Latest news with #Leishmaniasis
Yahoo
14-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Africa's vaccine hubs disrupting the manufacturing landscape
Petro Terblanche still remembers her emotions when she first got an email saying the World Health Organization was looking to build a 'tech-transfer hub' for the new mRNA vaccines against the coronavirus. At the time, her fledgling Cape Town vaccine venture, called Afrigen, was on a knife edge, struggling to set up labs and get to work in a world that had come to a halt. The WHO wanted to start making mRNA vaccines in developing countries left without jabs when rich countries hosting the manufacturing hoovered up all the doses. Under the plan, a big mRNA vaccine manufacturer would share its know-how with the hub, which would replicate the process to train up and help manufacturers around the world open new production lines. None of Afrigen's 20-odd staff had any experience working with mRNA, but as soon as the email landed, Ms Terblanche, chief executive, thought they could do it. 'I will never forget it. I was sat here at my desk and I saw this and I looked at it and I thought, this is our break. It was something in my tummy which said this is our break,' she told the Telegraph. Teaming up with Biovac, an established South African vaccine manufacturer, and the country's medical research council, Afrigen was chosen and in June 2021 the WHO's mRNA Technology Transfer programme was launched. The following four years have seen Afrigen grow in size several-fold and come close to changing the global landscape of mRNA vaccine manufacture. It has begun transferring mRNA vaccine technology to 14 other partners as far afield as Argentina, Indonesia, Serbia, Vietnam and Senegal. Yet, the path has not been straightforward and has seen the hub given the cold shoulder by the mRNA pharmaceutical giants who had originally been expected to help. What had first been envisioned as a joint venture, has instead evolved to see the hub having to forge its own, but more ambitious path. While no Covid vaccines have been mass produced by the hub in the end, the members are now hoping to take what they learned to make new mRNA jabs for diseases such as Rift Valley Fever, Leishmaniasis and H5N1 flu. The sovereign expertise they have gained means they will not have to rely on making vaccines developed elsewhere, and can target diseases which are not financially attractive to big European or US pharma giants. The hub is now a 'a pioneering example of consortia from regions left behind during the Covid pandemic, developing much needed vaccine research and development capabilities,' says Dr Frederik Kristensen, managing director of the Regionalised Vaccine Manufacturing Collaborative (RVMC), which aims to widen out manufacturing. 'This will be a basis for regionalised vaccine manufacturing in the longer term and help move from just manufacturing vaccines developed elsewhere.' Dr Matthew Downham, manufacturing and supply chain director at the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI), said the hub could 'fundamentally challenge the disruption and delays seen with the inequitable supply of vaccines during the Covid-19 pandemic'. He said: 'With mRNA platforms proven to be both fast and flexible, the hub's approach could enable multiple disease vaccines to be produced locally at rapid speed. 'For emerging infectious diseases, it could allow vaccine production to take place closer to the source of an outbreak thereby potentially enabling faster vaccine distribution where it is needed.' The progress has come despite the hub facing a major blow almost as soon as it was formed. It had hoped that Moderna, a US mRNA manufacturer, would share the technology for its widely praised Covid-19 jab, but by September 2021 it became clear that a deal could not be done. Pfizer also declined. 'It was scary,' says Ms Terblanche. 'We said, 'shit guys, we are on our own'. 'But it also mobilised an enormous energy in the team. We said look, we can do it. We are a biotech start-up, we are resilient. We know how tough it is when sometimes you don't know where your salary is going to come from.' The hub decided to go it alone and make their own version of the Moderna jab. The vaccine sequence was already available and much of the process was in the public domain. Moderna had already said it would not enforce Covid-related patents during the pandemic and such reverse engineering is permitted under South African law. Other institutions lent their expertise and equipment manufacturers stepped in with kit. By February 2022, the hub had already made its own replica of the Moderna shot, without any assistance or approval from the developer. It was also the first mRNA vaccine designed, developed and produced at lab scale on the African continent. Moderna's response was dismissive, likening what Afrigen had done to making a knock-off designer handbag. Stéphane Bancel, Moderna's chief executive, said at the time: 'They are claiming it's a copy of Moderna's product. I don't know.' 'It is like when somebody makes a copy of a Louis Vuitton bag. Does it look like a Louis Vuitton bag? Does it last like a Louis Vuitton bag? I don't know.' Making a version was only the first step. It had to be trialled and tested and validated to ensure it was safe and up to the same manufacturing standards as the original. Ms Terblanche said: 'We have not reinvented the wheel, we have used publicly available information to forward innovate. But what we have also done is improve the process.' But as time went on, the hub came up against another obstacle. The pandemic had ended and no one wanted Covid jabs any more. So the Afrigen Covid mRNA jab is now not being manufactured as a jab, but has become a model used to teach the technology to other partners so they can learn the ropes and meet international benchmarks for quality control. The aim for each new manufacturer is to show they can make the vaccine on their own, to world class standards. The technology has already been passed successfully to Biovac in South Africa and the transfer is underway to companies in Argentina, Serbia and India. Others will follow in the coming years. By the end of 2025, Afrigen and Biovac could between them make 200 million doses of vaccine if another Covid-type pandemic came along. By the end of the decade, the whole network could make 2bn doses a year. However, with thankfully no sign of such an occurrence, the ambition now is to keep the mRNA labs up and running just in case and that means using them for other mRNA products. Charles Gore, executive director of the Medicines Patent Pool, said: 'In order to keep this warm for a future pandemic, it's absolutely critical that all the partners continue in the meanwhile to produce mRNA 'something'. 'Clearly if there's no demand for Covid vaccines, it may turn out to be therapeutics, maybe vaccines for other diseases. 'There's a lot to be said for producing vaccines for things that are of particular interest to low and middle income countries.' Whatever they work on has to bring in enough money to keep them in business. In January Afrigen announced it was working on an mRNA vaccine for Rift Valley fever, a mosquito-borne infection that affects livestock and people. Other partners in the network are working with researchers to look at potentially developing mRNA vaccines or drugs for hand foot and mouth disease, HPV, or leishmaniasis. Ms Terblanche said one day Afrigen hopes to work with the mRNA giants who spurned them at first. She said: 'In the beginning, there was resentment towards us and we were being accused of stealing intellectual property. All of that has gone calm. Now we find that the interactions are respectful.' Their progress means Africa has gone a long way in preparing for any new pandemic, or mystery new 'disease X', said Morena Makhoana, chief executive at Biovac. He said: 'I don't think we will be like 2020 where we say, 'oh my word, where are we going to start'. 'I think we would get into a room, knuckle down and try and understand this disease X. 'We would definitely be able to stand on our own two feet provided that disease X can use mRNA.' Protect yourself and your family by learning more about Global Health Security Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more.
Rudaw Net
29-04-2025
- Politics
- Rudaw Net
Drought, conflict, migration: Kurdistan's new challenge
Also in Kurdistan President Barzani, EU ambassador discuss fostering collaboration Drone attack injures two Peshmerga in Duhok province KDP, PUK yet to reach agreement on government positions: Sources Kurdish artist proud as President Barzani gifts his painting to Jordan's King A+ A- Climate change represents one of the greatest challenges of our time, impacting not only our environment but also fundamental human rights. Particularly in fragile regions such as Kurdistan and Iraq, these impacts are already clearly visible. The interplay of ecological changes, political instability, and socioeconomic challenges requires comprehensive understanding and targeted actions. Rising temperatures and water scarcity The Kurdistan region is experiencing a significant increase in average temperatures. Reports indicate that by the year 2080, the annual mean temperature could rise by 5 to 7 degrees Celsius. This warming is leading to more frequent and intense heatwaves, which reduce agricultural productivity and significantly strain water resources. Iraq, including Kurdistan, relies heavily on the Tigris and Euphrates rivers. However, dam construction in neighboring countries and climate change itself have drastically reduced the flow of these rivers, leading to an approximate 40 percent decline in water availability in Iraq over recent decades. Impacts on agriculture and food security Agriculture constitutes the economic backbone of many parts of Kurdistan. Yet, increasing water scarcity and soil degradation due to salinization severely threaten agricultural production. Farmers are increasingly forced to abandon their land, devastating their livelihoods and compromising regional food security. Consequently, the region faces heightened dependence on imports, making it increasingly vulnerable to fluctuations in global market prices. Internal migration and urban challenges Ecological crises are compelling many people, particularly from rural areas, to migrate to urban centers such as Duhok, Erbil, and Sulaimani. These cities face considerable pressures in accommodating rapidly growing populations while simultaneously expanding infrastructure. The integration of internal migrants significantly burdens education, healthcare, and housing sectors, increasing the risk of social tensions. Studies demonstrate that climate-driven migration typically occurs within national borders, confronting migrants with diverse social and economic challenges in urban environments. Health implications Climate change has both direct and indirect effects on public health. Rising temperatures facilitate the spread of diseases such as Leishmaniasis, transmitted by sandflies. Additionally, deteriorating water quality leads to increased occurrences of diarrhea and other waterborne infections. In cities like Basra, more than 100,000 people required medical treatment in 2018 due to contaminated water. Political instability and resource conflicts The already fragile political situation in the Middle East is further exacerbated by the impacts of climate change. Water scarcity and competition over dwindling resources have the potential to intensify existing ethnic and political tensions. Access to water is increasingly becoming a geopolitical issue, especially when neighboring countries like Turkey and Iran influence water flow into Iraq through dam construction. Such external interventions heighten internal challenges and risk triggering further conflicts. The necessity for integrated solutions Facing these complex challenges necessitates a holistic approach. The government of Kurdistan, in cooperation with the Iraqi central government and international partners, must develop strategies addressing both ecological and socioeconomic aspects, including: * Sustainable water management: Investments in efficient irrigation systems, rainwater harvesting, and initiatives to reduce water losses are crucial. * Economic diversification: Reducing dependency on the oil sector by fostering alternative economic sectors, particularly renewable energy and sustainable agriculture, is essential. Germany and Iraq have already initiated a joint project aimed at sustainable water supply, providing clean water to approximately 130,000 residents in the Muthanna region. * Social integration programs: Initiatives supporting internal migrants, including education and employment programs, can mitigate social tensions and promote integration. * Healthcare provisions: Strengthening the healthcare system, especially concerning prevention and treatment of climate-related illnesses, is vital. Conclusion Climate change poses immense challenges to Kurdistan, extending far beyond environmental concerns and deeply impacting social, economic, and political structures. Additionally, the psychological well-being of the population faces significant risks, with expected increases in depression, anxiety, and physical health complaints. It is therefore imperative that climate policy and human rights policy are pursued collaboratively to safeguard livelihoods and protect future generations from the harshest effects of climate change. Only through coordinated, sustainable, and integrative approaches can we effectively address the diverse crises facing the region. The Kurdish struggle for identity and statehood now requires the new, insightful generation to focus sharply on the consequences of climate change. Dr. Jan Ilhan Kizilhan is a psychologist, author and publisher, an expert in psychotraumatology, trauma, terror and war, transcultural psychiatry, psychotherapy and migration. The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rudaw.
Jordan News
05-02-2025
- Health
- Jordan News
Leishmaniasis: Causes, Symptoms, and Prevention - Jordan News
Leishmaniasis: Causes, Symptoms, and Prevention Leishmaniasis is a parasitic disease caused by the Leishmania parasite, which is transmitted to humans through the bite of an infected sandfly. This disease is prevalent in tropical and subtropical regions, particularly in poorer and developing areas. It can cause severe health issues such as skin deformities or damage to internal organs if not treated properly. What is Leishmaniasis? Leishmaniasis is an infection caused by Leishmania parasites, single-celled organisms. The infection is spread by the bite of an infected female sandfly, which lives in tropical and subtropical areas. There are several types of leishmaniasis, including: Cutaneous Leishmaniasis (CL): The most common type, it causes skin sores that leave permanent scars. Visceral Leishmaniasis (VL): The most severe form, affecting internal organs such as the liver, spleen, and bone marrow. It can be fatal if not treated. Mucocutaneous Leishmaniasis (MCL): A rare form affecting the mucous membranes in the nose and mouth, leading to severe disfigurement. How is Leishmaniasis Transmitted? Leishmaniasis is primarily transmitted through the bite of an infected sandfly. These flies live in both rural and urban areas, especially in places with rodents or stray dogs, which act as natural reservoirs for the parasite. When the sandfly bites an infected animal, it picks up the parasite and transmits it to humans during a subsequent bite. Additionally, the disease can be transmitted through blood transfusions or organ transplants from an infected person, though these cases are rare. Symptoms of Leishmaniasis: The symptoms vary depending on the type of leishmaniasis: Cutaneous Leishmaniasis (CL): The disease causes bumps or nodules at the site of the sandfly bite, which develop into open sores or ulcers. These sores can heal on their own but often leave permanent scars. The lesions may persist for months or even years. Visceral Leishmaniasis (VL) (Kala-Azar): Persistent fever. Weight loss and general weakness. Swelling of the liver and spleen. Anemia and low platelet count. If untreated, VL can lead to death. Mucocutaneous Leishmaniasis (MCL): Severe destruction of the mucous membranes in the nose, mouth, and throat. Permanent facial disfigurement. Difficulty breathing or swallowing. Diagnosis of Leishmaniasis: The diagnosis of leishmaniasis is based on clinical examination and laboratory tests, including: Microscopic Examination: A sample from the affected tissue (such as skin or bone marrow) is examined under a microscope to identify the parasite. Serological Tests: These tests detect antibodies against the parasite in the blood. Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR): A molecular test used to detect the parasite's DNA. Treatment of Leishmaniasis: Treatment depends on the type and severity of the disease: Antiparasitic Medications: Medications like antimony compounds (e.g., Glucantime) and Amphotericin B are used to treat severe cases of visceral and cutaneous leishmaniasis. Topical Treatments: Creams like Paromomycin are used to treat skin lesions. Surgery: In severe cases of mucocutaneous leishmaniasis, surgery may be needed to repair facial deformities. Where is Leishmaniasis Found? Leishmaniasis is found in specific regions, including: Parts of Asia. Parts of Africa, including tropical and North African regions. Southern Europe. The Middle East. Central America. South America. Some areas of Mexico. Prevention of Leishmaniasis: Preventing leishmaniasis is crucial, especially in endemic areas. Preventative measures include: Controlling Sandfly Populations: Use of insecticides in endemic areas. Proper waste disposal to reduce breeding grounds for sandflies. Personal Protection: Wearing long clothing and using insect repellents when in affected areas. Avoiding outdoor activities during sandfly peak hours (dawn and dusk). Animal Reservoir Control: Controlling rodent and stray dog populations that carry the parasite. Vaccinating dogs against leishmaniasis in endemic regions. Health Awareness: Educating local populations on how the disease is transmitted and how to prevent it. Encouraging people to seek immediate treatment when symptoms appear. Leishmaniasis remains a significant health challenge, especially in tropical and subtropical regions, but through preventive measures and timely treatment, the burden of the disease can be reduced. اضافة اعلان
