The World Economic Forum (WEF) has warned that infectious diseases, environmental risks, and economic troubles including livelihood and debt crises stand as the highest risks for the next ten years. Although COVID-19 may no longer be a global public health emergency, countries must still strengthen their response to the disease and prepare for future pandemics and other threats, the Director-General of the World Health Organization (WHO) said.
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About the COVID-19 vaccine
The development of the COVID-19 vaccines stands as a monumental achievement in the realm of medical science, marking a pivotal moment in the battle against the global pandemic. This unprecedented journey began in early 2020 when scientists worldwide mobilized to understand the novel coronavirus, SARS-CoV-2. Utilizing revolutionary techniques, researchers rapidly decoded the virus’s genetic makeup, laying the groundwork for vaccine development. Two primary technologies emerged at the forefront: mRNA and viral vector platforms. The mRNA vaccines, a groundbreaking approach, use synthetic strands of genetic material to instruct cells to produce a protein characteristic of the virus, thereby triggering an immune response. Meanwhile, viral vector vaccines employ a harmless virus, different from COVID-19, as a delivery system to introduce coronavirus proteins and stimulate immunity.
This rapid vaccine development, typically a process taking years, was achieved in mere months without compromising safety. Rigorous clinical trials involving tens of thousands of participants were conducted to ensure efficacy and monitor adverse effects. The vaccines demonstrated remarkable effectiveness in preventing severe illness and hospitalization. Their global distribution, while challenging, marked a critical step in mitigating the pandemic’s impact. The COVID-19 vaccines, a testament to scientific collaboration and innovation, continue to play a vital role in safeguarding public health and heralding a path towards recovery.
Today we prepared a list of women who contributed to the vaccine’s development
Sarah Gilbert
Sarah Gilbert played a pivotal role in creating the vaccine developed through a collaboration between the University of Oxford and AstraZeneca.
Kathrin Jansen
Jansen spearheaded the initiative at Pfizer, culminating in the development of the first vaccine to receive emergency use authorization.
Kunsulu Zakariya
Kunsulu Zakariya is an esteemed researcher and the visionary founder of the anti-COVID vaccine QazVac, showcasing her remarkable contributions to global health initiatives in the fight against the pandemic.
Kizzmekia Corbett
Kizzmekia Corbett, serving as an immunologist at the U.S. National Institutes of Health, played a pivotal role in the conceptualization and development of the Moderna vaccine.
Katalin Karikó
The extensive research carried out by Nobel Prize Laureate Dr. Karikó over many years on RNA has paved the way for the development of vaccines based on mRNA technology.
Elena Smolyarchuk
Smolyarchuk holds the distinguished position of lead investigator in the initial set of successfully concluded clinical studies for the Sputnik V vaccine.
Sumathy K
Sumathy K occupies the prestigious role of leading the Research and Development department at Bharat Biotech, the company behind the development of Covaxin.
Lisa Jackson
Dr. Jackson led the pioneering clinical trial for the world’s initial COVID-19 vaccine by Moderna, initiated in March 2020.
Hanneke Schuitemaker
Schuitemaker holds the prestigious position of leading the global viral vaccine discovery efforts at Janssen Pharmaceuticals, a company under the umbrella of Johnson & Johnson.
Dr. Özlem Türeci
Dr. Türeci played a pivotal role in founding BioNTech, which collaborated with Pfizer on the development of their vaccine.
The vital role of women in the development of the COVID-19 vaccine is a shining testament to the strides being made towards gender equality in science and medicine. Figures like Katalin Karikó, Sarah Gilbert, and Özlem Türeci, among many others, have not only been instrumental in the creation of life-saving vaccines but also serve as beacons of inspiration for future generations of female scientists. Their perseverance, intellect, and dedication in the face of unprecedented challenges underscore the importance of diverse perspectives and expertise in tackling global health crises.
The success of these vaccines is not just a triumph over a pandemic, but also a reminder of the incredible contributions women continue to make in the scientific community. As we move forward, it is essential to acknowledge and support the role of women in science, ensuring their achievements are celebrated and their potential fully realized.