A review of COVID-19 vaccines in development: 6 months into the pandemic.

The advent of the COVID-19 pandemic and the dynamics of its spread is unprecedented. Therefore, the need for a vaccine against the virus is huge. Researchers worldwide are working around the clock to find a vaccine.

Immunogenicity of seasonal inactivated influenza and inactivated polio vaccines among children in Senegal: Results from a cluster-randomized trial.

Data on influenza vaccine immunogenicity in children are limited from tropical developing countries. We recently reported significant, moderate effectiveness of a trivalent inactivated influenza vaccine (IIV) in a controlled, cluster-randomized trial in children in rural Senegal during 2009, a year of H3N2 vaccine mismatch (NCT00893906). We report immunogenicity of IIV3 and inactivated polio vaccine (IPV) from that trial.

Effectiveness of Seasonal Influenza Vaccination in Children in Senegal During a Year of Vaccine Mismatch: A Cluster-randomized Trial.

Background: The population effects of influenza vaccination in children have not been extensively studied, especially in tropical, developing countries. In rural Senegal, we assessed the total (primary objective) and indirect effectiveness of a trivalent inactivated influenza vaccine (IIV3).

Methods: In this double-blind, cluster-randomized trial, villages were randomly allocated (1:1) for the high-coverage vaccination of children aged 6 months through 10 years with either the 2008-09 northern hemisphere IIV3 or an inactivated polio vaccine (IPV).

[Innovations in vaccinology: challenge and opportunities for Africa].

Immunization is undoubtedly one of the most effective and most cost-effective health interventions. Vaccines continue to revolutionize our ability to prevent diseases and improve health. With all the technological advances, we are able to extend the benefits of vaccines to more people and to provide better protection from life-threatening infectious diseases.

Correction: Vialard, L., et al. Toward a Socio-Territorial Approach to Health: Health Equity in West Africa. Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2017, 14, 106.

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Toward a Socio-Territorial Approach to Health: Health Equity in West Africa.

This study contributes to the literature about the effects of space and place on health by introducing a socio-territorial approach to urban health disparities in West Africa. It explores how urban spaces, specifically neighbourhoods, are shaped by social and economic relations and strategies of territorial control. We examine the potential influence of socio-territorial processes on vulnerability to disease, access to medical care, healthscapes, and illness experiences.

Zika: what we know and don't know.

Since the initial reports of a link between Zika and microcephaly, researchers across the world began working toward understanding the virus. In a short amount of time, Zika has become a household name, prompting worldwide concern. The virus is spread rapidly by mosquito bites.

A review of the surveillance systems of influenza in selected countries in the tropical region.

Influenza viruses cause annual epidemics of respiratory tract disease that affect all age groups. Many developing countries do not have an influenza surveillance system or adequate laboratory capacity for virus detection. The objective of this study was to describe the influenza surveillance systems in the different countries in the tropics and to identify outstanding research needs.

Immunogenicity and safety of a meningococcal A conjugate vaccine in Africans.

Background: Group A meningococci are the source of major epidemics of meningitis in Africa. An affordable, highly immunogenic meningococcal A conjugate vaccine is needed.

Methods: We conducted two studies in Africa to evaluate a new MenA conjugate vaccine (PsA-TT).

In vitro vasorelaxation mechanisms of bioactive compounds extracted from Hibiscus sabdariffa on rat thoracic aorta.

Background: In this study, we suggested characterizing the vasodilator effects and the phytochemical characteristics of a plant with food usage also used in traditional treatment of arterial high blood pressure in Senegal.

Methods: Vascular effects of crude extract of dried and powdered calyces of Hibiscus sabdariffa were evaluated on isolated thoracic aorta of male Wistar rats on organ chambers. The crude extract was also enriched by liquid-liquid extraction.