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FDA Approves First mRNA-Based Flu Vaccine by Moderna for Adults Over 50

FDA Approves First mRNA-Based Flu Vaccine by Moderna for Adults Over 50

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved the first mRNA-based flu vaccine, mFLUSIVA, developed by Moderna, for adults aged 50 and older. This approval is a significant milestone in the use of mRNA technology beyond COVID-19 vaccines. The vaccine was found to be 27% more effective than standard flu shots in clinical trials involving over 40,000 participants. The mRNA platform allows for quicker production and potentially better matching of vaccines to circulating flu strains. Despite initial hesitance from the FDA and the Department of Health and Human Services, the vaccine's approval reflects its potential to address public health challenges.
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Ebola Outbreak in DR Congo Escalates Amidst Healthcare Worker Strikes

Ebola Outbreak in DR Congo Escalates Amidst Healthcare Worker Strikes

The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) is experiencing a rapidly escalating Ebola outbreak, with new cases doubling in certain hotspots. The World Health Organization (WHO) has expressed concern over the outbreak outpacing current response efforts. In Ituri Province, the epicenter of the outbreak, healthcare workers have gone on strike due to unpaid wages, further complicating the response. The U.S. Department of State has announced an additional $242 million in funding to support Ebola response and preparedness in the region. The outbreak has resulted in 3,874 confirmed cases and 1,751 deaths as of the latest reports.
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FDA Approves Moderna's mRNA Flu Vaccine for Older Adults, Offering New Protection

FDA Approves Moderna's mRNA Flu Vaccine for Older Adults, Offering New Protection

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved Moderna's mRNA-based flu vaccine, mFlusiva, marking a significant advancement in flu prevention for adults aged 50 and older. This approval is the first of its kind for a non-COVID-related mRNA vaccine in the United States. The vaccine is initially approved for individuals aged 50 to 64, with further studies planned for those over 65. Clinical trials demonstrated that mFlusiva is 26.6% more effective than traditional flu vaccines. Moderna plans to make the vaccine available at select retailers soon, as other flu vaccines are already arriving in pharmacies for the upcoming vaccination season.
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Virginia Reports First Locally Acquired Dengue Case Amid Global Surge

Virginia Reports First Locally Acquired Dengue Case Amid Global Surge

The Virginia Department of Health has confirmed the state's first locally acquired case of dengue, a mosquito-borne viral disease. The infected individual had not traveled internationally but was in contact with another resident who had recently returned from overseas with dengue. Health officials believe a local mosquito transmitted the virus from the traveler to the second patient. The case highlights the increasing presence of mosquito-borne diseases in non-endemic U.S. states, driven by factors such as warming temperatures, international travel, and urbanization.
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US Approves First mRNA Flu Vaccine Amidst Research Funding Shift

US Approves First mRNA Flu Vaccine Amidst Research Funding Shift

The United States has approved its first mRNA-based flu vaccine, mFLUSIVA, developed by Moderna. This approval by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is a milestone in modernizing flu vaccine development. The vaccine is targeted at adults aged 50 and older and is expected to be available for the 2026-2027 flu season. The approval comes a year after the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) ceased funding for mRNA vaccine research, citing a shift towards alternative solutions. Despite this, the vaccine's approval is seen as a significant step forward in public health.
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Understanding the Term 'Lockdowns' During the Covid Pandemic

Understanding the Term 'Lockdowns' During the Covid Pandemic

The term 'lockdown' became widely used during the Covid pandemic to describe various restrictions imposed to curb the virus's spread. Initially used in media reports about China's measures in Wuhan, the term was adopted globally to describe severe restrictions on movement, such as those in Italy, Spain, and France. In the U.S., the response was more fragmented, with state and local governments implementing varying degrees of restrictions. The term 'lockdown' was not officially used in government communications but became a shorthand in media and public discourse. The Collins English Dictionary named 'lockdown' the word of the year for 2020, reflecting its widespread use.
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U.S. Increases Ebola Funding to $512 Million Amid Congo Outbreak

U.S. Increases Ebola Funding to $512 Million Amid Congo Outbreak

The U.S. State Department has pledged an additional $242 million to combat the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo, bringing total U.S. assistance to $512 million. This funding supports emergency operations for the next six months, aiding over 180 health facilities and delivering nearly 300 tons of medical supplies. The outbreak, caused by the Bundibugyo strain, is the second-largest in history and poses significant challenges due to delayed virus detection, weak surveillance, and ongoing armed conflict. The lack of vaccines for this strain further complicates containment efforts.
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WHO Initiatives Aim to Improve Global Child Nutrition and Breastfeeding Practices

WHO Initiatives Aim to Improve Global Child Nutrition and Breastfeeding Practices

The World Health Organization (WHO) is actively working to enhance child nutrition and breastfeeding practices worldwide. According to recent reports, WHO, in collaboration with UNICEF, has developed training courses for health workers to support breastfeeding mothers and monitor child growth. This initiative aims to prevent malnutrition and obesity in children. WHO's efforts include promoting exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months of life and continuing breastfeeding up to two years or beyond. The organization is also working to prevent inappropriate marketing of breastmilk substitutes through the Network for Global Monitoring and Support for Implementation of the International Code of Marketing of Breast-milk Substitutes, known as NetCode. WHO's comprehensive plan on maternal, infant, and young child nutrition, endorsed in 2012, includes targets to increase exclusive breastfeeding rates to at least 50% by 2025.
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Explainer-Why Congo's Ebola outbreak is spreading faster than previous epidemics

Explainer-Why Congo's Ebola outbreak is spreading faster than previous epidemics

By Clement Bonnerot and Jessica Donati DAKAR, Aug 5 (Reuters) - The Ebola epidemic in Democratic Republic of Congo is on track to surpass 4,000 cases this week and has been described as the fastest spreading on record since it was officially declared in May.  
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Why Congo's Ebola outbreak is spreading faster than previous epidemics

Why Congo's Ebola outbreak is spreading faster than previous epidemics

By Clement Bonnerot and Jessica Donati DAKAR, Aug 5 (Reuters) - The Ebola epidemic in Democratic Republic of Congo is on track to surpass 4,000 cases this week and has been described as the fastest spreading on record since it was officially declared in May.  
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NJ Rep. Chris Smith Urged to Defend U.S. Global Health Programs Amid Budget Debates

NJ Rep. Chris Smith Urged to Defend U.S. Global Health Programs Amid Budget Debates

New Jersey Representative Chris Smith is being called upon to defend U.S. global health programs as Congress works on the FY2027 appropriations packages. Smith, who chairs the Subcommittee on Africa, Global Health, and Human Rights, is recognized for his advocacy in human rights and health issues. The focus is on maintaining funding for programs like PEPFAR, the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria, and Gavi. These programs have been pivotal in combating diseases globally, with PEPFAR alone supporting antiretroviral treatment for millions. The call to action emphasizes the moral responsibility to continue funding these initiatives, which have saved countless lives and stabilized communities.
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US will nearly double financial commitment to Ebola response

US will nearly double financial commitment to Ebola response

By Aaron Ross Aug 5 (Reuters) - The U.S. State Department on Wednesday nearly doubled its financial commitment to the Ebola response in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, announcing plans to provide an additional $242 million to combat the second-largest outbreak of the disease in history.