Updates & Emerging Issues

WHO pre-qualifies COVID 19 Ag Tests

List of EUL products eligible for procurement: Instruction for Use (IFUs) Source: WHO

Free fatty acid binding pocket in the locked structure of SARS-CoV-2 spike protein

Abstract COVID-19, caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome-coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2), represents a global crisis. Key to SARS-CoV-2 therapeutic development is unraveling the mechanisms driving high infectivity, broad tissue tropism and severe pathology. Our 2.85 Å cryo-EM structure of SARS-CoV-2 spike (S) glycoprotein reveals that the receptor binding domains (RBDs) tightly bind the essential free fatty acid

WHO Guidance on Use of Rapid Antigen Tests for SARS-CoV-2

Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, laboratories have been using nucleic acid amplification tests (NAATs), such as real time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (rRT-PCR) assays, to detect SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes the disease. In many countries, access to this form of testing has been challenging. The search is on to develop reliable

COVID-19 pandemic exacerbates suicide risk factors

Washington, DC, September 10, 2020 (PAHO) – The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) today warned that the COVID-19 pandemic may exacerbate suicide risk factors, urging people to speak about the issue in an open and responsible manner, remain connected even during physical distancing, and learn to identify warning signs to prevent it. Coronavirus is affecting

PAHO Director asks PROSUR leaders to participate in initiative to fast track access to COVID-19 vaccines

Washington, D.C., August 28, 2020 (PAHO) — The Director of the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), Carissa F. Etienne, yesterday invited the PROSUR block of South American presidents to work together on access to vaccines for COVID-19. “We believe that your support and participation in the COVAX Initiative will provide the best opportunity to fast

The Impact of COVID-19 on HIV Clinical Practice

SARS-COV-2 is an RNA virus from the coronavirus family, the causative agent of COVID-19. With nearly 6,000,000 cases worldwide, 365,000 deaths and detection in at least well over 200 countries, it continues to evolve with devastating medical and socio-economic sequelae. The challenge with this virus is that the global population has no underlying immunity since

WHO: access to HIV medicines severely impacted by COVID-19 as AIDS response stalls

Countries seek innovative ways to mitigate the impact of disruptions and keep services going. Seventy-three countries have warned that they are at risk of stock-outs of antiretroviral (ARV) medicines as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, according to a new WHO survey conducted ahead of the International AIDS Society’s biannual conference. Twenty-four countries reported having