Recently, A new project aiming to accelerate the development and accessibility of human avian influenza (H5N1) messenger RNA (mRNA) vaccine candidates for manufacturers in low- and middle-income countries has been launched.
- This will be done through mRNA Technology Transfer Programme (MTTP) of WHO, which will supplement the ongoing work under the Pandemic Influenza Preparedness (PIP) Framework.
mRNA Technology Transfer Programme of WHO
- About: WHO created the mRNA technology transfer programme (mRNA TT Programme) in mid-2021 to meet requests from low- and middle-income countries (LMIC) for support in developing their local vaccine manufacturing capacity and responding to the COVID-19 pandemic.
- It was initially set up as a technology development Hub in South Africa, that would transfer the technology to several spokes, or technology recipients, in around 15 LMICs.
About Pandemic Influenza Preparedness (PIP) Framework
- About: The PIP Framework brings together Member States, industry, other stakeholders and WHO to implement a global approach to pandemic influenza preparedness and response.
- Its key goals include:
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- To improve and strengthen the sharing of influenza viruses with human pandemic potential
- To increase the access of developing countries to vaccines and other pandemic related supplies.
- The Framework was developed by Member States.
- It came into effect on 24 May 2011 when it was unanimously adopted by the Sixty-fourth World Health Assembly (2011).
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About Avian Influenza A H5N1 Bird Flu
- H5N1 is a type of influenza virus that causes severe respiratory disease in birds.
- Transmission: Humans are also at risk but they rarely contract bird flu.
- Most of the cases of human infection involve people who have. prolonged or close exposure to H5N1-infected animals such as farm/poultry workers, are at a higher risk.
- Cases of Human Infection: Human infections with H5N1 were first reported in 1997 during a poultry outbreak in Hong Kong.
- Treatment: The antiviral Oseltamivir
- There are also vaccine candidates that have been developed, but not readily available, for H5N1.
- Potential of Pandemic: Avian influenza is not on the WHO priority list of pathogens of pandemic potential.
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About mRNA
- Messenger RNA (abbreviated mRNA) is a type of single-stranded RNA involved in protein synthesis. mRNA is made from a DNA template during the process of transcription.
- The role of mRNA is to carry protein information from the DNA in a cell’s nucleus to the cell’s cytoplasm (watery interior), where the protein-making machinery reads the mRNA sequence and translates each three-base codon into its corresponding amino acid in a growing protein chain.
mRNA (messenger RNA) Vaccine Technology
- It represents a revolutionary approach to preventing infectious diseases and has garnered significant attention, especially for its role in combating COVID-19.
- Working: This technology involves using synthetic mRNA to instruct cells to produce proteins that trigger an immune response.
August 9, 2024
