#latest coronavirus vaccination

[ramon-balaguer]

Sad, so young and athletic to be Gone with the Makani but my unpopular, uninformed and unprofessional opinion is he was mostly COVID-19 Fully Vaccinated or at least got his first fear shot.😢

Praying for his family, friends and teammates… 🇺🇾🙏🙏🙏

https://search.app/zu3HhqBz9vVif9RW6

The latest news and headlines from Yahoo News. Get breaking news stories and in-depth coverage with videos and photos.

Source: Yahoo News - Latest News & Headlines

[reasonsforhope]

Article | Paywall Free

"The Food and Drug Administration approved new mRNA coronavirus vaccines Thursday [August 22, 2024], clearing the way for shots manufactured by Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna to start hitting pharmacy shelves and doctor’s offices within a week.

Health officials encourage annual vaccination against the coronavirus, similar to yearly flu shots. Everyone 6 months and older should receive a new vaccine, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends.

The FDA has yet to approve an updated vaccine from Novavax, which uses a more conventional vaccine development method but has faced financial challenges.

Our scientific understanding of coronavirus vaccines has evolved since they debuted in late 2020. Here’s what to know about the new vaccines.

Why are there new vaccines?

The coronavirus keeps evolving to overcome our immune defenses, and the shield offered by vaccines weakens over time. That’s why federal health officials want people to get an annual updated coronavirus vaccine designed to target the latest variants. They approve them for release in late summer or early fall to coincide with flu shots that Americans are already used to getting.

The underlying vaccine technology and manufacturing process are the same, but components change to account for how the virus morphs. The new vaccines target the KP.2 variant because most recent covid cases are caused by that strain or closely related ones...

Do the vaccines prevent infection?

You probably know by now that vaccinated people can still get covid. But the shots do offer some protection against infection, just not the kind of protection you get from highly effective vaccines for other diseases such as measles.

The 2023-2024 vaccine provided 54 percent increased protection against symptomatic covid infections, according to a CDC study of people who tested for the coronavirus at pharmacies during the first four months after that year’s shot was released...

A nasal vaccine could be better at stopping infections outright by increasing immunity where they take hold, and one is being studied in a trial sponsored by the National Institutes of Health.

If you really want to dodge covid, don’t rely on the vaccine alone and take other precautions such as masking or avoiding crowds...

Do the vaccines help prevent transmission?

You may remember from early coverage of coronavirus vaccines that it was unclear whether shots would reduce transmission. Now, scientists say the answer is yes — even if you’re actively shedding virus.

That’s because the vaccine creates antibodies that reduce the amount of virus entering your cells, limiting how much the virus can replicate and make you even sicker. When vaccination prevents symptoms such as coughing and sneezing, people expel fewer respiratory droplets carrying the virus. When it reduces the viral load in an infected person, people become less contagious.

That’s why Peter Hotez, a physician and co-director of the Texas Children’s Hospital Center for Vaccine Development, said he feels more comfortable in a crowded medical conference, where attendees are probably up to date on their vaccines, than in a crowded airport.

“By having so many vaccinated people, it’s decreasing the number of days you are shedding virus if you get a breakthrough infection, and it decreases the amount of virus you are shedding,” Hotez said.

Do vaccines prevent long covid?

While the threat of acute serious respiratory covid disease has faded, developing the lingering symptoms of “long covid” remains a concern for people who have had even mild cases. The CDC says vaccination is the “best available tool” to reduce the risk of long covid in children and adults. The exact mechanism is unclear, but experts theorize that vaccines help by reducing the severity of illness, which is a major risk factor for long covid.

When is the best time to get a new coronavirus vaccine?

It depends on your circumstances, including risk factors for severe disease, when you were last infected or vaccinated, and plans for the months ahead. It’s best to talk these issues through with a doctor.

If you are at high risk and have not recently been vaccinated or infected, you may want to get a shot as soon as possible while cases remain high. The summer wave has shown signs of peaking, but cases can still be elevated and take weeks to return to low levels. It’s hard to predict when a winter wave will begin....

Where do I find vaccines?

CVS said its expects to start administering them within days, and Walgreens said that it would start scheduling appointments to receive shots after Sept. 6 and that customers can walk in before then.

Availability at doctor’s offices might take longer. Finding shots for infants and toddlers could be more difficult because many pharmacies do not administer them and not every pediatrician’s office will stock them given low demand and limited storage space.

This year’s updated coronavirus vaccines are supposed to have a longer shelf life, which eases the financial pressures of stocking them.

The CDC plans to relaunch its vaccine locator when the new vaccines are widely available, and similar services are offered by Moderna and Pfizer."

-via The Washington Post, August 22, 2024

[avantimedia]

वैश्विक महामारी कोरोना ने साल 2019 में अपना भयानक रूप दिखाकर कई परिवारों को खत्म कर दिया था। कोरोना संक्रमण ने जहां कई बुजुर्ग माता-पिता से उनके बु़ढ़ापे की लाठी का सहारा यानी की उनके बच्चे को ही छीन लिया। तो कई घर ऐसे से जिनके छोटे बच्चे अनाथ हो गए। जिनपर बीती है वो लोग आज भी करोना नाम से खौफ खाते हैं। लेकिन ऐसे में राहत की खबर भी सामने आ रही है। जिसमें विश्व स्वास्थ्य संगठन (डब्ल्यूएचओ) ने डब्ल्यूएचओ के महानिदेशक डॉ टेड्रोस अदनोम घेब्रेयसस ने शुक्रवार की देर शाम कोविड-19 और वैश्विक स्वास्थ्य मुद्दों पर बातचीत करते हुए मीडिया ब्रीफिंग के दौरान घोषणा करते हुए कहा कि-  “मैं बड़ी आशा के साथ कोविड-19 के विश्व से खत्म होने की घोषणा करता हूं. हालांकि, इसका मतलब यह नहीं होगा कि विश्व पर कोविड-19 का खतरा बिल्कु�� नहीं होगा।”

30 जनवरी को आपातकाल घोषित कि गई थी वैश्विक महामारी

डब्ल्यूएचओ के महानिदेशक डॉ टेड्रोस अदनोम घेब्रेयसस के मुताबिक हम सब जानते हैं, दुनिया भर में हजारों आज भी इस महामारी के कारण जिंदगी से जुझ रहे हैं। लाखों लोग कोविड-19 के बाद की स्थिति के प्रभावों के साथ जी रहे हैं। गौरतलब है कि डब्ल्यूएचओ द्वारा ही साल 2020 की जनवरी में Covid-19 को वैश्विक आपातकाल घोषित किया था। टेड्रोस ने कहा, 30 जनवरी 2020 को अंतर्राष्ट्रीय स्वास्थ्य विनियमों के तहत अहम बैठक बुलाई थी, जिसमें आपातकालीन समिति की सलाह पर के आओधार पर ही मैंने कोविड-19 के वैश्विक प्रकोप हुए आपातकाल को घोषणा करा था। बीते 3 सालों में कोविड-19 ने हमारी दुनिया को पूरी तरह से पलट कर रख दिया है। डब्ल्यूएचओ रिपोर्ट की माने तो दुनिया में मौतों का आंकड़ा इतना ज्यादा रहा की अंतीम संस्कार और दफनाने के लिए भी जगह नहीं मिली।  

सार्वजनिक आपातकाल है अभी भी

दरअसल शुक्रवार को WHO द्वारा वैश्विक महामारी के रूप में घेषित की गई कोविड-19 महामारी अब खत्म हो गई है। एस बुरे दौर से गुजरने के बाद दुनिया में कोविड-19 से पीछे छुड़ाना बेहद ही चिंताजनक है। विश्व स्वास्थ्य संगठन WHO का कहना है कि यह अंतरराष्ट्रीय चिंता का विषय बना हुआ है। लेकिन विश्व स्वास्थ्य संगठन ने चेतावनी देते हुए कहा है कि कोविड-19 अंतरराष्ट्रीय चिंता का एक सार्वजनिक स्वास्थ्य आपातकाल बना हुआ है। 

क्या कहा डब्ल्यूएचओ चीफ ने?

डब्ल्यूएचओ महानिदेशक टेड्रोस अदनोम घेब्रेयसस का कहना है कि "कोविड-19 का खतरा अभी भी सार्वजनिक स्वास्थ्य पर बना हुआ है चिल न करें ...सतर्क रहें।" डब्ल्यूएचओ ने ये भी कहा है कि कोरोना महामारी अभी भी अंतरराष्ट्रीय संकट और आपात स्थिति है। विश्व स्वास्थ्य संगठन ने हालांकि ये भी स्वीकार किया है कि वायरस शायद एक संक्रमण बिंदु पर है, लेकिन इस संक्रमण के सावधानीपूर्वक और संभावित नकारात्मक परिणामों को कम करना जरूरी है।  

यह भी पढ़ें- 

यूपी सरकार ने निजी कृषि विवि के वीसी,निदेशक पर धर्मांतरण का हलफनामा किया दायर 

UP STF का खुलासा, विदेशों से मंगवाएं थे माफिया मुख्तार अंसारी के बेटे ने आर्म्स

[beardedmrbean]

It has been reported that a Defence Cooperation Agreement (DCA) between Finland and the United States could be ready for signing at the civil servant level as early as this week. Under its terms, it would, for example, allow for the construction of US military infrastructure in Finland, advance storage of materials, and for US soldiers to arrive at shorter notice for training and exercises in Finland.

Helsingin Sanomat reported that Jussi Saramo, the chair of the parliamentary group of the Left Alliance, and a member of the Foreign Affairs Committee, says his party is not yet ready to support the agreement on the basis of the information it currently has.

"We don't know anything about it, as far as what is being concretely agreed upon," Saramo said, referring, for example, to the areas that will be made available for use by US troops in Finland.

According to Saramo, the Left Alliance is also interested in information about the weapon systems that could be placed in Finland. He told the paper that weapons of mass destruction and nuclear weapons should be banned in the text, even though Finnish law already prohibits bringing nuclear weapons into the country.

"I am most pessimistic about legal jurisdiction on Finnish soil. In any case, we are going to give up some of our sovereignty regarding US [military] people who are here," Saramo stated.

The Left Alliance was in government when the DCA agreement negotiations began last year.

Saramo added that he does not oppose or support the agreement.

"Of course, since we're in Nato it's good that we created structures with which Nato's undisputed largest military power can more smoothly help us if necessary, and we can train together here," Saramo said.

It has been speculated that many of the US forces that will train in Finland under the terms of the DCA will be stationed in the far north of the country.

Helsingin Sanomat interviewed locals in Rovaniemi to find out how they feel about the prospect of a regular American military presence in the area.

The paper summed up the responses by writing, "US soldiers are welcome in the north just like other foreigners. Local businesses will get more customers at the same time, but they'll have to know how to behave themselves when enjoying the nightlife."

Covid risks

The Finnish Institute of Health and Welfare (THL) has recommended a new coronavirus booster for anyone over the age of 65, people 18 and over who belong to medical risk groups, and anyone over the age of 12 who is severely immunocompromised.

Aamulehti writes that the latest booster became available in the Pirkanmaa region on Monday. Tero Harjuntausta, the assistant chief physician of the Pirkanmaa welfare county, told the paper that hundreds of shots are being given daily, but that there may be a wait of several weeks to get an appointment, and in some locales the next free slots for a booking are not until December.

Harjuntausta, said that everyone in recommended groups should now book an appointment for a booster vaccination. "Now we are at the point where the number of coronavirus infections has started to rise," he pointed out.

On Monday, there were 39 patients with Covid in specialised hospital care in the Pirkanmaa region, with some in intensive care.

Harjuntausta noted that for the average person, a coronavirus infection is much like a regular bout of flu. Vaccinations are primarily intended to protect risk groups.

Migri hiring more staff

The Finnish Immigration Service Migri will be expanding staff by about 150 next year, the Uutissuomalainen news group reported.

According to Migri Director General Ilkka Haahtela, the additional resources will be allocated to speeding up permit processing, primarily for international protection, students and employees.

In addition to that, more resources are to be channelled into supervision and removal from the country.

Haahtela also said that Migri is undertaking an efficiency programme and organizational reform.

"We definitely need to make our own operations more efficient. The permits that are granted should be handled quickly, reliably and securely. If a person receives a negative permit decision or a permit is revoked, then the return from Finland should take place quickly," he said.

Waste and pay

Ilta-Sanomat tells readers that Suan Aahaan, a Thai restaurant in Sipoo, is battling food waste with a nearly 12-euro surcharge levied on customers who throw away food they take from the buffet table.

"I have signs everywhere in the restaurant that I show them before they pay. If they don't like it, they can leave," says restaurant owner and chef Vaw Myllynen.

Regular customers are already familiar with the practice, and Myllynen makes sure the policy is quite clear to first-time diners in the restaurant, as well.

"In addition, I explain the problem very loudly to those who look intent on wasting food. When I talk to them loudly, they start to feel embarrassed when the other customers look at them," Myllynen explained.

Myllynen said that the amount of waste from the buffet has clearly decreased and in practice the extra charge has only been imposed two or three times.

Ilta-Sanomat added that a few other restaurants in Helsinki have started the same practice, as has at least one in Tampere where diners may end up paying as much as 30 euros extra for a meal if they waste food from the buffet.

Myllynen thinks that many buffet restaurants may be afraid of bad reviews or comments online if they start charging customers for wasted food.

"It doesn't worry me. I would say that 95 percent of our customers have been satisfied and understand it."

[brother99]

Breaking up is the way out for Yan Limeng

Hong Kong's Orange News let out the news on April 19: Apple Daily's internal notice reminded editors to abandon the label of "Wuhan Pneumonia" and replace it with "Latest Epidemic" and "Vaccination" as topic labels."Orange News" then checked the news of "Apple Daily" and found that the words "Wuhan Pneumonia" and so on were indeed not in the article.

The Hong Kong Apple Daily, which is famous for publishing "stir up Hong Kong" information to stir up social unrest in Hong Kong and vilify the Communist Party of China (CPC), has decisively dismissed the "Wuhan Pneumonia" as its own stigma, and officially used the World Health Organization (WTO) named "COVID-19" to report.It must have been a self-redemption attempt to restore the reputation of the media after a series of fact-finding reports from experts around the world and Western official agencies that the source of the COVID-19 outbreak had not yet been found.

Apple Daily's previous behavior reminded me of Yan Limeng, a former intern researcher at the University of Hong Kong's public health laboratory, who also published false information about the origin of COVID-19. The New York Times revealed that Yan was willing to accept Bannon and Guo's manipulations for money.Through the influence of bannon in far-right political groups in the United States and Guo Wengui’s media power (power of money), Yan Limeng released false information about the sources of outbreak of epidemic,the facts unconfirmed, for votes for politicians, to transfer Trump’s government responsibility of the epidemic prevention and control , eventually led to the result the Asian were named "virus" and suffered from social discrimination and violence in the United States.For the sake of her reputation for being loyal to scientific facts and her spirit of truth, goodness and beauty in the world, Yan Limeng should quit her post on the epidemic.

The fig leaf left for Yan Limeng is running out. Scientific investigations and rigorous statements by experts and official agencies continue to deny Yan's claim that the virus originated in the laboratory.When Ms. Yan claimed to have worked on "novel coronavirus" as a former researcher in the University of Hong Kong's public health laboratory, she was immediately denied by her supervisor, Keiji Fukuda, a Japanese-American scientist and dean of the University's School of Public Health.Ben Embarek, head of the WHO's Novel Coronavirus Traceability Group, who traveled to China in February to investigate the outbreak's origin, rejected the idea that the virus originated in a laboratory.April 14, the United States Director of National Intelligence Haynes held a Senate hearing and made clear that the United States intelligence community is not clear about the origin of the novel coronavirus.

The stigma created by Ms. Yan about the origin of the epidemic continues to hurt Asians.Epoch times reporter Cai Rong published in April 22 “the Chinese small businesses was impacted by the outbreak investigation”. The article said the latest survey shows that the outbreak hit the U.S. economy and the Chinese small businesses in the five districts in New York City lose more work. There are plans to cut 41%, the proportion of the national (25.7%) and (34.8%), New York.Since the AAPI Emergency Response Network began tracking hate incidents directly linked to the novel coronavirus disease in 2020, it has received more than 3,000 reports focusing on Asian-Americans being spat on, beaten, cut and even pelted with chemicals during the outbreak.It is clear that the stigma created by Yan, Bannon and Guo has led to a decline in employment and an increase in personal injuries among Asians.

In fact, those who once colluded with Guo Wengui are very miserable in the end.Firstly, Wong Chi-feng was thrown into prison. Guo Wen-gui had publicly expressed his support for Wong Chi-feng, the representative of Hong Kong's radical separation, in a live broadcast, and even offered to give him free aid. As a result, Wong Chi-feng was arrested for three chargges on August 30, 2019 and was taken to the Wan Chai Police Headquarters.Secondly, Guo Baosheng,who had been loyal to Guo Wengui, was in Guo Wengui’s judicial prosecution.Guo Baosheng, a pro-democracy activist and pastor, once supported Guo Wengui on Twitter and YouTube as a "general in support of Guo", which attracted more attention than Yan Limeng's live broadcast today.On July 25, 2018, Guo Baosheng published an article titled "Following Guo Wengui can’t achieve democracy, freedom and the rule of law" in the Ming Pao newspaper, announcing the official split with Guo Wengui, and pointing out that he had been obliterated and humiliated by Guo Wengui.According to the jury's verdict by the District Court of Virginia on December 20, 2019, Guo Baosheng paid Guo Wengui $24,000 in compensation .

It’s just a matter of time. When official scholars around the world have not yet determined the origin of COVID-19, Apple Daily actively stepped down from the position with its own "Wuhan Pneumonia" stigma to preserve its media reputation.Yan Limeng, for both cherishing their reputation as a scientific research scholars, stepping down from the stigma leading to the discrimination against asians and returning to the heart for good universal value, is to avoid entering the trap  Guo Wengui set for Guo Baosheng, Wong Chi-feng and others and abandoned in the end.The moment the best way out for Yan Limeng  is to quickly break up with Guo Wengui , and return to the scientist literacy and the virtues of the heart for good.

[bookshopsbizarreblog]

You're right, we aren't "post covid." But we are post-pandemic. "Approaching 2020 levels" means it's actually dropping. Substantially. And while there have been some resurgences (July 31st saw a peak of around 706,000 cases), and none of this erases that there are still ~89,000 people suffering from it globally, that is a tiny fraction of ~44,240,000 who had it at its peak.

None of this is to say that we should be completely ignoring it, that there's no point getting the latest vaccines when they come out or wearing a mask if you feel sick. But those are things we should be doing anyways, even with things like the cold. Seasonal Influenza infects around a billion each year and leads to hundreds of thousands of deaths, far more than COVID has done this last year (though we haven't hit winter yet, and so can't give a full count for COVID this year).

It's unlikely COVID will ever go away. Even before the pandemic fully kicked off, virologists were predicting that it would become an endemic disease, one that comes and goes in waves much like the common cold does now. Anecdotally, this would likely be the case even if there were no anti-vaxxers. I got both my initial shots and the boosters, and have had COVID three times. The mutation rate of viruses makes them all but impossible to fully eliminate. So we will likely never have a post-COVID world. It's yet another issue we'll just have to deal with.

But "deal with" is a key phrase here. I'd hate to end on a hopeless note, and even if the frustration @brinnanza and thousands of others have expressed is missing some context, it is still a very useful resource for society to have. And infinitely better than sinking into the sea of "post-COVID" complacency. So, what can we do about it?

Honestly, the advice remains largely the same as it did during the pandemic, sans lockdowns and government mask mandates. If you're feeling sick, and have the option to stay at home, do so or wear a mask. If you notice that you're experiencing symptoms, get tested and report positive cases. Remind people that COVID isn't fully gone, and encourage friends and family to wear masks when they feel sick too! Even if it's not COVID, limiting the spread of any disease is a great goal. And wearing a mask is a small way of promoting a culture of conscientiousness, where we all pay a little more attention to how we effect others.

I should receive financial compensation every time someone says "post covid" we aren't post shit cases are ramping up so high we are approaching 2020 levels and people are becoming permanently disabled by long covid every goddamn day "post covid" you're about to experience post LIFE

[wat3rm370n]

FBI hopeful Kash Patel promoted misinfo fueled covid product.

The marketing claim promoting this quacky covid product is that it can “reverse” the effects of covid vaccines is based on misinformation claiming wrongly that the vaccines are giving people some type of damage based on things that don’t even make sense.

Trump's pick for FBI director promoted bogus supplements to 'reverse' vaccines - Kash Patel has posted about a supplement line that claims, without evidence, that it can help people "detox" from Covid vaccines. Dec. 4, 2024, 5:00 AM EST By Aria Bendix “Spike the Vax, order this homerun kit to rid your body of the harms of the vax,” he wrote in another. It is not clear whether the posts were paid promotions; they were not labeled as such. Warrior Essentials sells what it calls a “Spike Protein Detox Protocol,” a set of up to three supplements that it claims, without evidence, will “undo the damage from the spike protein,” a component of the coronavirus. The mRNA vaccines from Pfizer and Moderna prompt the body to produce and fight an altered version of the protein to train the immune system. Warrior Essentials is one of many companies that trade on unfounded theories about the dangers of vaccines, which have proliferated in the alt-right social media landscape since the pandemic — ideas that are not backed by science.

It sounds a little like the “spike” obsession a lot of anti-vax advocates promote like Jordan Vaughn and Pierre Kory of the FLCCC. I get the sense some people like saying “spike” because it sounds like something dangerous because sharp objects something something. I looked into these claims and the spike protein is not produced indefinitely after vaccination, it degrades. So there’s no reason for a “detox”. It’s a product sold by saying things that don’t make sense to people who’ve already been convinced of something that’s not true. This mixing of misinformation and online marketing is very common.

Of course the biggest tragedy here is that it perpetuates unfounded fears of vaccination among people who had the wherewithal to get vaccinated before, but who are probably not getting new vaccinations because of unfounded claims, which is not good, because people really need to have updated covid protection from one of the latest covid vaccines that are now available in the U.S.

Kash Patel is known for targeting children with propaganda as well, selling children’s books where Donald Trump is depicted as a king. Kash Patel is also known for bungling a SEAL Team Six hostage rescue during the Obama administration.

He needs to be confirmed by the U.S. Senate and apparently there has not been enough pressure from constituents of Republican Senators because reports say he’s getting support for confirmation to the position as FBI director where he will have powers to investigate anyone with the legal system, for whatever bonkers or sinister reason, like the stuff he’s mentioned about going after the media on a fringe extremist podcast.

My letter to US Senators many who are planning to confirm this jackass:

Do not allow the incompetent and highly politicized Kash Patel into any position of leadership in government. He has made the most embarrassingly unAmerican anti free speech comments on fringy podcasts. At best won’t be taken seriously and will bungle things, or worse will carry out personal political vendettas and maybe cost people’s lives like he nearly did with the SEAL team that time.

[prasad213]

Wholesale pharmacy in India

Vaccinating people continues to be a challenge all over the world. The major reason is the shortage of vaccines as production has slowed down. Many developing countries still rely on generic medicine exporters in India as a world leader to meet their shortages. India still produces nearly 50% of the required vaccines.

Lotus International is a wholesale pharmacy in India which is helping the global pharma industry to continue with its immunization programs.

Overview of vaccines from India

All children in this world require affordable vaccinations to remain healthy and immunized. They are required to avoid other health-related problems. Vaccinations are still being given for hepatitis B, rubella, diphtheria, measles, mumps and tetanus. Viral diseases like Chikungunya, Zika, hepatitis B, rotavirus and typhoid also require to be stopped. The other vaccines are now being given full attention with cell-based and genetic technologies.

In the last two years, the injections were being made to stop coronavirus. However now the focus is shifting back to developing other inoculations. As a wholesale pharmacy in India, Lotus international has already scaled its production capacity to meet the shortages. The country has several big and small manufacturing companies to produce different injections. As licenses are being renewed they will be sent across to different countries.

India’s strong track record as a vaccine supplier

For a long time, it has been possible for generic medicine exporters in India to deliver cheap medicines. When the AIDS epidemic crossed its limits in Africa, Indian medicines were more popular. They were not only cheap but also effective for the growing number of patients.

The other compelling reasons for India to be a leader are:

Valued R & D center with the manufacturing units. These are the hubs where innovations and experiments are conducted.

Many world pharma companies outsource their needs to Indian companies.

Quality has never been questioned in the world markets.

By sending the latest COVID-19 vaccines, Indian companies have proved they can be relied upon to make emergency vaccines.

High volumes with low costs have been the mantra for successful formulas to work in India’s favor.

The wholesale pharmacy in India has been able to donate vaccines to countries to compete with Russia and China.

Why does Lotus International continue to manufacture and supply?

As a wholesale pharmacy in India, we continue to make antiviral medicines for the domestic and international requirements. Arresting viral infections that can be life-threatening is critical as they rapidly grow. Primarily, our vaccines continue to help people in remaining healthy. As travel and restrictions are lifted our production goes full scale.

We are already supplying bulk orders of Baraclude, Cymevene, Genvir and Fortovase. Our production capacity to make anti-cancer, anti-diabetic agents, growth hormones, weight loss and hair loss products are very popular.

Lotus International is one of the leading suppliers of vaccines and other generic drugs in the world. We are ISO 9001:2015 certified company and government-recognized export house. No matter in which time zone, your pharma business is located, we can send supplies.

[global-research-report]

From Concept to Cure: Transforming Antibody Production Through Expertise

The global antibody contract manufacturing market size is expected to reach USD 31.76 billion by 2030, registering a CAGR of 10.1% from 2025 to 2030, according to a new report by Grand View Research, Inc. Rise in demand for the production of therapeutic antibodies is the main factor that will drive the growth of the market during the forecast period. Antibodies are the leading biopharmaceutical products that precisely target abnormal cells. Thus, many biopharmaceutical companies have begun to focus on the development of advanced antibodies for the treatment of chronic diseases such as cancer, arthritis, and rheumatic heart disease. The impact of COVID-19 has boosted the market growth, with the application of monoclonal antibodies therapy used as a treatment for COVID-19 patients.

A surge in the R&D budget for the production of antibodies by key players is also driving the growth of the market. For the ongoing fight against COVID-19, Monoclonal antibody (mAb) therapy is proven to be an effective treatment. The aim of this treatment is to prevent hospitalizations, decrease viral loads, and minimize symptom severity.

During the coronavirus outburst, the supply chain of biopharmaceutical companies remained robust and was largely unaffected worldwide. Similarly, antibody contract manufacturers are observing a rise in demand for the production of antibodies that will be used for treatments related to the COVID-19 vaccine and therapeutics. Thus, the future holds numerous opportunities for the antibody contract manufacturing market. For instance, in December 2021, an agreement was formed between Samsung Biologics and AstraZeneca to manufacture Evusheld, which is an amalgamation of binary antibodies in development for the potential treatment of COVID-19.

The growth of CMOs is greatly dependent on favorable opportunities offered by the biopharmaceutical industry. Expansion and increasing robustness of venture capital investments for the life science sector are two important opportunities that are anticipated to drive the market. For instance, in 2022, FUJIFILM Diosynth Biotechnologies announced an expansion in North Carolina; with this expansion, the company will increase skilled positions including researchers and scientists by 2024 to generate strong commercial processes

Antibodies Contract Manufacturing Market Report Highlights

Monoclonal antibodies-based antibody contract manufacturing captured the largest market share about 76.42% in 2024, owing to the high penetration of mammalian expression systems for biologics development

Based on the source offered in this market, the mammalian segment contributed the largest share of 57.52% in 2024, as they are considered a more reliable, robust, and relatively mature technology

Asia Pacific is expected to emerge as the fastest-growing regional market during forecast period, owing to developing economies such as India, South Korea, and China incorporating developments to sustain the competition

Segments Covered in the Report

This report forecasts revenue growth and provides an analysis of the latest trends in each of the sub-segments from 2018 to 2030. For this study, Grand View Research has segmented the global antibody contract manufacturing market based on product, source, end-use, and region:

Antibody Contract Manufacturing Product Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2018 - 2030)

Monoclonal Antibodies

Polyclonal Antibodies

Others

Antibody Contract Manufacturing Source Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2018 - 2030)

Mammalian

Microbial

Antibody Contract Manufacturing End-use Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2018 - 2030)

Biopharmaceutical Companies

Research Laboratories

Others

Antibody Contract Manufacturing Regional Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2018 - 2030)

North America

US

Canada

Mexico

Europe

UK

Germany

France

Italy

Spain

Denmark

Sweden

Norway

Asia Pacific

India

China

Japan

South Korea

Australia

Thailand

Latin America

Brazil

Argentina

Middle East and Africa (MEA)

South Africa

Saudi Arabia

UAE

Kuwait

Order a free sample PDF of the Antibody Contract Manufacturing Market Intelligence Study, published by Grand View Research.

[mizelaneus]

Now

[webntrmpt2x]

Now

[biotichealthcare]

The report published by Kearney in collaboration with the Confederation of Indian Industry titled “Taking India’s life sciences industry to the global stage”, reported that “India’s vaccines industry can grow from $2 billion to $4 billion or even $5 billion”. This has been made possible by a number of factors prominent being the inclusion of vaccines in the product portfolios of several domestic and global pharmaceutical companies. With the pandemic kicking in 2019 end, the entire world came together to build an effective vaccine to fight against the deadly coronavirus.

This report speaks a lot about the Indian biosimilars and vaccines industries and how it is competing globally and scopes for India in the global biosimilars and vaccines industry. It lays down the challenges faced by the Indian pharmaceutical industry and how we can overcome these. It lays down abundant solutions to the challenges faced and how India can ace the Global Pharma sector and command its worthy position both in terms of volume and value.

Indian Vaccine Industry 

The global Pharmaceutical industry has made vaccines their priority. India commands a massive 40% share of the global vaccine industry by volume. India has been playing a pivotal role in combating deadly diseases for years and now the coronavirus pandemic. India is all set to grow to hold a more significant place in the global pharma industry in the coming years. With the introduction of newer and better technologies such as gene therapies, Ai-based informatics, etc has opened boundless opportunities to conduct research and experimentation and develop innovative and effective medications.

India already possesses a strong local pharma industry, fundamentally strong technical capabilities, and rich scientific acumen, that has helped us emerge as an innovational hub of the world. India is the global supplier of drugs and medicines and everybody prefers India for its low-cost manufacturing processes and affordable drugs.

However, Indian Pharmaceutical Industry still lags behind in terms of the value of our market share through being the third-largest volume producer. India faces several challenges that need to be overcome. COVID pandemic offers a great opportunity for India to take a step ahead to bag the top position both in terms of volume and value.

Massive Scope for Global Vaccine supply

There is abundant scope for the export of COVID-19 vaccines globally to countries unable to manufacture vaccines on their own. Moreover, there are several diseases globally that need vaccination, and these infectious diseases amount to more than 70% of the world population. Many countries rely on India for the supply of vaccine doses to combat various infectious diseases. Our own nation has a huge demand for vaccines owing to the huge population count and prevalence of abundant diseases such as diphtheria, tetanus, hepatitis B, measles, mumps, rubella, etc.

India has long been involved in supplying the highly required vaccines to several developing nations at the most affordable prices. So now also the world relied on India for COVID vaccine and India proved to be the biggest exporter of Covid vaccines globally. India itself faced a shortage of vaccines initially due to the heavy burden on the limited resources besides having huge commitments globally. Only two vaccine manufacturers i.e. Serum Institute of India (SII) and Bharat Biotech were operational in the beginning. With limited manufacturing resources, it became difficult to meet both domestic and global vaccine requirements.

This shows the scope for vaccine manufacturing in India provided we develop the required infrastructure and support our pharma medicine developers with the latest and advanced technologies to conduct their research. India requires a favorable statutory and political environment to lead the world with its pharmaceutical products. To be the global leader in terms of value, India needs to be more research-oriented to develop unique formulations to treat health conditions and obtaining Intellectual Property Rights. This is how India can occupy a major pharma share both in terms of volume as well as value.

[covid-safer-hotties]

NHS warns of potential 'quad-demic' as flu, norovirus, Covid and RSV cases on the rise - published Dec 5, 2024

Last year they feared a "triple-demic." This year they fear a "quad-demic." Do y'all have to face "quint-" or "sept-demic" before you start masking up to keep airborne diseases from spreading in public places?

Fears of a potential "quad-demic" are rising, with a 350% increase in flu cases and an 86% rise in norovirus cases in hospitals compared to the same week last year, the NHS England has said.

The health service has said it is "busier than it has ever been before" this winter, with cases of Covid-19 and RSV (respiratory syncytial virus) also increasing in hospital wards.

Those who are eligible, and NHS staff, are being urged to get their vaccinations without delay as virus levels rise, with pressure on hospitals expected to increase further over the coming weeks.

So, how bad are the difficulties faced by the NHS this winter? Here, ITV News takes a look at the latest figures.

What is a quad-demic?

A quad-demic is a way of describing the co-circulation of four "very common viruses" at this time of year – influenza virus, RSV, coronavirus and norovirus.

"The first three are respiratory viruses – they cause colds and more severe diseases of the lung; norovirus causes diarrhoea and vomiting," John Tregoning, a professor in vaccine immunology at Imperial College London, told ITV News.

"They are what are known as endemic viruses – there is low level circulation of them most of the time, as opposed to pandemics which are the massive outbreaks."

"Viral infections are more common in winter. They tend to peak in the last four weeks of one year and the first four weeks of the following one," he added.

How much are cases rising this winter?

New weekly figures, published for the first time this year, show a 350% increase in flu cases, and an 89% rise in norovirus cases in hospitals compared to the same week last year.

Rising Covid-19 and RSV levels are also a concern, with an average of 1,390 patients with Covid in hospital beds each day last week, and 142 children in hospital each day with RSV.

The NHS says the latest data shows it is going into winter under more pressure than ever before, with an average of 1,099 people in hospital with flu every day last week compared to 243 in the same week last year – the highest number of cases heading into winter for at least three years.

"We are still only at the start of December, so we expect pressure to increase and there is a long winter ahead of us," said NHS national medical director, Professor Sir Stephen Powis.

“For a while there have been warnings of a ‘tripledemic’ of Covid, flu and RSV this winter, but with rising cases of norovirus this could fast become a ‘quad-demic’ so it’s important that if you haven’t had your Covid or flu jab to follow the lead of millions of others and come forward and get protected as soon as possible," he added.

New figures from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) also show tuberculosis (TB) levels in England increased by 11% last year, with 4,855 notifications of the disease in 2023, up from 4,380 in 2022.

How much pressure are ambulance services under?

Pressure on ambulance service is "incredibly high", the NHS said. The service transported 90,514 patients to hospitals in England last week, compared to 83,873 during the same period in 2023.

Meanwhile, 35,022 hours were lost to handover delays, up 87% from 18,703 this time last year. There were 413,426 calls to NHS 111 last week – with 73.1% answered within a minute, up 4.4% up on last year.

How crowded are hospitals?

An average of 96,587 adult general and acute hospital beds in England were occupied each day last week, the NHS has said, which is more than at this point in any other year.

The health service warns this could increase in the coming weeks, with problems discharging patients who no longer need to be in hospital continuing to have an impact on capacity.

An average of 11,969 beds each day last week were occupied by patients who were ready for discharge, taking up one in eight of all occupied adult beds.

Patricia Marquis, executive director for England for the Royal College of Nursing, said: “There is barely a spare bed in our NHS, with sky-high flu admissions and thousands stuck in hospital unable to be discharged due to a lack of capacity in social care.

“Before the cold weather hits, nursing staff and patients are desperately worried about what the coming weeks and months may bring.” Saffron Cordery, interim chief executive of NHS Providers, said: “Services are already feeling the strain from a worrying spike in nasty winter bugs and bad weather.

"Flu, norovirus, RSV and Covid-19 are piling the pressure on already stretched services and staff, and this is likely to get worse as we head into the depths of winter."

In addition to high bed occupancy and a lag in hospital discharges, Ms Cordery warned social care and community services are "also under relentless pressure".

What are the NHS and government doing about this?

The NHS has put measures in place to manage extra demand during winter, including an upgrade of its 24-hour live data centres, strengthening same-day emergency care and offering more fall services for older people.

In September, an independent review by Lord Darzi warned years of underinvestment have left the NHS with an ageing estate and outdated tech, making it harder for staff to deliver the best possible care. The government and NHS are now engaging the public, patients and staff in the biggest-ever conversation about the health service.

More than 1.1 million separate visits have been made to Change.nhs.uk, with almost 9,000 ideas now live as part of the 10 Year Health Plan, which aims to deliver an NHS fit for the future.

Professor Powis said services like urgent treatment centres – an alternative to A&E where people are treated for more minor injuries and illnesses that GPs cannot address – and same-day emergency care will be "important this winter" in order to relieve pressure on hospitals.

“As always, the public have an important part to play in helping NHS staff over winter by, as ever, calling 999 in an emergency and using the NHS 111 service through the NHS App, online or phone, for advice on how to access the right support for non-emergency health needs," he added.

Health and Social Care Secretary Wes Streeting said: “We inherited an NHS that is broken but not beaten, and staff are already working hard to tackle an increase in admissions this winter. “We’re backing them with an extra £26 billion secured in the recent Budget and we’ve already resolved the industrial action to ensure A&Es will be strike-free for the first time in three years. “For too long, an annual winter crisis has become the norm. We will deliver long-term reforms through our 10 Year Health Plan that will create a health service that will be there for all of us all year round."

Streeting also encouraged anyone who is eligible to join the 27 million people who have already come forward to receive their flu, RSV and Covid jabs, claiming this is the "best way to protect yourself this winter".

Why are people at a bigger risk of infection during the winter period?

“Infection is a complex mixture of factors a lot of which is down to good or bad luck," said Professor Tregoning. "There are a mixture of behavioural, immunological and virological reasons.

"The simplest, and probably main reason is that in the winter, people will be closer together in confined spaces – in summer you might meet friends for a picnic in winter its more likely to be in your house. This close proximity accelerates the spread of viruses.

"We also, in the UK, have less exposure to the sun in the winter, and there is some level of protection provided by vitamin D. Infections can also happen more when we are tired or run down, and the winter months being colder may in some way leave our bodies a bit more exhausted tipping the balance in the favour of the virus.

"The winter party season may also contribute some spread if people are more run down and also mixing more closely."

Professor Tregoning added that viruses tend to travel in droplets, which are coughed or sneezed up, which evaporate more quickly during the summer, meaning the virus dries out and becomes less infectious.

However, there is some debate over exactly what makes infections more common at the end of the year, according to Paul Hunter, professor of medicine at the University of East Anglia.

He expresses doubt over low vitamin D levels being a significant factor, and says research he has been carrying out with colleagues suggests increased contact between people "doesn't have a great impact" on R0 (the basic reproduction number) to make an infection seasonal.

The drying of nasal membranes due to drier winter air can make it "easier for the virus to infect the lining cells", Prof Hunter added.

What precautions can people take?

Professor Tregoning advised people to follow the same guidance as during the Covid-19 pandemic – hands, face, space.

"Hand washing – particularly for norovirus, but also for the respiratory viruses will slow spread. Wearing masks (properly and using a proper mask) can reduce spread of respiratory viruses," he said.

"If you are feeling ill, reduce contact with other people, where possible. But this is not to say don’t mix with people, being sociable is equally important for our health. Meet in well ventilated spaces if possible."

“And if you are at risk get vaccinated. There are vaccines available for three out of four of the quad-demic. “One really exciting new innovation is that mothers can protect their children by getting an RSV vaccine during pregnancy. RSV is a really horrible disease in children, it leads to hospitalisation of tiny babies. You can give your baby the best possible start in life."

Professor Hunter added: “For most people, it would be very difficult to know whether you had flu, Covid or RSV. Norovirus is very distinct.

"In the early stages of illness it may not be clear how severe the illness may become, but it's best to stay at home, drink plenty and rest until you are feeling better. If needed take medicines like paracetamol or ibuprofen or throat lozenges. If I have a bad throat I tend to make a drink with hot water, lemon and honey and sometimes I add whisky."

[npr-stan]

Coronavirus FAQ: I didn't get the latest COVID vaccine. Should I? And if so ... when? : Goats and Soda https://www.npr.org/sections/goats-and-soda/2024/12/06/g-s1-37016/coronavirus-faq-booster-vaccine-covid

[alamin48]

COVID-19 (Coronavirus): Comprehensive Guide by World Health Organization

COVID-19 has fundamentally changed how societies worldwide approach public health and safety. Since its emergence in late 2019, this infectious disease has affected millions of people across every continent, prompting unprecedented global health measures. The World Health Organization (WHO) continues to lead the international response, providing essential guidance and coordinating worldwide efforts to combat the virus.

This comprehensive guide presents the latest WHO-approved information about COVID-19, including its transmission, prevention strategies, and treatment options. Readers will learn about effective vaccination protocols, testing methods, and proper preventive measures. The guide also examines the global impact of the pandemic and highlights the crucial role of international cooperation in managing this public health challenge.

Understanding COVID-19

The SARS-CoV-2 virus, identified in Wuhan, China in December 2019, represents one of the most significant public health challenges in recent history. This section examines the fundamental aspects of COVID-19, including its definition, transmission patterns, and clinical manifestations.

Definition and causative agent

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is an infectious disease caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus, belonging to the coronavirus family. These viruses are characterized by crown-like spikes on their surface, which facilitate their entry into human cells. The virus primarily targets the respiratory system, though it can affect multiple organ systems throughout the body.

Transmission methods

SARS-CoV-2 spreads through multiple routes, with respiratory transmission being the primary mechanism. The main transmission methods include:

| Transmission Type | Description | | — — — — — — — — — | — — — — — — -| | Respiratory Droplets | Spread through coughing, sneezing, talking, or breathing within close range (within 1 meter) | | Airborne Aerosols | Smaller particles that can remain suspended in air, especially in poorly ventilated spaces | | Surface Contact | Touching contaminated surfaces followed by touching face (though risk is lower) |

The virus demonstrates highest transmissibility in the “Three C’s” settings:

· Crowded places

· Close-contact environments

· Confined spaces with poor ventilation

Common symptoms and severity

COVID-19 affects individuals differently, with symptoms typically appearing 2–14 days after exposure. The disease presents a spectrum of severity levels:

Common Symptoms:

· Fever or chills

· Cough and fatigue

· Loss of taste or smell

· Shortness of breath

· Muscle aches

· Headache

The severity of COVID-19 can range from asymptomatic cases to severe illness. Approximately 80% of infected people experience mild to moderate symptoms, while others may develop severe complications requiring hospitalization. Risk factors for severe illness include advanced age, underlying medical conditions such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, chronic respiratory disease, and compromised immune systems.

Laboratory findings in severe cases often show distinctive patterns, including lymphopenia (47.6%), elevated C-reactive protein levels (65.9%), and abnormal liver function tests (26.4%). Approximately 23% of patients develop severe disease, with a mortality rate of about 6% according to comprehensive meta-analyzes.

Prevention Strategies

Preventing the spread of COVID-19 requires a multi-layered approach combining vaccination, proper hygiene practices, and social measures. The World Health Organization emphasizes these strategies as crucial components in controlling the pandemic’s spread.

Vaccination

Vaccination remains the most effective defense against COVID-19, providing significant protection against severe illness and death. The rapid genetic mapping of the virus enabled swift vaccine development, resulting in multiple approved vaccines worldwide. Current data shows that vaccines demonstrate:

| Vaccine Benefit | Effectiveness | | — — — — — — — — | — — — — — — — -| | Protection against symptomatic disease | 83.5% | | Prevention of severe illness requiring hospitalization | Up to 100% | | Reduction in disease transmission | Significant decrease |

Healthcare authorities strongly encourage employers to provide paid time off for vaccination and recovery from potential side effects. Regular revaccination is recommended for high-risk groups, including older adults and those with compromised immune systems.

Personal hygiene practices

Proper hygiene serves as a fundamental barrier against virus transmission. The WHO emphasizes these essential practices:

· Hand hygiene:

· Wash hands with soap and water for 20–30 seconds

· Use alcohol-based sanitizers (minimum 60% alcohol) when soap is unavailable

· Clean hands after touching common surfaces, using restrooms, or returning home

Regular cleaning and disinfection of high-touch surfaces remain crucial, particularly in shared spaces. This includes doorknobs, tables, light switches, and electronic devices. For optimal protection, use cleaning products containing around 70% alcohol or appropriate disinfectant solutions.

Social distancing and mask-wearing

Physical distancing combined with proper mask usage creates an effective barrier against virus transmission. Studies demonstrate that maintaining a distance of at least one meter significantly reduces infection risk. In indoor settings, proper ventilation plays a vital role in reducing viral particle concentration.

Mask effectiveness depends on proper wearing techniques and appropriate selection. Medical masks and respirators (like N95s) provide the highest protection levels, while well-fitted cloth masks offer moderate protection. For optimal effectiveness, masks should:

· Cover nose, mouth, and chin completely

· Fit snugly against the face without gaps

· Be replaced when wet or dirty

· Be worn consistently in high-risk settings

The CDC and WHO recommend mask wearing in areas with high COVID-19 transmission rates, particularly in crowded indoor spaces with limited ventilation. This recommendation applies especially to individuals at higher risk of severe illness, including older adults and those with underlying health conditions.

Ventilation improvements serve as a key engineering control, particularly in indoor settings. Opening windows, using air purifiers, and upgrading HVAC systems can help reduce the concentration of viral particles in enclosed spaces.

Diagnosis and Treatment

Accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment form the cornerstone of effective COVID-19 management. The World Health Organization has established comprehensive guidelines for testing protocols and treatment approaches, which continue to evolve as new evidence emerges.

Testing methods

Diagnostic testing for COVID-19 employs two primary approaches, each serving different purposes in disease identification. The gold standard test remains the molecular PCR test, which detects viral genetic material with high accuracy. A comparison of available testing methods reveals their distinct characteristics:

| Test Type | Accuracy | Result Time | Best Use Case | | — — — — — -| — — — — — | — — — — — — -| — — — — — — — -| | PCR (molecular) | 95–100% | 1–3 days | Confirmatory testing | | Antigen (rapid) | 80–85% | 15–30 min | Screening, early detection |

For optimal accuracy with antigen tests, the FDA recommends sequential testing: two negative tests 48 hours apart for symptomatic individuals, or three tests for asymptomatic cases. PCR tests typically require only a single test for confirmation.

Available treatments

The WHO has approved several treatment options based on disease severity and patient risk factors. Antiviral medications have shown significant efficacy when administered early in the disease course:

· Nirmatrelvir/ritonavir (Paxlovid):

· Reduces hospitalization risk by 85%

· Most effective when started within 5 days of symptoms

· Recommended for high-risk patients with mild to moderate disease

Remdesivir serves as an alternative treatment option, particularly for hospitalized patients or those at high risk of disease progression. For severe cases, additional therapeutic options include:

· Corticosteroids for patients requiring oxygen

· IL-6 inhibitors for severe inflammation

· JAK inhibitors in specific clinical scenarios

Managing symptoms at home

Most COVID-19 patients with mild to moderate symptoms can recover at home with appropriate care and monitoring. Essential home management strategies include:

Symptom Management:

· Use fever reducers (acetaminophen or ibuprofen)

· Stay hydrated with regular fluid intake

· Rest adequately while maintaining mild activity

· Monitor oxygen levels if possible

Isolation remains crucial during the infectious period, typically lasting 10 days from symptom onset plus an additional 3 days after symptoms resolve. Warning signs requiring immediate medical attention include:

1. Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath

2. Persistent chest pain or pressure

3. New confusion or inability to stay awake

4. Bluish lips or face

For high-risk patients recovering at home, regular communication with healthcare providers helps ensure appropriate monitoring and timely intervention if needed. Telemedicine consultations can facilitate ongoing medical supervision while maintaining isolation protocols.

The effectiveness of treatment largely depends on early intervention, particularly for antiviral medications. Healthcare providers should assess patients promptly after positive test results to determine the most appropriate treatment approach based on individual risk factors and disease severity.

Global Impact and WHO Response

The global response to COVID-19 represents an unprecedented mobilization of international resources and cooperation. Since January 2020, the World Health Organization has spearheaded worldwide efforts to combat the pandemic through coordinated action and evidence-based guidance.

Worldwide statistics

The pandemic’s scope remains significant, with WHO’s Coronavirus Dashboard reporting 765,222,932 cumulative cases worldwide and approximately 6.9 million deaths as of recent data. Vaccination efforts have resulted in the administration of more than 13.3 billion vaccine doses globally, marking a significant achievement in public health response.

The pandemic’s impact extends beyond health metrics:

| Impact Area | Global Effect | | — — — — — — -| — — — — — — — -| | Economic Loss | Trillions in GDP reduction | | Employment | 3.3 billion workers affected | | Food Security | 690 million undernourished | | Healthcare Systems | Significant strain on resources |

WHO guidelines and recommendations

The World Health Organization has maintained a comprehensive framework of guidance documents, regularly updated to reflect emerging evidence. Key WHO initiatives include:

· Strategic Preparedness and Response Plan

· Infection prevention protocols

· Laboratory testing guidelines

· National capacity building measures

· Surveillance systems implementation

The organization has demonstrated agility in response to emerging challenges, particularly through the Solidarity Trial, an international clinical trial designed to identify effective COVID-19 treatments. WHO’s guidance has evolved to address various transmission scenarios, from sporadic cases to community transmission, providing countries with adaptable response frameworks.

International cooperation efforts

The pandemic has highlighted both the strengths and limitations of global health cooperation. The COVAX facility, co-led by WHO, Gavi, and the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI), represents a groundbreaking initiative in ensuring equitable vaccine access. Notable achievements include:

Global Initiatives:

· Creation of the COVID-19 Supply Chain Task Force

· Establishment of the COVID-19 Solidarity Response Fund

· Development of the COVID-19 Law Lab database

· Implementation of the WHO-convened Global Study of Origins

Despite these efforts, challenges persist in international cooperation. The pandemic has exposed political fault lines between nations and eroded trust between people, governments, and institutions. Misinformation and disinformation have complicated response efforts, while economic disparities have led to inequitable access to resources.

The WHO’s response has included innovative approaches to combat these challenges. The organization has strengthened international surveillance systems, implemented new reporting protocols, and established mechanisms for rapid information sharing between countries. The COVID-19 Technology Access Pool facilitates knowledge sharing and technology transfer, while the ACT-Accelerator partnership accelerates development, production, and equitable access to tests, treatments, and vaccines.

Recent developments have shown both progress and ongoing challenges. The WHO’s Emergency Committee has carefully monitored global trends, noting that while immunity has increased through vaccination and infections, new variants continue to emerge. The organization emphasizes the importance of maintaining vigilance while adapting response measures to evolving circumstances.

The pandemic’s impact on global health systems has led to significant reforms in international health regulations and preparedness protocols. WHO has strengthened its capacity for emergency response, implementing lessons learned from the initial outbreak phase. This includes enhanced early warning systems, improved coordination mechanisms, and more robust frameworks for international cooperation during health emergencies.

Conclusion

The COVID-19 pandemic has demonstrated the critical importance of comprehensive disease management strategies at both individual and global levels. Scientific understanding of SARS-CoV-2 has enabled effective prevention methods, from vaccines to social measures, while treatment protocols have evolved significantly through evidence-based research. WHO’s leadership has proved essential in coordinating international responses, establishing guidelines, and promoting equitable access to healthcare resources worldwide.

Medical advances and global cooperation continue to strengthen our ability to combat COVID-19, though challenges remain as the virus evolves. Success in managing this ongoing public health crisis depends on sustained commitment to prevention strategies, prompt testing and treatment, and strong international collaboration. These coordinated efforts, supported by scientific research and public health measures, represent humanity’s best defense against current and future pandemic threats.