Global health news briefs

September/October 2023 | Volume 22 Number 5

NIH launches HIV vaccine trial

A trial of a preventive HIV vaccine candidate has begun enrollment in the U.S. and South Africa. The Phase 1 trial will evaluate a novel vaccine known for its safety and ability to induce an HIV-specific immune response in people. The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) is contributing funding for this study.

USAID publishes health system strengthening case studies

USAID has published several briefs that describe health systems strengthening approaches that have been successfully applied in USAID-supported settings. Briefs cover a variety of topics—from financial services for health to incorporating digital technologies into social and behavior change programming—and include case studies.

WHO publishes TB control handbook

The handbook provides practical advice on how to implement WHO recommendations on tuberculosis (TB) infection prevention and control within the clinical and programmatic management of TB, using a public health approach. It is the first in a modular series of practical guides meant to aid in various aspects of the programmatic management  of TB.

Global Fund to offer reduced HIV treatment

The Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria (the Global Fund), together with its partners and generic pharmaceutical manufacturers, plan to offer tenofovir disoproxil fumarate, lamivudine and dolutegravir (TLD), a first-line HIV treatment, for under US$45 per person, per year. This will allow governments in resource-limited settings to expand access to critical HIV services.

WHO releases hypertension impact report

The first-ever report from WHO provides statistics on the global burden of hypertension and recommendations and tools for nations to enhance hypertension prevention, control, and surveillance. The report also includes "hypertension profiles" for each member state outlining current burden and control measures for this disease.

Updated October 17, 2023

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