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Editorial Note
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In this issue, Anne McArthur posts a query regarding disposal of glass syringes and vials, especially relevant in the context of the pneumococcal vaccine. PATH requests applications for the post of technical officer. Also included is the monthly polio situation update. Finally, those of you have not responded to the call for nominations to the IAPC must do so immediately, for the deadline is 16 April 2010. |
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Current best practice as per the means available in most countries is to incinerate the glass syringes at 650+ Deg C, and then preferably compact them. Compaction prior to treatment is unwise since crushing could release pathogens and endanger health workers. Burial without sterilization poses risks as well unless the encapsulation pit is professionally made, and sure to be un-compromised for at least 20 years after the last syringe is placed in it. Autoclaving is also an option, but is technologically unfeasible at most locations due to the need for electrical power. Putting them through an MSF vial crusher after incineration or autoclaving is cumbersome since the needles tend to get caught and jam the slammer arm. Removing the needle with a cutter, and then incinerating (to remove plastics/rubber and sterilize) could adequately prepare a glass syringe to be run through an MSF vial crusher but systematic testing hasn't been undertaken as far as I know -- needles would then go into a needle pit.
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PATH's Technology Solutions Global Program is currently seeking a Technical Officer who will work under the direction of the team leader to implement research and development plans to stabilize influenza (both live-attenuated and split) and other vaccines through internal research and external collaborations. Specifically the technical officer will:
- Provide scientific leadership for the internal team and collaborators in developing stable formulations of influenza vaccines.
- Manage specific technical scopes of work, ensuring achievement of project deliverables, quality of data, compliance with internal and external regulations, adherence to established timelines, and availability of resources for projects.
- Prepare study reports and documents for internal and external audiences, including scientific publications, reports to donors, and grant applications.
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Polio in decline: Polio has declined this year compared to 2009, both in terms of the number of cases and geographic restriction. Fifty-six cases have been reported year-to-date, compared to 231 cases for the same period in 2009, and progress has been particularly strong at curbing type 1 in traditional reservoir areas such as northern Nigeria (one type 1 case this year nationwide) and northern India (three type 1 cases this year nationwide). Geographically, too, polio is on the decline. Last year, at this time, 69 districts were affected by polio, compared with 39 districts this year.
Outbreak response in west Africa restricts virus to westernmost part: Multi-country synchronized outbreak response campaigns in west Africa are continuing, as the outbreak, which had in 2009 affected the entire region, appears to have been cornered to the westernmost part (Senegal and Mauritania). See 'west Africa' section below for more.
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The World Health Organization is soliciting calls for the nomination of members for its new Immunization Practices Advisory Committee (IPAC).
Established in 2010, IPAC will support and advise the Director: Immunization, Vaccines and Biologicals (IVB), with the review and/or formulation of immunization practices, operational standards, tools and technologies to strengthen and improve the delivery of immunization programmes at the country level in order to realize the Global Immunization Vision and Strategies (GIVS) goals.
To be considered as an IPAC member, individuals must be recognized experts in the field of immunization. Members can either be nominated by a third-party or self-apply.
The procedure for the nomination is outlined in the Call for Nominations document. Nominations will be accepted until 16 April 2010.
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Photos Courtesy: Markku Toryalai Hart
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