Disease X is a term used to describe a potential new infectious agent that has not yet been identified but could pose a significant threat to human health in the future. As public health agencies and governments globally prepare for the next infectious disease emergency, the challenge of preparing for an unknown threat like Disease X remains.

At the Global Pandemic Preparedness Summit held in Accra, experts and stakeholders in vaccine development and research discussed strategies for addressing future health crises. Key themes included enhancing equitable access to vaccines and other health technologies by strengthening local and regional production capabilities.

Professor Barney Graham, a virologist and clinical trials physician at Morehouse School of Medicine in Atlanta, emphasized the importance of pandemic preparedness. He highlighted the vast reservoir of viruses in Africa and the need for robust surveillance efforts to detect new viral threats. “Africa’s rich biodiversity and varied ecologies mean new viruses could emerge at any time. Intensifying surveillance efforts is crucial for virus discovery,” Professor Graham stated.

Since 2015, the World Health Organization (WHO) has implemented the WHO Research and Development (R&D) Blueprint for Epidemics, a comprehensive global research strategy and preparedness plan.

Professor William Ampofo, CEO of the National Vaccine Institute, detailed ongoing efforts to enhance vaccine research and development in Ghana. He noted that the Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research is setting up a facility dedicated to the R&D of vaccines, particularly protein-based ones. “With additional funding, we have facilitated discussions between development partners and research institutions to align research programs with vaccine R&D needs,” Professor Ampofo explained.

Regarding surveillance, Professor Ampofo highlighted the "One Health" program, which monitors priority diseases like Avian Influenza and other zoonotic infections that may emerge from animals.

The quicker availability of vaccines, antivirals, monoclonal antibodies, and diagnostic tests during an infectious disease emergency translates into lives saved. The Global Pandemic Preparedness Summit was organized by the Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, the National Vaccine Institute, and Morehouse School of Medicine, USA.

Source by 3news.com