News from Sabin
The Global Network for Neglected Tropical Diseases Applauds Obama Administration’s Commitment to Controlling and Eliminating NTDs
February 1, 2010
For far too long, devastating, debilitating and often deadly neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) impacting more than 1.4 billion people of the world’s poorest people have been ignored. If President Obama’s proposed FY11 budget is adopted, NTDs will no longer be neglected.
The Global Network for Neglected Tropical Diseases, an advocacy initiative of the Sabin Vaccine Institute, applauds the Obama Administration for taking the global lead in working to control and eliminate NTDs. Seven of the most common NTDs, representing 90% of the global NTD burden, can be treated for approximately 50 cents per person, per year.
An investment in fighting NTDs is truly a best buy in public health. It is also an investment that cuts across the global health spectrum. For example, combining the treatment of NTDs and malaria is simple, effective and highly affordable.
The Sabin Vaccine Institute Praises Gates Foundation Investment in Vaccines
January 29, 2010
The Sabin Vaccine Institute applauds the generous investment of the Gates Foundation in vaccines. Since its founding in 1993, the Sabin Vaccine Institute has been committed to reducing the suffering caused by preventable infectious and tropical diseases - honoring the legacy of Dr. Albert B. Sabin, the discoverer of the oral polio vaccine as well as several other life-saving interventions. Dr. Sabin shared the Gates Foundation belief that the world should not rest until vaccines are developed and moved off the shelves and into the arms of children.
When the Gates Foundation acts, people listen. This announcement will reverberate throughout the global health community and will also, hopefully, encourage others to invest in vaccine development, research and education.
At Sabin, we work diligently on both vaccine development and research, but also on educating leaders throughout the world on the importance of investing in vaccine programs.
Earthquake in Haiti
January 14, 2010
As we know first-hand from our work in fighting neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) in Haiti, the impact of this devastating earthquake will be felt for years to come. It is incumbent on all of us to do our part to help the people of Haiti get through this tragic situation.
Haiti suffers from a significant disease burden, with many NTDs endemic to the region including: lymphatic filariasis (elephantiasis), dengue fever, and soil transmitted helminths (intestinal worms). Nearly fifty percent of Haitians live in urban and peri-urban communities where poverty combines with the conditions of unsafe water, poor sanitation, and the proliferation of animal reservoirs and vectors. The earthquake will only exacerbate an already terrible burden.
2009 Year in Review
January 13, 2010
2009 was a tremendous year here at the Sabin Vaccine Institute as we strove to fulfill our mission of reducing human suffering caused by infectious and neglected tropical diseases (NTDs).
From the launch of the first-ever World Pneumonia Day, to securing increased US funding for the control and elimination of NTDs, to the start of the GLP toxicology study for the Na-GST-1 Hookworm Vaccine, to the mobilization of scores of African and Asian leaders for sustainable immunization financing, collectively, the Institute led a large number of efforts to address the burden of hundreds of millions of the world’s poorest individuals suffering from treatable and preventable diseases.
How to Cure 1 Billion People? Defeat Neglected Tropical Diseases
December 17, 2009
Sabin President Dr. Peter Hotez details how 1 billion individuals suffering from neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) can be easily treated in “How to Cure 1 Billion People?—Defeat Neglected Tropical Diseases” released today in the January 2010 issue of Scientific American.
Key Concepts discussed in the article include:
- A group of seven tropical diseases, mostly caused by parasitic worms, afflict a billion impoverished people worldwide. They seldom kill directly but cause lifelong misery that stunts children’s growth, leaves adults unable to function to their fullest, and heightens the risk of other diseases.
- Fortunately, they can be easily treated, often with a single pill. Various agencies and foundations are collaborating to deliver these drugs, although they have reached only about 10 percent of the population so far.
- The U.S. has its own neglected parasitic diseases that affect millions of rural and urban poor.
Access the full article on Scientific American's website here.
Human Hookworm Vaccine Initiative featured in Case Studies for Global Health
December 10, 2009
Sabin Vaccine’s Human Hookworm Vaccine Initiative (HHVI) is one of 32 projects chosen for inclusion in Case Studies for Global Health released on November 20, 2009 by the Alliance for Case Studies for Global Health. The Alliance is a collaboration of The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, World Health Organization's Special Programme for Research and Training in Tropical Diseases (TDR), Global Health Progress (GHP), International AIDS Vaccine Initiative (IAVI) and Association of University Technology Managers (AUTM).
This widely respected publication features case studies addressing a global health concern, i.e. related to diseases that have a disproportionate impact on developing countries, and is intended to educate organizations or individuals who are currently involved or are interested in helping to fulfill global health objectives.
State of the World's Vaccines and Immunizations
November 12, 2009
At the Sabin Vaccine Institute, we’re firm believers in the powerful role that vaccines and immunizations play in reducing needless suffering from infectious and neglected tropical diseases. Our convictions were confirmed in the World Health Organization (WHO), UNICEF, and World Bank’s “State of the World’s Vaccines and Immunizations” report released last month which affirmed the link between immunization and reducing poverty and mortality; improving general welfare and future productivity; preventing debilitating illness and disability; and achieving several Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), in particular, reducing deaths of children under the age of five.
World Pneumonia Day
October 9, 2009
November 2nd will mark the first annual World Pneumonia Day created to mobilize efforts to fight pneumonia on a global stage. According to some estimates, this neglected disease is responsible for the deaths of up to two million children each year, potentially killing more children under the age of five than HIV/AIDS, malaria, and measles combined. Thankfully, some of the leading causes of pneumonia are both preventable and treatable – but it is up to the global health community to advocate for action to implement the solutions that are within our reach.
Sabin at CGI
September 24, 2009
The Sabin Vaccine Institute was honored to be featured twice at this year’s Clinton Global Initiative. On Wednesday, September 23, President Clinton announced 
that the Global Network joined the Inter-American Development Bank in announcing their commitment to mobilize $30 million from the public and private sectors to raise awareness and funds in support of NTD control and elimination in the Americas, supported by technical assistance from the Pan American Health Organization.
Sabin Vaccine Institute's Sustainable Immunization Financing Initiative announces new Senior Program Officer Dr. Helene Mambu-Ma-Disu
May 12, 2009
(WASHINGTON, DC, USA)- The Sabin Vaccine Institute is pleased to announce the recruitment of Dr. Helene Mambu-Ma-Disu as Senior Program Officer for the Advocacy Program on Sustainable Immunization Financing. Based in her native Kinshasa, Dr. Mambu will be responsible for program activities in Democratic Republic of Congo, Rwanda and Madagascar. With her addition, the five-person Senior Advocacy Program Officer team is now fully staffed.
2009 Gold Medal Awards Announcement Ceremony Coming Soon
March 26, 2009
Sabin is eagerly anticipating its upcoming announcement of this year’s Gold Medal award winners on April 28th. This special recognition has been awarded annually since 1994 and is given to a distinguished member of the research community who has made extraordinary contributions in the field of vaccinology or a complementary field. Each recipient is recognized as a role model for young researchers, someone whose career has saved lives through the development and use of vaccines.
President's Perspective
January 30, 2009
Welcome to the new website of the Sabin Vaccine Institute. Since its founding in 1993 our organization has been committed to reducing the suffering caused by preventable infectious and tropical diseases, and honoring the legacy of Dr. Albert B. Sabin, the discoverer of the oral polio vaccine as well as several other life-saving interventions.
Dr. Sabin once stated that “a scientist who is also a human being cannot rest while knowledge which might reduce suffering rests on the shelf.”
International Awareness Building Gaining Traction in 2008
July 16, 2008
So far, Sabin’s international advocacy team has been busy hosting conferences on cervical cancer, rotavirus and pneumococcal diseases with more meetings on the 2008 agenda.
3rd Regional Pneumococcal Symposium
On February 13 and 14, 2008, over 200 health experts gathered in Istanbul, Turkey for the 3rd Regional Pneumococcal Symposium to build consensus on how to intensify the fight against the disease in Central Asia, Eastern Europe and the Middle East.
2008 Sabin Award Ceremony
July 16, 2008
Continuing its 15-year tradition of recognizing extraordinary accomplishments and groundbreaking research in the field of vaccinology, Sabin Vaccine Institute today awarded Dr. Ruth S. Nussenzweig the 2008 Albert B. Sabin Gold Medal for her outstanding malaria-focused initiatives. Sabin has also named Dr. Katherine O’Brien the first-ever recipient of the Sabin Young Investigator Award for her focus on pneumococcal research, which has helped to improve the lives of millions.
Global Network In the Spotlight
July 16, 2008
Tommy Thompson – A New Global Ambassador
On the heels of the G-8 leaders’ commitment to raise awareness and to support efforts to eliminate the NTDs impacting more than one billion people worldwide, former Secretary of Health and Human Services Tommy Thompson was announced as the Global Ambassador for the Global Network at the National Press Club on July 16th.
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