WHO Highlights Urgent Need for New Vaccines
The World Health Organization (WHO) has published a study in BioMedicine identifying 17 pathogens that are top priorities for new vaccine development. This global effort prioritizes pathogens based on regional disease burden, antimicrobial resistance, and socioeconomic impact. The study emphasizes the need for vaccines against diseases like HIV, malaria, and tuberculosis, which claim nearly 2.5 million lives annually.
Key Pathogens Identified
Pathogens such as Group A streptococcus and Klebsiella pneumoniae are highlighted as urgent priorities due to their increasing resistance to antimicrobials. The study also notes pathogens nearing vaccine approval, including the dengue virus and Mycobacterium tuberculosis.
Expert Insights
Kate O’Brien, Director of the Immunization, Vaccines and Biologicals Department at WHO, stressed the importance of focusing on saving lives in vulnerable communities rather than just financial returns. She highlighted the study’s use of regional expertise to assess vaccines that could significantly reduce disease impact and medical costs.
Supporting Global Health Goals
This priority list supports the Immunization Agenda 2030, aiming to ensure global access to vaccines that protect against serious diseases.
Doubts Revealed
WHO -: WHO stands for the World Health Organization. It is a special agency of the United Nations that works to improve health and well-being around the world.
Pathogens -: Pathogens are tiny organisms, like bacteria and viruses, that can cause diseases in humans, animals, and plants.
Antimicrobial resistance -: Antimicrobial resistance happens when germs like bacteria and viruses change in a way that makes medicines, like antibiotics, less effective or not effective at all.
Socioeconomic impact -: Socioeconomic impact refers to how diseases affect people’s lives and the economy, including things like health costs, work productivity, and overall quality of life.
HIV -: HIV stands for Human Immunodeficiency Virus. It is a virus that attacks the body’s immune system and can lead to AIDS if not treated.
Malaria -: Malaria is a disease caused by a parasite that is spread to humans through the bites of infected mosquitoes. It can cause fever, chills, and flu-like symptoms.
Tuberculosis -: Tuberculosis, or TB, is a disease caused by bacteria that usually affects the lungs. It spreads through the air when a person with TB coughs or sneezes.
Group A streptococcus -: Group A streptococcus is a type of bacteria that can cause many different infections, ranging from mild sore throats to serious diseases like rheumatic fever.
Klebsiella pneumoniae -: Klebsiella pneumoniae is a type of bacteria that can cause infections in the lungs, blood, and other parts of the body. It is known for being resistant to many antibiotics.
Immunization Agenda 2030 -: The Immunization Agenda 2030 is a global plan to ensure that everyone, everywhere, has access to vaccines by the year 2030. It aims to improve health and save lives through vaccination.