Scientific Updates in the Pandemic Era: Edition 50 | Advocating for Science and Unity

VSS Scientific Updates During Pandemic Times #50

The Voice for Science and Solidarity (VSS) has released its 50th update on scientific developments during the COVID-19 pandemic. The VSS is a global network of scientists and researchers who aim to promote evidence-based decision-making and solidarity in the face of the pandemic. The updates cover a range of topics, including vaccine development, epidemiology, and public health measures.

Vaccine Development

The VSS update highlights the progress being made in vaccine development, with several vaccines now in phase III clinical trials. The update notes that the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine has been approved for emergency use in the UK, and the Moderna vaccine has been approved for emergency use in the US. The update also discusses the challenges of vaccine distribution, particularly in low- and middle-income countries.

Epidemiology

The VSS update provides an overview of the current state of the pandemic, with over 80 million confirmed cases and over 1.7 million deaths worldwide. The update notes that the number of cases and deaths is likely an underestimate, as many cases go unreported. The update also discusses the impact of the pandemic on vulnerable populations, including refugees and migrants.

Public Health Measures

The VSS update discusses the effectiveness of public health measures in controlling the spread of the virus. The update notes that countries that have implemented strict measures, such as lockdowns and mask mandates, have seen a decrease in cases. The update also highlights the importance of testing and contact tracing in controlling the spread of the virus.

Overall, the VSS update provides a comprehensive overview of the current state of the pandemic and the scientific developments related to COVID-19. The update highlights the progress being made in vaccine development, but also notes the challenges of vaccine distribution. The update emphasizes the importance of public health measures in controlling the spread of the virus, particularly in vulnerable populations. The VSS continues to provide valuable information and support for scientists and researchers around the world during these challenging times

Original article Teaser

VSS Scientific Updates During Pandemic Times #50 | Voice for Science and Solidarity

Geert Vanden Bossche received his DVM from the University of Ghent, Belgium, and his PhD degree in Virology from the University of Hohenheim, Germany. He held adjunct faculty appointments at universities in Belgium and Germany. After his career in Academia, Geert joined several vaccine companies (GSK Biologicals, Novartis Vaccines, Solvay Biologicals) to serve various roles in vaccine R&D as well as in late vaccine development. Geert then moved on to join the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation’s Global Health Discovery team in Seattle (USA) as Senior Program Officer; he then worked with the Global Alliance for Vaccines and Immunization (GAVI) in Geneva as Senior Ebola Program Manager. At GAVI he tracked efforts to develop an Ebola vaccine. He also represented

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