Stories of "Gavi Babies", No Fear in Dry Winds & How Mood Can Boost Vaccine Response

By Pascal Barollier

TOP THREE

1. PROTECTED BY GAVI VACCINES A QUARTER CENTURY AGO, TWO YOUNG RWANDAN WOMEN FIX THEIR GAZE ON A SAFER FUTURE

As Gavi turns 25, the first cohort of “Gavi babies” are coming of age and helping to shape their communities and their countries. We spoke to two young Rwandan women – recipients of Gavi-supported vaccines as children – who are now helping to protect the next generation.

2. IN GARKIDA, NORTHERN NIGERIA, THE DRY WIND NO LONGER BRINGS DEATH

For years, meningitis brought grief and pain to many families in Garkida, a community in Nigeria’s Adamawa State. That changed with the arrival of vaccines. As one local nurse told VaccinesWork: Meningitis has been a common phenomenon in our community for ages. But we see fewer cases each year, being that many parents recognise the importance of vaccinating their children. We only experience a handful of cases these days.”

3. SIX THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT HOW VACCINES FIGHT ANTIMICROBIAL RESISTANCE

A new Wellcome report indicates vaccines are significantly reducing antimicrobial resistance (AMR) deaths, drug use and costs yet their full potential remains untapped. Researchers are calling for urgent data, standardised metrics and smarter policies to fulfil the potential of vaccines in the global fight against superbugs.

IN BRIEF

·      Bangladesh’s “Pink Man” is leading nationwide efforts to fight female cancers through bold awareness campaigns, screenings and community outreach.

· New research reveals people with African ancestry are mounting a calmer, less harmful immune response to dengue, helping them avoid severe disease.

·      A major study suggests that older women face high-risk HPV infections and cervical abnormalities at higher rates than younger women.

·      Nigerian communities are breaking free from meningitis fear, as a powerful new Gavi-backed vaccine brings hope and lasting protection.

VIDEO OF THE WEEK

GLOBAL SUMMIT: COME ALONG WITH ACTIVIST JULY

ONE activists attended the Gavi Global Summit in Brussels last week with one clear message: it’s time to invest in global health and ensure equal access to lifesaving vaccines.

FROM THE ARCHIVE

MIND MATTERS: THE SURPRISING LINK BETWEEN MOOD AND VACCINE RESPONSE

This week, we revisit a intriguing article that suggests being in a positive mood during COVID-19 vaccination is linked to stronger antibody responses, highlighting the surprising influence of mental wellbeing on the effectiveness of mRNA vaccines..

NOUVELLES DE LA SEMAINE

COMMENT LA VACCINATION A PRESQUE ÉLIMINÉ L’HÉPATITE B CHEZ LES ENFANTS EN OUZBÉKISTAN

Depuis l’introduction du vaccin contre l’hépatite B en 2001, le pays enregistre aujourd’hui l’un des taux d’infection infantile les plus faibles de la région.