Global health news briefs
July / August 2020 | Volume 19, Number 4
NIH issues plan for COVID-19 research
NIH has developed a framework for accelerating the development of therapeutic interventions, vaccines and diagnostics for SARS-CoV-2. The
NIH-Wide Strategic Plan for COVID-19 Research includes five cross-cutting strategies that draw upon the agency’s unique position to coordinate a swift research response to the pandemic.
WHO releases COVID infodemic advice
Strategies on how to effectively manage the COVID-19 infodemic were explored during a recent online consultation organized by the WHO. The goal was to crowdsource ideas from an interdisciplinary group of global experts and the 1,300 participants. Video presentations, a meeting summary and other materials are available online.
FNIH launches global malaria effort
A new initiative will advance the safe and responsible exploration of genetic biocontrol technologies, a set of tools with the potential to save lives particularly among those afflicted with malaria. The GeneConvene Global Collaborative was announced by the Foundation for the NIH.
New research ethics guidance released
Ethics guidance has been produced by an international working group to advance responsible HIV co-infection research in pregnant women. This population is commonly excluded from research and the resulting evidence gaps have put them and their children in harm's way. The NIH's National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) funded the project, with technical assistance from Fogarty.
Gender toolkit for health workers developed
A package of materials - including modules on unconscious biases, mentorship and sexual harassment - has been developed to offer health workers and organizations the skills and strategies needed to respond to gender disparities in health leadership. The participatory toolkit was developed by Jhpiego, an affiliate of Johns Hopkins University.
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