Rice University Secures $3.4 Million Grant to Develop Polio-Combating Vaccine
Rice University bioengineers have been awarded a $3.4 million grant from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation to develop a combination vaccine that integrates polio protection with five other childhood diseases. Led by Kevin McHugh, this innovative research aims to enhance vaccine accessibility and effectiveness, particularly in low-resource settings, contributing significantly to global health equity and the eradication of polio.
Woodend Resident Walks 100km to Raise Funds for Polio Eradication
Woodend resident Grant Hocking is walking 100 kilometers this month to raise $1,000 for polio vaccination efforts through the Rotary Walk With Us event. This initiative, which has raised approximately $400,000 since its inception, highlights the ongoing fight against polio and the importance of community involvement in global health. Join Hocking in supporting this vital cause and learn how you can contribute to a polio-free world.
Kenya Launches Urgent Polio Vaccination Campaign Amid Outbreak Concerns
The Ministry of Health in Kenya is launching a crucial five-day Polio vaccination campaign from October 2 to 6, 2024, targeting over 3.8 million children in response to a recent outbreak of Vaccine-Derived Poliovirus Type 2. Parents and caregivers are urged to participate actively in this initiative to enhance community immunity and safeguard the health of children across the nation.
Polio Variant Detected in Gaza Sewage Amid Health Crisis
Recent findings confirm the detection of circulating vaccine-derived poliovirus (cVDPV) in Gaza sewage, raising public health concerns. Isolated from samples in Khan Younis and Deir al Balah, the virus is genetically linked to strains previously found in Egypt. While no paralysis cases have been reported, the WHO and local health authorities are enhancing surveillance and immunization efforts amidst a deteriorating healthcare situation in Gaza.
Liberia Concludes Four-Day Polio Vaccination Campaign
Learn about the recent four-day campaign in Liberia to combat the dangerous poliovirus with the Novel Oral Polio Vaccine type-2 (nOPV2). Dr. Clement Lugala Peter, WHO Country Representative to Liberia, emphasizes the importance of collaborative efforts in fighting polio and ensuring the well-being of the population. The vaccination campaign aims to protect children from the circulating type-2 poliovirus and extends to neighboring countries in West Africa. Join the efforts to safeguard the health of Liberian children and eradicate the threat of polio.
Zimbabwe Surpasses 4 Million Polio Vaccination Target with nOPV2
Zimbabwe surpasses 4 million target during polio vaccination campaign using novel oral polio vaccine type 2 (nOPV2). Ministry of Health and Child Care, UNICEF, WHO, BMGF, USCDC, and other partners collaborate to swiftly stop the spread of the poliovirus and prevent future outbreaks. Vaccination teams adopt a two-pronged approach, deploying mobile units and incorporating the Open Data Kit (ODK) for real-time data sharing.
Man who spent 70 years in an iron lung passes away at 78
Paul Alexander, also known as ‘Polio Paul’, spent 70 years in an iron lung after being paralyzed by polio at the age of six. His remarkable journey and resilience in the face of adversity serve as an inspiration to many, and his legacy will continue to inspire future generations.