Translating Research Into HIV-related Health Outcomes In The Developing World
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$714,745.00
Summary
Professor Crowe's research addresses important health issues for HIV infected people living in resource limited countries. Her team validates low cost point of care tests to monitor HIV infection, including a test she co-developed to determine when to start anti-HIV treatment, and investigates how these low cost tests can improve clinical care of people with HIV and TB. In addition she will determine how changes in the immune system increase the risk of heart attacks in young HIV patients.
A Study To Investigate Alternative Regimens For Pneumococcal Vaccination Of Infants In A Developing Country
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,622,210.00
Summary
Streptococcus pneumoniae (Pnc) is the leading vaccine preventable cause of serious infection in infants. The current Pnc conjugate vaccine is very expensive (approximately USD $200-infant) so it is unlikely to be affordable for most developing countries. Moreover, as health care access in developing countries may be episodic and unreliable, many children do not receive either complete or timely vaccine courses. Therefore, it is important to investigate affordable and flexible ways to deliver thi ....Streptococcus pneumoniae (Pnc) is the leading vaccine preventable cause of serious infection in infants. The current Pnc conjugate vaccine is very expensive (approximately USD $200-infant) so it is unlikely to be affordable for most developing countries. Moreover, as health care access in developing countries may be episodic and unreliable, many children do not receive either complete or timely vaccine courses. Therefore, it is important to investigate affordable and flexible ways to deliver this vaccine, which are safe and effective. A recent WHO-GAVI meeting to address impediments to the introduction of these vaccines in developing countries recognized the need to evaluate other regimens of Pnc conjugate vaccine as an important research priority. This study has been deliberately formulated with that need in mind. The site for this research is Fiji. Although health services are good, Pnc disease, particularly pneumonia, remains the commonest cause of childhood morbidity and mortality. Fiji has good vaccine coverage and was the first Pacific country to introduce Hib vaccine. The arrival of the new, expensive Pnc conjugate vaccine presents a dilemma for Fiji and many similar countries. The expense of this vaccine would consume a large portion of the health budget. This study has two components: 1. A Phase 2 immunogenicity study (involving 750 infants) to evaluate regimens using reduced numbers of doses of Pnc conjugate vaccine, and using timing of dosing and combinations with the Pnc polysaccharide (PS) vaccine that may be more suited to the epidemiology of Pnc disease in developing countries. 2. An epidemiological study will measure the burden of invasive Pnc disease and pneumonia in Fiji. This will be part of a global effort to address these issues, and will be used to develop rapid assessment tools for these diseases in developing countries. We will seek cofounding for this component.Read moreRead less
Development Of Improved Vaccine Strategies For Measles Using Plant-derived Edible Vaccines
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$331,980.00
Summary
Measles is a highly contagious viral disease that is contracted via the respiratory tract. Severe infection may lead to complications such as otitis media, pneumonia, encephalitis. Despite our current vaccination strategy outbreaks still occur in Australia and measles is a major problem in developing countries. In developing nations the case fatality rate of measles is several hundred times that of developed nations. Over 800,000 children still die each year due to measles. Problems with the cur ....Measles is a highly contagious viral disease that is contracted via the respiratory tract. Severe infection may lead to complications such as otitis media, pneumonia, encephalitis. Despite our current vaccination strategy outbreaks still occur in Australia and measles is a major problem in developing countries. In developing nations the case fatality rate of measles is several hundred times that of developed nations. Over 800,000 children still die each year due to measles. Problems with the current vaccination strategy are: a) doesn't work in children less than 1 year of age, b) must be kept cold c) must be given by injection. We believe that a plant derived edible vaccine for measles will address the limitations of currently available vaccine i.e. we can give it children under the age of 1 year, it can be eaten and doesn't have to be kept cold.Read moreRead less
A Randomised Trial To Compare Dolutegravir+darunavir/r Versus Recommended Standard Of Care Antiretroviral Regimens In Patients With HIV Infection Who Have Failed Recommended First Line Therapy
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$2,323,209.00
Summary
Public sector programs for provision of antiretroviral drugs in developing countries need regimens of therapy that are safe, effective and simple to administer. The evidence base to support first line therapy is strong. This contrasts with a relative paucity of evidence for second regimens of therapy once first line effectiveness has been lost. This trial will address that evidential deficit and support evidence-based recommendations for global health.