Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance

When we think about the impacts of climate change, we often think of heatwaves or air quality. But another threat is rising in places like northern Europe and the eastern US: flesh-eating bacterium. 🧵 Vibrio vulnificus is a marine bacterium that thrives in warm, brackish coastal waters, where it lives in symbiosis with microscopic algae called phytoplankton. The infection caused by the bacterium is fatal in 20-50% of cases. Older adults and people with weakened immune systems or liver disease are at the greatest risk. “[Vibrio vulnificus] used to be seen as a very rare infection, but it is becoming a huge problem now, especially with the heatwaves in the summertime, and the growing popularity of year-round sea bathing,” said Dr Yaovi Mahuton Gildas Hounmanou, who led the research. The full story:

Recent outbreaks of Hantavirus and Ebolavirus raise concerns about risks linked to travel, with responses varying between countries. Explore how lessons learned during COVID-19 offer effective approaches to public health. https://bit.ly/4dQlnyN via The Conversation

Dust is much more than just something to be swept into the bin. Scientists have discovered that indoor dust builds a "layered record" of which microbes have been in a room. By testing samples from offices and schools, researchers detected 54 different viruses (including the common cold, flu, and COVID-19). Don't worry: the viral particles left behind are typically decayed and no longer infectious! But they DO give health experts a non-invasive way to possibly spot disease trends before they turn into full-blown outbreaks. 🙌 The full story: https://bit.ly/49stXT5

The DRC’s Ebola outbreak has the potential to become a huge and long-lasting health crisis. Let's break down four key reasons why this outbreak may be particularly hard to contain: https://bit.ly/42UXH7t via The Conversation

We are committing to make up to US$ 50 million available through our First Response Fund to support the response to the ongoing Bundibugyo ebolavirus outbreak.  Up to US$40 million will be dedicated to accelerating vaccine access while a further US$10 million will be directed towards supporting outbreak response needs. “While we are some way off having a safe and effective vaccine against Bundibugyo virus, we need to act now to ensure that, once one or more vaccine candidates are ready, manufacturers are in a position to start producing doses at scale. Leveraging this allocation, Gavi will work closely with CEPI (Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations) and partners to design the right incentives to achieve this goal, exploring all options including potential Advance Purchase Commitments” - Dr Sania Nishtar. Learn more about our commitment and how the First Response Fund ensures emergency funds are on hand to support the outbreak response and protect routine immunisation services in the communities impacted: https://bit.ly/4fgopi7 

“When they bring everything at once like medicine, food, even school support, I don't mind walking long distances to vaccinate my kids.” A powerful reminder from a mother in Cameroon highlights a vital lesson for public health in conflict settings: integrated care works. https://bit.ly/3S6PYAJ via CBCHS Immunization Program, International Rescue Committee, CORE Group

The human papillomavirus vaccine can block more than 95% of all cervical cancer cases, yet in places like Kenya, around 20% of girls still haven’t received their first dose. Here’s how cervical cancer advocates are sharing their personal stories and urging families to make sure their girls are protected. https://bit.ly/4eab5L6

“Just one month after the fridge was delivered, child immunisation rates doubled and continue to rise.” Discover the incredible impact solar powered fridges have had on expanding immunisation services and impact in rural Kenyan villages. https://bit.ly/4uD4Zca

What if the future of immunisation didn't require syringes? 💉 From vaccine patches to nasal sprays, a new wave of needle-free technology is quietly preparing to transform how we think about immunisation. The goal? To make vaccines easier to distribute, less invasive and better at blocking infections at their point of entry. The full story on VaccinesWork: https://bit.ly/4o1SoN5

Namibia has been polio-free since 2008 until an outbreak was declared in April this year. The return of the paralysing virus means one thing: vaccination coverage has dropped below a critical threshold in some Namibian communities. Go inside the fight to stop polio before it strikes in Namibia: https://bit.ly/4fI098L