Vaccine research: WHO calls the shots
Article Abstract:
One project expected to emerge from the "Children's Summit", which will be held at the United Nations, is the Children's Vaccine Initiative. This plan for vaccinating all the world's children is being developed by the World Health Organization (WHO) and other international groups. The WHO has already been extremely successful at implementing vaccination against childhood diseases around the world. As recently as 1974, only 5 percent of children in developing countries were being vaccinated; today, 66 to 81 percent are vaccinated. However, much work remains to be done. Since 1974, there has not been a single introduction of a new vaccine in the Western world. Developers of new vaccines might use genetic engineering to combine antigens from several disease-causing organisms, thereby reducing the number of different doses required. New vaccines might be more efficacious, and thus require fewer booster shots. Perhaps more importantly, genetic engineering might be able to produce vaccines which would be resistant to degradation by the heat to which they are exposed in many tropical countries. Perhaps ironically, in a world of advanced biotechnology, keeping vaccines cool on their way to children continues to be a major difficulty. As the Children's Vaccine Initiative gains momentum, it may be possible for vaccine research, which has been largely stagnant in the United States, to become active again. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)
Publication Name: Nature
Subject: Zoology and wildlife conservation
ISSN: 0028-0836
Year: 1990
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WHO to aid Eastern Europe
Article Abstract:
AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome) has not been considered a major problem in Eastern Europe; a total of only 306 cases were reported at the end of 1989. However, recent reports at a Copenhagen meeting indicated that the number of AIDS cases is considerably higher, with Bulgaria reporting 154 HIV-positive individuals (human immunodeficiency virus, the virus associated with AIDS), the Soviet Union 899, and Yugoslavia 1,713. The largest numbers of HIV-positive cases occur in countries with drug abuse problems. The World Health Organization (WHO) plans to establish AIDS education, testing, and monitoring programs in all Eastern Europe countries (except Albania); WHO's goal is to formulate an 'action plan' against the disease. The countries involved report that they now screen all blood for HIV-virus prior to transfusion, but this claim is viewed with some skepticism by David Heymann, a WHO epidemiologist. To monitor the spread of AIDS, further testing of unnamed individuals and volunteers is planned. The change in attitude regarding AIDS transmission and epidemiology by Eastern Europe governments is welcome and WHO is actively pursuing the AIDS campaign in Eastern Europe. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)
Publication Name: Nature
Subject: Zoology and wildlife conservation
ISSN: 0028-0836
Year: 1990
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Greens oppose EPO plant
Article Abstract:
A dispute in West Germany between the biotechnology company Behringwerke and opponents of genetic engineering headed by the Green party centers on the opening of a biotechnology plant which is to produce bioengineered erythropoietin (EPO). EPO, a factor normally produced in the kidneys to stimulate the development of red blood cells which carry oxygen throughout the body, is used in treating patients with kidney failure. At a public licensing hearing the Greens presented nearly 2,000 written objections to the plant based upon the moral and ethical aspects of genetic engineering. They also raised objections on the safety of the genetic vector or carrier of the EPO gene, asserting that the vector, which is a bovine virus (pertaining to cattle), may be harmful if humans could be infected by it. The Greens also protested that since the cells used to grow the bovine virus contain another virus, these two viruses could recombine or join together as one virus with the potential for harm. Spokespersons for the company say there is no evidence that any of these objections are scientifically sound. However, these matters must be resolved before a license is issued for EPO or any bioengineered product.
Publication Name: Nature
Subject: Zoology and wildlife conservation
ISSN: 0028-0836
Year: 1989
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