The World Health Organization (WHO) announced Monday the launch of a new project aimed at accelerating the development of candidate human avian influenza vaccines (H5N1) using messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) and making them available to manufacturers in low- and middle-income countries. The WHO said in a statement: "The mRNA Technology Transfer Program, developed by the organization, has been launched with the aim of building capacity in low- and middle-income countries to develop and produce mRNA-based vaccines." For his part, WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, said: "This initiative illustrates why WHO established the mRNA Technology Transfer Program, to enhance research, development and production in low- and middle-income countries, so that when the next pandemic arrives, the world will be better prepared to launch a more effective and equitable response." Charles Gore, Executive Director of the mRNA Technology Transfer Programme, explained that when the programme was established with WHO, its goal was to enable low- and middle-income countries to lead development efforts, foster collaboration, share resources, and disseminate knowledge. "This project embodies our vision and demonstrates a strong commitment to preparing for and responding to future pandemics," he said. Avian influenza viruses pose a significant public health risk due to their widespread distribution in animals and potential to cause a future pandemic. This development complements ongoing work under pandemic influenza preparedness to improve and enhance the sharing of influenza viruses that could cause a human pandemic and increase the ability of low- and middle-income countries to access vaccines. Source: Qatar News Agency