Breaking the malaria barrier: L9LS antibody offers hope against the disease Breaking the malaria barrier: L9LS antibody offers hope against the disease Content Editor: Dr. Chinmay May 9, 2024 The New England Journal of Medicine Malaria, Monoclonal antibody, international health news A new research study published in the New England Journal of Medicine shows promise for a potential malaria prevention breakthrough. A single subcutaneous injection of an antibody called L9LS protected children in Mali by up to 77% during the 6-month malaria season. The antibody was developed by scientists at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and had previously demonstrated 80% protection in adults during a phase 1 clinical trial. The researchers conducted a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled phase 2 trial with 225 children aged 6-10 in Mali, giving them either a 150mg or 300mg dose of L9LS or a placebo injection. All participants received a standard artemether-lumefantrine treatment 7 to 12 days before L9LS or a placebo to eliminate any existing infection. The main focus was to detect P. falciparum in the blood, with or without symptoms, through regular blood smear checks every two weeks for the following 6 months. When compared to traditional preventive measures like seasonal chemical interventions, monoclonal antibodies have advantages, especially in low-income countries, because of their one-time administration and potentially better adherence . Click here to read more.

Mysterious Illness Sparks Public Health Crisis in Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) Mysterious Illness Sparks Public Health Crisis in Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) Content Editor: Dr M Kasif May 19, 2025 The Guardian One health, Outbreak Investigation, Disease Surveillance Health workers in the DRC have reported a mysterious illness that has killed over 50 people in five weeks. The outbreak, linked to children who ate a bat, has spread across Équateur province. By March 4, around 1,300 cases and 50 deaths were recorded in Bomate and Boloko villages. Symptoms like fever, vomiting, and internal bleeding have led to deaths within 48 hours. The WHO ruled out Ebola and Marburg but is investigating malaria, food poisoning, typhoid, meningitis, and viral fevers. Limited health infrastructure hampers containment measures. With no confirmed links between clusters, urgent action is needed to prevent further spread.

Rate of out-of-pocket expenditure in health decreases in India Rate of out-of-pocket expenditure in health decreases in India Content Editor: Dr. Anubhav Mondal April 28, 2023 The HIndu Bureau Health expenditure, Health Insurance, Out-of-pocket expenditure Health out-of-pocket expenditure from total health expenditure has declined from 62.4% in 2014-15 to 47.1% in 2019-20 . Government health expenditure share in country’s share in country’s total GDP , increased from 1.13% (2014-15) to 1.35% (2019-2020) . The share of private health insurance is also going up . According to a NITI Aayog member , this shows maturity in terms of the insurance arena as those who can afford health insurance, can also avail from private players . For further reading, click here .

Revised guidelines for international travel with regards to COVID-19 Revised guidelines for international travel with regards to COVID-19 Content Editor: Dr. Tanya July 5, 2024 Ministry of Health and Family Welfare International Travel, COVID-19, Guidelines As the global COVID-19 cases show declining rates, the Govt. of India has revised the guidelines for International Travel. The revised guidelines on International Travel state: All travelers should preferably be completely immunized against COVID-19. In-flight announcements regarding preventive measures against COVID-19 should be made. Passengers presenting with symptoms suggestive of COVID-19 should be isolated and follow standard protocols such as wearing masks and practicing social distancing. They should be provided facility-based care in isolation upon arrival. Social distancing should be followed during deboarding the flights. Adequate thermal screening should be done of all passengers. Self-monitoring of health post-arrival. Individuals are urged to report to a healthcare facility immediately if they develop signs and symptoms suggestive of COVID-19. Click here to read more.

Progress on World Health Assembly’s “pandemic treaty” Progress on World Health Assembly’s “pandemic treaty” Content Editor: Dr. Prachi Goswami January 9, 2024 DevEx Global Health, Pandemic An international agreement on response to future health emergencies has been negotiated in Geneva since last year’s World Health Assembly. Major points for negotiations are: Low and middle-income countries want equitable access to medical products. Waiver of intellectual property rights and access to research has been opposed by high-income countries. Common but differentiated responsibilities (CBDR), i.e. countries having different obligations based on their socioeconomic status are also opposed by some high-income countries. There is a bigger pushback in the US, primarily because of distrust in the WHO by the Senate, which needs to give consent before the US can be part of the treaty. The current draft is weak in enforcement and has vague obligations , questioning its purpose. The deadline for countries to discuss it is in the May 2024 World Health Assembly, but there are concerns about it coming to fruition, given the slow pace of negotiations.