Breakthrough in Malaria Vaccine Development as RH5.1/Matrix-MTM Shows Promising Results

A clinical trial has revealed the potential of the RH5.1/Matrix-MTM malaria vaccine candidate to provide effective protection against blood-stage malaria, marking a major milestone in the fight against the disease. The results of a phase 2b clinical trial, published in The Lancet Infectious Diseases, demonstrate that the vaccine is both well-tolerated and effective, particularly in…

Intersectionality and Solidarity Central to Fighting Gender-Based Violence

Advocates across the globe have emphasized the critical importance of intersectionality, solidarity, and systemic change to address gender-based violence (GBV) and related forms of oppression. During an online engagement organized by GAMA, activists highlighted the significance of the annual 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence(November 25–December 10) as a vital platform for reflection and…

Africa CDC Celebrates Regulatory Milestone as Rwanda and Senegal Achieve WHO Maturity Level 3

The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) has commended the Rwanda Food and Drug Regulatory Authority (Rwanda FDA) and the Senegalese Pharmaceutical Regulatory Agency (ARP) for achieving World Health Organization (WHO) Maturity Level 3 (ML3). This milestone reflects Africa’s growing capacity to enhance health systems through robust regulatory frameworks, ensuring the quality,…

In Nigeria, a hit pop song gets families dancing to the immunisation beat

“No More Zero Dose,” a catchy track featuring top West and Central African celebrities, is gaining traction among parents. 5 December 2024 by Jesusegun Alagbe On a sweltering evening in November, in Damboa, a busy town about 85 kilometres from Maiduguri, the capital of Nigeria’s Borno state, Halimat Jatau sat with her three-year-old daughter Aisha outside…

Zimbabwe rolls out mass drug administration campaign to tackle elephantiasis

Lymphatic filariasis is a preventable parasitic infection. Once its effects become chronic, however, the disease can be permanently disabling and hard to manage. 9 December 2024 by Derick Matsengarwodzi Tinotenda*’s childhood in Shamva, a mining town in north-eastern Zimbabwe, was normal – that is, full of promise and wild dreams. That wide open future began to…

CSO partnerships in immunisation: driving positive change together

For mothers in Uganda’s tea fields, taking their children to get vaccinated can mean missing a day of earnings for food. InPact’s Executive Director writes for VaccinesWork on how her organisation is helping tackle this impossible dilemma. 9 December 2024 by Emily Katarikawe When I think about childhood immunisation in Uganda, one story stands out vividly.…

Dual Role in Tackling Gender-Based Violence: Insights from Godfrey Kigozi, a Health Worker and Police Officer

As the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence (GBV) training of journalists by USAID, health worker and police officer Godfrey Kigozi, who works with Naguru Police shares insights into the complexities of addressing these cases, highlighting the role of community attitudes, the importance of evidence collection, and survivor-centered care. “GBV cases are challenging,” Kigozi…

How do you reach the urban hard-to-reach? Ask these health workers

A peer-to-peer learning platform invited health workers from around Africa to share their insights on reaching zero-dose kids in cities. 2 December 2024 by Ian Jones, Charlotte Mbuh A health worker carries a portable cooler for vaccines after completing a day of vaccinations as part of the Reach Zero Dose Children (ZDC) campaign in Somalia. Credit: Gavi/2024/Mohamed Abdihakim…