid progress in vaccine development and distribution in priority countries.

3. Molecular epidemiology of pneumococci from The Gambia during PCV9 trial.

The first background data on the genetic structure and molecular epidemiology of S. pneumoniaecausing IPD prior to PCV7 use in The Gambia was published by researchers at MRC The Gambia, Swiss Tropical Institute, and the London School of Hygeine and Tropical Medicine in this month’s issue of BMC Infectious Diseases. The study characterizes 131 isolates from children aged 2-29 months in The Gambia and reports the identification of 29 different serotypes; 14, 19A, 12F, 5, 23F and 1 were common and accounted for roughly half of all serotypes. The authors proceed to define sequence types, clonal complexes and singleton clones. These data provide insight into the population structure of pneumococci and will be help assess the impact of pneumococcal conjugate vaccination in The Gambia.

Media News

4. A Shot at Life: The Sydney Sun Herald Covers Pneumococcal Disease in Mali.

A stirring piece by Matthew Burns in the June 22 issue of the Sydney Sun Herald portrays the impact of pneumococcal disease in Mali. The article includes perspectives from PneumoADIP collaborator, Dr. Samba Sow. “We don’t have icebergs in Mali but the research we have done show this is like the eyes and ears of the hippo; the true size of the problem is hidden under the surface”, said Dr. Sow, referring to the burden of pneumococcal disease in the country. With photos from UK photographer Adrian Brooks, the piece showcases the impact of the disease by gaining perspectives from mothers whose children have been lost or are suffering at the hands of this devastating disease. It ends with a call to action from Dr. Sow who states, “We have all the right vaccines, it should be so simple”.

5. Emphasis on child participation in global politics and governance.

UNICEF commemorates June 16 as the The Day of the African Child, in recognition of the day in 1976, when children in Soweto, South Africa, took to the streets in protest of the inferior quality of their education, demanding the right to be taught in their own language. The day highlights the importance of child participation in schools, community action, media and governance. Following this theme, the 4th Junior 8 Summit in Japan next month will give young people the opportunity to share their views directly with world leaders gathered for the Group of Eight (G8) summit. Thirty-nine young people, aged 13-17, representing the G8 countries and the developing world will participate in the week-long forum to debate three main themes: climate change and global warming, child survival, infectious diseases including HIV/AIDS, and poverty and development, with a particular focus on Africa.

6. Drug access to poor countries measured using a new pharma index.

A first of its kind ranking, produced by the Dutch-based Access to Medicine Foundation and backed by 12 fund managers, indicates that European pharmaceutical companies rank higher than their US counterparts in efforts to ensure that drugs reach developing countries. The ranking, among other criteria, was based on companies’ policies on increasing access, patenting, research into neglected diseases and the use of fair pricing systems. UK-based Glaxo SmithKline, ranked highest in the index. Publication of the index gives investors a means of assessing the companies’ social responsibility and may provide impetus for pharmaceutical companies to improve in this arena.

7. ISPPD-6, Reykjavik: Pneumococcal World Leaders Unite.

The world’s leading experts in the field of pneumococcal disease research convened for the 6th International Symposium on Pneumococci and Pneumococcal Diseases (ISPPD-6) in Reykavik, Iceland from June 8-12. There were a total of 37 invited speakers, 42 oral presentations, 500 posters and 980 participants from 86 countries, spanning a broad range of topics relating to recent advances in the field. Wyeth and GSK sponsored the event along with PneumoADIP, Merck/MSD, Intercell AG, PATH, deCODE Genetics and Sanofi Pasteur. A detailed conference summary is available in our PneumoALERT of June 30, 2008. The next ISPPD meeting is scheduled for 2010 in Tel Aviv, Israel.

Finance News

8. GAVI Alliance Approves Accelerated Vaccine Introduction.

The GAVI Alliance approved new funding for accelerating vaccine introduction and surveillance.Up to US$ 99.6M for advocacy, strategic vaccine supply, and special projects were approved for use between 2009 and 2015. This funding will be awarded through a request for proposals (RFP) process. An additional $ 14.9 million in funding to WHO was approved for sustaining surveillance for Hib, pneumococcal and rotavirus diseases. The board also approved money to help early adopters of PCV7 with waste management issues that are unique to the pre-filled syringe presentation. Countries and WHO have worked hard to develop these careful plans and GAVI has rewarded that effort with financing to support them.

9. GAVI Endorses Investment in Pneumococcal Vaccines.

At their recent Board meeting, the GAVI Alliance confirmed their intention to provide funding of up to $ 1.3 billion, between now and 2015, to help co-finance urgently needed pneumococcal vaccines. This commitment, made in concert with the terms of the Advance Market Commitment (AMC) and together with the AMC donors' commitment of $1.5 billion, will help to ensure the Investment's maximum contribution toward the affordable, sustainable financing of pneumococcal vaccines in developing countries.

10. Allan Gillespie on IFFIm.

In the News section of this month’s Nature Medicine, Allan Gillespie, chairman of the board at the International Finance Facility for Immunisation (IFFIm), explains IFFIm’s unique funding approach, which has thus far raised over $1 billion for vaccines. These funds are already flowing through GAVI into childhood immunization programs worldwide. Gillespie, who also serves as chairman of the Ulster Bank Group in Belfast, discussed how his PhD at Cambridge in development economics and a career in banking led him to get involved with IFFIm. He delineates the underlying reasons for launching IFFIm, the basics of how its vaccine funding process works, the consequences for stakeholders, and the role of GAVI as an innovative delivery approach for vaccines. Gillespie’s commitment to childhood immunization is evident as he states, “If you don’t start with helping children to survive then you don’t make much progress in anything else - your society crumbles”.

Announcements

The Global Disease Detection and Response Program (GDDRP) is seeking an Infectious Disease Epidemiologist in Cairo, Egypt.

GDDRP supports obligations under joint agreements between NAMRU-3, US CDC, and the Ministry of Health and Population, Arab Republic of Egypt (MOPH), and in collaboration with NARMRU3 in Egypt, the Easter Mediterranean Region, North and West Africa, Central Asia and Eastern Europe. Candidates should have doctoral level qualifications and experience in the field. A letter describing career goals and interests, CV and references should be sent to Erica.dueger@med.navy.mil

For more information click here.

The GAVI Alliance has announced employment opportunities based in Geneva, Switzerland.

Positions include Product Launch Manager for Accelerated Vaccines Introduction, Administrative Assistant, and three Programme Manager positions for Policy, and Donor Relations – Francophone and Nordic Groups.For more information, please visit: www.gavialliance.org/employment/index.php

Upcoming Events

The American Public Health Association’s 136th Annual meeting & Expositionwill be held October 25-29 in San Diego, California. Deadline for early and discounted registration is August 15. For more information, please visit: www.apha.org/meetings