Publications by authors named "Shona Lee"

rVSVΔG-ZEBOV-GP and Ad26.ZEBOV, MVA-BN-Filo are WHO-prequalified vaccination regimens against Ebola virus disease (EVD). Challenges associated with measuring long-term clinical protection warrant the evaluation of immune response kinetics after vaccination.

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Background: In May 2020, the Scottish Government launched Test and Protect, a test, trace and isolate programme for COVID-19 that includes a PCR testing component. The programme's success depended on the willingness of members of the public to seek out testing when they experienced symptoms and to comply with guidelines on isolation should they test positive. Drawing on qualitative interview-based research, this paper analyses public understandings, expectations, and experiences of COVID-19 testing during the early stages of the programme.

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Article Synopsis
  • The paper investigates health worker experiences in Sierra Leone related to vaccine trials and laboratory improvements following Ebola, highlighting the importance of human elements in epidemic response.
  • It emphasizes that being 'prepared' goes beyond staffing and includes nurturing fragile relationships among health workers, communities, governments, and international organizations.
  • The analysis calls for a shift in perspective to prioritize the safety and well-being of frontline workers, recognizing their critical role in effective emergency response.
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The recent approval of fexinidazole for human African trypanosomiasis (HAT) caused by enables improved patient management that is pivotal to elimination. Effective in both the early and late stages of the disease, it obviates the need for invasive lumbar punctures which guide therapy, in some patients. Unlike existing injectable treatments requiring systematic hospitalisation, fexinidazole's oral administration will allow many patients to be treated in an outpatient or home-based setting.

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Background: The recent development of rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs) for human African trypanosomiasis (HAT) enables elimination programmes to decentralise serological screening services to frontline health facilities. However, patients must still undertake multiple onwards referral steps to either be confirmed or discounted as cases. Accurate surveillance thus relies not only on the performance of diagnostic technologies but also on referral support structures and patient decisions.

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