Vaccines for neglected, emerging and re-emerging diseases

Area of Science:

• * Global Health Security
• * Vaccinology
• * Epidemiology

Background:

• * Past vaccine efforts for SARS and MERS were halted due to perceived limited scope, classifying them as neglected diseases.
• * The COVID-19 pandemic underscored the potential for similar viruses to emerge and spread globally.
• * Climate change and urbanization increase the risk of neglected diseases spreading to larger populations.

Purpose of the Study:

• * To emphasize the need for renewed focus on developing vaccines for neglected diseases.
• * To advocate for a sustainable and customized approach to vaccine development and deployment for neglected diseases.
• * To highlight the critical role of affordability in vaccine success for neglected diseases.

Main Methods:

• * Review of past vaccine development efforts for SARS and MERS.
• * Analysis of the impact of climate change and urbanization on disease emergence.
• * Discussion of vaccine success factors, emphasizing affordability for neglected diseases.

Main Results:

• * Neglected diseases pose a significant, underestimated global health threat.
• * Vaccines are crucial for controlling neglected diseases, especially where infrastructure is lacking.
• * Current funding and approaches are insufficient for neglected disease vaccine development.

Conclusions:

• * A tailored and sustainable strategy is essential for developing and implementing vaccines against neglected diseases.
• * Affordability must be a primary consideration alongside safety, efficacy, and public trust for neglected disease vaccines.
• * The COVID-19 pandemic serves as a critical lesson for addressing other neglected diseases proactively.