Thursday 26th January 2017- UNICEF UK: 4.7 Million Children In Vaccination Campaign Against Measles In Northeast Nigeria

‘In a major vaccination campaign concluding this week, 4.7 million children are being vaccinated in response to a measles outbreak in northeast Nigeria. The campaign is covering the three states most affected by the Boko Haram conflict – Adamawa, Borno and Yobe – where insecurity has limited vaccination efforts. In 2016, there were approximately 25,000 cases of measles among children in Nigeria; 97 per cent of the cases were in children under the age of ten and at least a hundred children died.

“Security has improved in some areas so we have acted quickly to access places we could not previously reach and protect children from the spread of a very dangerous disease”, said Mohamed Fall, Unicef Representative in Nigeria. “We are still extremely concerned about children living in large areas of Borno state that are not yet accessible.”

Measles infections tend to increase during the first half of the year because of higher temperatures. Measles vaccination coverage across Nigeria remains low, with a little over 50 per cent of children reached, but in areas affected by conflict, children are particularly vulnerable. The risks for malnourished children who have weakened immunity are further heightened. The conflict and resulting displacement have left more than 4.4 million children in Nigeria in need of humanitarian assistance, with an estimated 450,000 children likely to suffer from Severe Acute Malnutrition in 2017.

The vaccination campaign, conducted in partnership with the Nigerian government, WHO, and several non-governmental organizations, also includes a vitamin A supplement for children under five to boost their immunity as well as de-worming tablets. Most of the funding for the campaign was provided by the Measles and Rubella Initiative.’

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4.7 MILLION CHILDREN IN VACCINATION CAMPAIGN AGAINST MEASLES IN NORTHEAST NIGERIA

Millions of children to receive measles vaccine in north-eastern Nigeria- World Health Organisation

Friday 23rd December 2016- The World Health Organisation: Final trial results confirm Ebola vaccine provides high protection against disease

‘An experimental Ebola vaccine was highly protective against the deadly virus in a major trial in Guinea, according to results published today in The Lancet[*]. The vaccine is the first to prevent infection from one of the most lethal known pathogens, and the findings add weight to early trial results published last year.

The vaccine, called rVSV-ZEBOV, was studied in a trial involving 11 841 people in Guinea during 2015. Among the 5837 people who received the vaccine, no Ebola cases were recorded 10 days or more after vaccination. In comparison, there were 23 cases 10 days or more after vaccination among those who did not receive the vaccine.

The trial was led by WHO, together with Guinea’s Ministry of Health, Medecins sans Frontieres and the Norwegian Institute of Public Health, in collaboration with other international partners.

“While these compelling results come too late for those who lost their lives during West Africa’s Ebola epidemic, they show that when the next Ebola outbreak hits, we will not be defenceless,” said Dr Marie-Paule Kieny, WHO’s Assistant Director-General for Health Systems and Innovation, and the study’s lead author.’

*The final interpretation from the referenced Lancet article:

‘The results add weight to the interim assessment that rVSV-ZEBOV offers substantial protection against Ebola virus disease, with no cases among vaccinated individuals from day 10 after vaccination in both randomised and non-randomised clusters.’

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Final trial results confirm Ebola vaccine provides high protection against disease

Efficacy and effectiveness of an rVSV-vectored vaccine in preventing Ebola virus disease: final results from the Guinea ring vaccination, open-label, cluster-randomised trial (Ebola Ça Suffit!)- The Lancet

Ebola vaccine is safe and effective, scientists declare after trials- The Guardian

Successful Ebola vaccine will be fast-tracked for use- BBC News

The new ‘100% effective’ Ebola vaccine owes a debt to the scientists who beat smallpox- The Independent

Friday 15th January 2016- World Health Organisation: New Ebola case in Sierra Leone. WHO continues to stress risk of more flare-ups

‘A new case of Ebola has been confirmed in Sierra Leone, reflecting the ongoing risk of new flare-ups of the virus in the Ebola-affected countries.

The Sierra Leone government acted rapidly to respond to this new case. Through the country’s new emergency operations centre, a joint team of local authorities, WHO and partners are investigating the origin of the case, identifying contacts and initiating control measures to prevent further transmission.

WHO stressed in a statement yesterday (14 January), that Guinea, Liberia and Sierra Leone remain at high risk of additional small outbreaks of Ebola in the coming months due to the virus persisting in survivors after recovery.

“We are now at a critical period in the Ebola epidemic as we move from managing cases and patients to managing the residual risk of new infections,” said Dr Bruce Aylward, WHO’s Special Representative for the Ebola Response, yesterday. “We still anticipate more flare-ups and must be prepared for them.”

Sierra Leone is still in a 90-day period of enhanced surveillance following the declaration on 7 November 2015 of the end of Ebola transmission in the country. This period is designed to ensure no hidden chains of transmission have been missed and to detect any new flare-ups of the disease.’

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New Ebola case in Sierra Leone. WHO continues to stress risk of more flare-ups

Ebola virus: New case emerges in Sierra Leone-  BBC News

Thursday 14th January 2016- World Health Organisation: Latest Ebola outbreak over in Liberia; West Africa is at zero, but new flare-ups are likely to occur

‘Today, WHO declares the end of the most recent outbreak of Ebola virus disease in Liberia and says all known chains of transmission have been stopped in West Africa. But the Organization says the job is not over, more flare-ups are expected and that strong surveillance and response systems will be critical in the months to come.

Liberia was first declared free of Ebola transmission in May 2015, but the virus was re-introduced twice since then, with the latest flare-up in November. Today’s announcement comes 42 days (two 21-day incubation cycles of the virus) after the last confirmed patient in Liberia tested negative for the disease 2 times.’

‘This date marks the first time since the start of the epidemic 2 years ago that all 3 of the hardest-hit countries—Guinea, Liberia and Sierra Leone—have reported 0 cases for at least 42 days. Sierra Leone was declared free of Ebola transmission on 7 November 2015 and Guinea on 29 December.’

‘WHO cautions that the 3 countries remain at high risk of additional small outbreaks of Ebola, like the most recent one in Liberia. To date, 10 such flare-ups have been identified that were not part of the original outbreak, and are likely the result of the virus persisting in survivors even after recovery. Evidence shows that the virus disappears relatively quickly from survivors, but can remain in the semen of a small number of male survivors for as long as 1 year, and in rare instances, be transmitted to intimate partners.’

‘WHO and partners are working with the Governments of Guinea, Liberia and Sierra Leone to help ensure that survivors have access to medical and psychosocial care and screening for persistent virus, as well as counselling and education to help them reintegrate into family and community life, reduce stigma and minimize the risk of Ebola virus transmission.

The Ebola epidemic claimed the lives of more than 11 300 people and infected over 28 500. The disease wrought devastation to families, communities and the health and economic systems of all 3 countries.’

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Latest Ebola outbreak over in Liberia; West Africa is at zero, but new flare-ups are likely to occur

Liberia Ebola epidemic ‘over’, ending West African outbreak- BBC News

Ebola is over in west Africa, says World Health Organisation- The Guardian

Ebola outbreak declared officially over, as World Health Organisation says all lines of transmission are stopped- The Independent

Tuesday 29th December 2015- World Health Organisation: End of Ebola transmission in Guinea

‘Today the World Health Organization (WHO) declares the end of Ebola virus transmission in the Republic of Guinea. Forty-two days have passed since the last person confirmed to have Ebola virus disease tested negative for the second time. Guinea now enters a 90-day period of heightened surveillance to ensure that any new cases are identified quickly before they can spread to other people.

“WHO commends the Government of Guinea and its people on the significant achievement of ending its Ebola outbreak. We must render homage to the Government and people of Guinea who, in adversity, have shown extraordinary leadership in fighting the epidemic,” says Dr Mohamed Belhocine, WHO Representative in Guinea. “WHO and its partners will continue to support Guinea during the next 90 days of heightened surveillance and in its early efforts to restart and strengthen essential health services throughout 2016.”

A milestone for the Ebola outbreak    

The end of Ebola transmission in Guinea marks an important milestone in the Ebola outbreak in West Africa. The original chain of transmission started two years ago in Gueckedou, Guinea in late December 2013 and drove the outbreak which spread to neighbouring Liberia and Sierra Leone and, ultimately, by land and air travel to seven other countries.

“This is the first time that all three countries – Guinea, Liberia and Sierra Leone – have stopped the original chains of transmission that were responsible for starting this devastating outbreak two years ago,” says Dr Matshidiso Moeti, WHO Regional Director for Africa. “I commend the governments, communities and partners for their determination in confronting this epidemic to get to this milestone. As we work towards building resilient health care systems, we need to stay vigilant to ensure that we rapidly stop any new flares that may come up in 2016.”’

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End of Ebola transmission in Guinea

Ebola transmission ends in Guinea- The BMJ

Ebola outbreak ends in Guinea, says WHO- BBC News

Guinea declared free of Ebola- The Guardian

Wednesday 2nd December 2015- World Health Organisation: World’s first child-friendly TB medicines in correct doses

‘WHO joined the TB Alliance and partners today to announce the availability of child-friendly tuberculosis (TB) medicines in the correct doses. The improved treatments are the first to meet the dosage guidelines set by the WHO in 2010. They are dispersible and palatable, simple to administer and affordable. The availability of these products is a result of a project largely funded by UNITAID.

According to WHO, at least 1 million children become ill with TB each year and 140 000 children die of this curable disease. To date, children around the world have not yet had access to appropriate TB medicines.

“The availability of correctly dosed medications will improve treatment for children everywhere,” said Dr. Mel Spigelman, President and CEO of TB Alliance, an international non-profit organization, ahead of the 46th Union World Conference on Lung Health in Cape Town, South Africa. “This is an important step toward ending the neglect that has characterized the care of children with TB for far too long.” TB Alliance has partnered with WHO, UNITAID, USAID, and others in the development and introduction of these products.’

See:

World’s first child-friendly TB medicines in correct doses

Monday 23rd November 2015- World Health Organisation: Flare up of Ebola in Liberia

‘On 19 November 2015, Liberia identified a new “flare-up” of Ebola after stopping transmission in September. There are currently three confirmed cases from the same family being treated in an Ebola treatment unit in Monrovia and 150 contacts being monitored. Dr Bruce Aylward, Special Representative of the Director-General for the Ebola Response, gave a full briefing on the current state of the Ebola outbreak on 20 November. Here is a short excerpt and link to an audiofile of the briefing.’

BBC News:

‘Three new cases of Ebola have been confirmed in Liberia less than three months after the country was declared free of the virus, the World Health Organization (WHO) has said.

The three patients include a 10-year-old boy from Paynesville, a suburb of the capital Monrovia.

All people with the symptom have been isolated, WHO spokeswoman Margaret Harris told the BBC.

Liberia has seen more than 10,000 Ebola cases and more than 4,000 deaths.

The country’s Health Minister Bernice Dahn said six of the boy’s relatives and other high-risk contacts have been taken to an Ebola Treatment Unit in Paynesville.

“The hospital is currently decontaminating the unit. All of the healthcare workers who came in contact with the patient have been notified,” she said.

On Thursday night, before the new case emerged, President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf delivered a speech praising “the resilience” of Liberians in overcoming the epidemic.’

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Flare up of Ebola in Liberia

Ebola crisis: Liberia confirms fresh cases- BBC News

Wednesday 18th November 2015- The Independent: Babies switched at birth will not be returned to their biological family

‘For three years the parents of “Girl M” and “Boy Z” had little idea they were nurturing one another’s children.

The children – born on the same day in August 2010 at Tambo Memorial Hospital in Johannesburg – were swapped at birth. This was only discovered 18 months ago when one of the mothers sued her boyfriend for maintenance arrears. ‘

‘The man denied being the child’s father. To settle the dispute, DNA tests were ordered and it emerged that neither the woman or the man in question was, in fact, a biological parent of the child.

What followed was a legal battle that has gripped South Africa. It reached a conclusion this week with a judge in Pretoria ruling that the two children, now five, will stay with the families who raised them and will not be returned to their “true” parents.

The couples the children now live with are the “psychological” if not the “biological” parents of Girl M and Boy Z, the court ruled.

The children will now be considered to have been adopted by the parents who brought them up, said Anne Skelton, director at the University of Pretoria’s Centre for Child Law, the court’s advisers. “Now it is as if they are the children of the parents with which they are living,” she told Reuters.

“Nobody is fighting it. Three of the parents totally agree with the decision. One father is uncertain, but he said through his lawyers that he would abide by the decision of the court.”

How the children were mixed up at the Johannesburg hospital remains in doubt. ‘

See:

Babies switched at birth will not be returned to their biological family

Tuesday 10th November 2015- BBC News: Meningitis jab in Africa a ‘stunning success’

‘A mass vaccination programme against meningitis A in Africa has been a “stunning success”, say experts.

More than 220 million people were immunised across 16 countries in the continent’s meningitis belt.

In 2013 there were just four cases across the entire region, which once faced thousands of deaths each year.

However, there are fresh warnings from the World Health Organization that “huge epidemics” could return unless a new vaccination programme is started.

The meningitis belt stretches across sub-Saharan Africa from Gambia in the west to Ethiopia in the east.

In the worst epidemic recorded, in 1996-97, the disease swept across the belt infecting more than a quarter of a million people and led to 25,000 deaths.

Unlike other vaccines, the MenAfriVac was designed specifically for Africa and in 2010 a mass vaccination campaign was started.

Laboratory-confirmed cases of meningitis A have been falling ever since:

• 2009 – 1,994 cases
• 2010 – 430 cases
• 2011 – 111 cases
• 2012 – 49 cases
• 2013 – four cases

“The disease has virtually disappeared from this part of the world,” said Dr Marie-Pierre Preziosi from the World Health Organization.’

 

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Meningitis jab in Africa a ‘stunning success’

Affordable and effective vaccine brings Africa close to elimination of meningitis A- World Health Organisation

Saturday 7th November 2015- World Health Organisation: WHO [declares Sierra Leone as Ebola free as it] commends Sierra Leone for stopping Ebola virus transmission

‘Today, the World Health Organization declares that Ebola virus transmission has been stopped in Sierra Leone. Forty-two days, that is two Ebola virus incubation cycles, have now passed since the last person confirmed to have Ebola virus disease had a second negative blood test.

“Since Sierra Leone recorded the first Ebola case in May 2014, a total number of 8,704 people were infected and 3,589 have died, 221 of them healthcare workers, all of whom we remember on this day” said Dr Anders Nordström, WHO Representative in Sierra Leone.

The country now enters a 90-day period of enhanced surveillance which will run until 5 February 2016 and WHO will continue to support Sierra Leone during this period. This new phase is critical for ensuring early detection of any possible new cases of Ebola virus disease.

The World Health Organization commends the Government of Sierra Leone and her people on achieving this significant milestone in the country’s fight against Ebola. Sierra Leone achieved this milestone through tremendous hard work and commitment while battling the most unprecedented Ebola virus disease outbreak in human history. ‘

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WHO commends Sierra Leone for stopping Ebola virus transmission

Ebola outbreak: Sierra Leone declared free of disease- BBC News

WHO officially declares Sierra Leone Ebola-free- The Guardian