Mia Malan Profile picture
Nov 25, 2021 6 tweets 4 min read Read on X
[Thread] @Tuliodna:
1. On Fri, SA scientists will meet with @WHO to discuss a new variant detected, B.1.1.529. The variant will then get a Greek name
2. B.1.1.529 has an exceptionally high nr of mutations - some could lead to the variant being able to escape immunity
@Tuliodna:
1. The B.1.1.529 variant was discovered on 23 November
2. There will be an expected 200-300 cases in next few days, cases will increase fast
3. The reproduction #SARSCoV2 number (how many other people one infected person will infect) in SA is rising. When it's bigger than 1, it's concerning. Nationally, the nr is now 1.47 and in Gauteng it's 1.93.
4. These graphs show that B.1.1.529 is no longer spreading in cluster outbreaks only, it's become a sustained or wider spread/increase.
5. @Tuliodna: There has been a rapid increase in #COVID19 cases in Tshwane district (many of them B.1.1.529 cases). But the B.1.1.529 cases have started to spread to rest of GP, particularly to Jhb and Ekurhuleni.
6.@Tuliodna:
* B.1.1.529 has more than 30 mutations in the spike protein of #SARSCoV2 (far more than both #Beta + #Delta)
* Some of the mutations we haven't seen before, but others have been linked to the ability of a variant to be more transmissible and escape immunity

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More from @miamalan

Jan 17
[Thread] 12 things to know about the the proportion of pregnant women infected with #HIV from SA’s latest antenatal HIV survey. The survey is conducted by the @nicd_sa.

(Analysis of our 95-95-95 goals in my next thread later in Jan).

1/12 Image
2. What is the antenatal #HIV survey?

1. It measures the % of HIV+ pregnant women between the ages of 15 + 49.
2. Only women using state pregnancy clinics take part.
3. The survey has been conducted each year between 1990-2015, then in 2017, 2019 +2022. Image
3. How many pregnant women between 15-49’s blood was tested for #HIV? 37 828 out of 40 542 collected samples.
- 37 7171 = Black African women
- 37 541 didn’t live with the dad of their child
- 35,635 of dads were 5 years+ older than moms (this makes them more likely to get HIV) Image
Read 12 tweets
Jan 10, 2023
JUST IN [Thread]:
1.@healthza's Lesley Broomberg:
An extra #COVID19 booster jab for people of 18+ in SA will become available towards the end of JANUARY
- People of 50+ qualify for a 5th dose
- People of 18+ qualify for a 4th dose
2. Lesley Broomberg: Can you mix and match with additional boosters? Yes. You can choose whether you want a #JnJ or #Pfizer booster.
3. Lesley Broomberg:
Will teens of 12-17 qualify for boosters? Not at this stage. Why not? The #VMAC = not recommended booster doses for 12-17, based on an understanding that the protection provided by 2 #Pfizer doses = adequate, as 12-17 = @ low risk of severe #COVID19 illness
Read 5 tweets
Jan 10, 2023
[Thread] #JoePhaahla:
- Genomic surveillance Network reported the detection of the new subvariant XBB.1.5 in SA of a sample of a patient tested on 22 Dec
- Details of the patient = not known, it was a random sample taken for testing
- XBB.1.5 = also common in US
2. XBB.1.5 = common in US
#JoePhaahla:
- 97%+ of #COVID19 cases worldwide = still #Omicron
- XBB.1.5 cases = no major change in hospitalisations or deaths
- Immunity of SAs (vax and natural immunity) = still strong, so that is why we haven't seen much change in terms of hospital admissions/deaths
Read 5 tweets
Dec 13, 2022
🧵1. SA's @aspenpharma will be making 4 jabs (fill + finish) — pneumococcal, rotavirus, meningococcal, hexavalent — from 2023.

How will they finance this?
With a $30 million grant from @CEPIvaccines + @gatesfoundation.

Which APIs will Aspen use?
India's Serum Institute's
2. Why is it NB that an African company makes these jabs?

#Africa imports almost all its jabs. #COVID19 showed us this results in Africa being last in line to get vaccines during pandemics. The grant to Aspen is 1 of the 1st steps to change that.
3. What's the goal?

By 2040, the African Union wants #Africa to make 60% of the jabs the continent uses.

Why?
So that Africa is better equipped 2 respond 2 outbreaks (by developing the ability to make jabs + have technology in place to also make new jabs during pandemics).
Read 6 tweets
Dec 2, 2022
🧵1. BREAKING: @SAHPRA1 has confirmed the registration of the #HIV prevention jab, #CABLA in South Africa. On Thursday, #ViiVHealthcare issued their statement. ImageImage
2. Who can use the jab? @SAHPRA1 didn't specify restrictions for use in their statement, only that it is "a highly effective option for people at substantial risk of #HIV infection." Image
3. How does the jab work? It uses an #ARV called cabotegravir that prevents #HIV from replicating and entering someone’s cells. It’s taken every two months. Read my latest story for more. bit.ly/3ER7ejq
Read 5 tweets
Dec 1, 2022
🧵1. @SAHPRA1 says it’s “days away” from announcing a decision on the registration of the #HIV prevention jab, #CABLA. The shot virtually wipes out your chances of contracting HIV through sex + needs to be taken every 2 months. bit.ly/3ER7ejq#WAD2022
2. How does the jab work? A bit like contraception, says @LindaGailBekker. “U take contraception before sex 2 prevent pregnancy. Similarly, u take the jab before being exposed 2 #HIV 2 prevent infection.” Listen 2 Linda-Gail on @bhekisisa’s #HealthBeat. bit.ly/3FjBlS8
3. What makes #CABLA work? An antiretroviral drug called cabotegravir. Some people with #HIV use it for treatment, along with other #ARVs. The drug prevents #HIV from entering your cells. bit.ly/3ER7ejq
Read 8 tweets

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