A research and development Blueprint for action to prevent epidemics

A research and development Blueprint for action to prevent epidemics WHO is developing a web based tool to facilitate discussions between parties and ensure that all those involved with negotiating the movement of samples are empowered to protect their interests. The tool specifically addresses benefit sharing, and discusses in detail possible approaches that can be used to share samples and benefits on the same footing. It provides concrete, real world examples of how these can be embedded in an MTA. The public consultation on the draft MTA tool text content closed on 16 June. http://www.hookeygin.uk A first version of the draft online tool will be made available for consultation later this year. Read more on biological samples and data sharing Nipah virus is one of the pathogens in the WHO R Blueprint list of epidemic threats needing urgent R action. Nipah virus was first identified during an outbreak of disease that took place in Malaysia http://www.lfent.co.uk in 1998. Both animal to human and human to human transmission have been documented. From 1998 to 2015, more than 600 cases of Nipah virus human infections were reported. Subsequent outbreaks in India and Bangladesh have occurred with high case fatality. WHO has finalized a Nipah virus vaccine target product profile, which is available here after comments from a public consultation were addressed. Lassa Fever is one of the pathogens in the WHO R Blueprint list of epidemic threats needing urgent R action. It is an acute viral haemorrhagic illness caused by Lassa virus, first identified in1969 in Nigeria. It is endemic in Benin, Guinea, Liberia, Mali, Sierra Leone, and Nigeria with peaks in incidence closely related to seasonal patterns. Lassa virus is transmitted to humans via contact with food or household items contaminated with rodent urine or faeces. Person to person infections and laboratory transmission can also occur, particularly in hospitals lacking adequate infection prevention and control measures. WHO has finalized a Lassa Fever vaccine target product profile for preventive use, which is available here after comments from a public consultation were addressed.