Millions of life-saving medicines used to combat debilitating neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) are at risk of being wasted. Stockpiles are expiring in warehouses following the abrupt termination of a major US aid programme. Global health experts have sounded the alarm. They warn that this funding crisis could sabotage years of hard-won progress. Moreover, it could lead to a resurgence of…
Tag: Infectious Diseases
-
Malaria Exposure Linked to Reduced COVID-19 Risks
When the COVID-19 pandemic began its global spread in 2020, experts feared the worst for Africa. Its healthcare systems were already battling endemic diseases, including malaria exposure. However, a surprising trend emerged. Many African nations reported lower rates of severe COVID-19 than countries in Europe and North America. New research from the Malaria Consortium, led by Dr Jane Achan, provides…
-
Emergency Vaccinations Reduce Global Disease Deaths
New research has revealed the immense power of emergency vaccination programmes. These programmes have reduced deaths from five major infectious diseases by an estimated 60% over the past two decades. The study, the first of its kind, also highlights the colossal economic benefits of rapid vaccine deployment. Researchers estimate these benefits at tens of billions of dollars. Researchers analysed the…
-
Malaria Breakthrough: First Treatment for Babies
In a breakthrough for global child health, Swiss authorities have approved Coartem Baby. Researchers have developed the first-ever medicine specifically designed to treat malaria in infants weighing less than five kilograms. The announcement by pharmaceutical giant Novartis marks a pivotal moment in the fight against a disease that disproportionately affects the youngest and most vulnerable. The new treatment addresses a…
-
Casual contact drives TB spread more than household exposure
A groundbreaking study conducted in KwaZulu-Natal suggests that casual community contact, rather than close household exposure, may be the primary driver of tuberculosis (TB) transmission. Findings from the CONTEXT study indicate that casual contact accounted for 49% of transmission links. In comparison, researchers linked only 9% of cases to the close contact traditionally blamed for spreading the disease. Prof Neel…