How are countries responding to the pandemic?

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Issue 18: 9 June 2020
Every week, HEADlines brings you the latest news, stories and commentaries
in education and healthcare. This week, get insights on the latest developments
in healthcare.
 
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The race for a COVID-19 vaccine

The race is on among nations to develop an effective and safe COVID-19 vaccine. Based on WHO data, there are currently more than 130 candidate vaccines being developed in the world, of which 10 have started human trials. 

Leading the developments with some early results are AstraZeneca (UK), CanSino Biological (China), Moderna (US) and Sinovac (China). While each have touted the likelihood of success and moved ahead into larger scale phase 2 and 3 human trials, fundamental questions of efficacy still remain. 

Moderna for example has received mixed responses from the scientific community regarding its small sample size results in phase 1. At the same time, CanSino Biological released detailed and promising results but with a caveat. AstraZenaca on the other hand has yet to release any human data. Nevertheless, it is pushing ahead with phase 2 and 3 trials, and has pledged supplies to developing nations at cost.

In parallel, we will see some preclinical candidate vaccines advance into human trials. Amongst them are Singapore Duke-NUS Medical School's collaboration with Arcturus Theraputics which could be starting human trials as soon as in June or July. Thailand too, has its eyes on developing a cost effective vaccine and is seeking government approval for human trials next. 

The verdict is yet to be out for a vaccine and the coming months will provide more clarity on these trial outcomes. 
 
Healthcare in the Spotlight

Evidence is emerging globally that patients have an increased risk of having blood clots and heart disease


The push for TCM to be used more widely in Beijing's healthcare system comes with a clause to ban people from defaming it. Critics call it an intrusion of free speech.


Two epidemiologists found that 20% of COVID-19 cases accounted for 80% of transmissions.

Children, young adults and healthcare workers are amongst those most vulnerable to mental distress

An open letter from medical professionals worldwide to G20 leaders says that addressing climate breakdown is key to global revival.

The health of every child born today will be affected by climate change. So why is the subject missing from medical school teaching?


Brain diseases like Alzheimer's can be caused by the very same immune cells that protect against them. Find out why and how we can prevent it from happening.

That's all for the week!
 
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