WORLD HEALTH ORGANIZATION

Twice-yearly azithromycin distribution reduced all-cause childhood mortality in children aged 1-59 months in Niger, but not in infants aged 1-11 months.

Psyence Biomed to acquire Clairvoyant Therapeutics, executing a Phase IIb clinical trial for a synthetic psilocybin candidate as a potential AUD treatment. Topline data expected in early 2025.

First doses of mpox vaccine reach Congo, but 3 million doses are needed to curb outbreaks. WHO declared mpox a global health emergency, and 380,000 doses have been promised by Western partners. Congo has reported over 4,900 cases and 629 deaths since 2024.

Hilleman Laboratories' partner Bharat Biotech launched Hillchol oral cholera vaccine, using a single, genetically engineered Hikojima strain. Approved in India, Bharat Biotech aims for WHO prequalification for global distribution. The vaccine, developed through collaboration, addresses global cholera vaccine shortages.

Moderna's mRNA vaccine for mpox shows higher efficacy than Bavarian Nordic's Jynneos in preventing severe disease and reducing virus levels in monkeys, according to a study published in Cell. The vaccine also reduced viral replication and lesion formation, potentially limiting spread. Moderna is currently conducting a Phase I/II trial in the UK, with data expected in mid-2025.

UNRWA launched the second phase of a polio vaccination campaign in war-torn Gaza, targeting 340,000 children in southern areas. The overall campaign aims to vaccinate over 640,000 children under 10 against polio, in response to its resurgence after 25 years. The effort involves the Palestinian Ministry of Health, WHO, UNRWA, UNICEF, and other partners.

Frankfurt University Hospital’s Department of Infectious Diseases is leading a study, RAPID_REVIVE, funded by the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF), to treat post-COVID syndrome (PCS) with vidofludimus calcium. The phase 2, adaptive, randomized, placebo-controlled, and double-blind clinical trial aims to alleviate long-term COVID-19 effects like fatigue and cognitive impairment. The study, part of the German Network of University Medicine (NUM), will include 376 patients at eleven NAPKON locations and adjust treatment allocation based on interim evaluations.

A WHO-commissioned review finds no link between cellphone use and brain cancer, despite concerns raised in 2011. The analysis, published in 'Environmental International', included 63 studies showing no increased risk of brain cancer or leukemia from radio frequency exposure, even with prolonged cellphone use.

A brief online mental health training program for physician supervisors in Australia and New Zealand improved self-reported behaviors supporting resident physicians' mental health, suggesting potential for organizational-level interventions to enhance workplace mental health support.