The World Health Organization said that it will implement a strategic plan to combat the surge of Zika virus infections. Dubbed "Strategic Response Framework and Joint Operations Plan," this international response guide is estimated to cost $56 million.
The mosquito-borne virus that was linked to birth defects has spread across 39 countries, setting off a widespread health scare in Latin America, where the bulk of the cases was reported.
The Strategic Plan
The fund sought by the health agency is intended to fast track the development of diagnostic tests and vaccines to stem the spread of the virus. WHO said that $25 million will be funding its response together with Regional Office for the Americas (AMRO/PAHO), while the remaining $31 million will be subsidizing its key partners.
The Strategic Response Framework and Joint Operations Plan will not only focus on stopping the spread of Zika infections, but it will also include information on handling newborn congenital disorders and other neurological conditions that has been linked to it.
Surveillance
The strategy mainly focuses on coordinating resources to help countries develop better surveillance of the virus and known complications. In particular, the plan will help in determining the extent of the infection and the number of associated microcephaly and Guillain-Barré Syndrome cases.
Response
Providing adequate response to promote the fight against Zika is also important. The agency will focus on working with communities to control the spread of virus-carrying mosquitoes, giving adequate guidance to pregnant women, and releasing precautionary measures to travelers.
"WHO is issuing regular information and guidance on the congenital and neurological conditions associated with Zika virus disease, as well as related health, safety and travel issues," the health agency said.
Research
Another important part of the plan is to develop vaccines, tests and medicines to combat the growing pandemic. WHO said that a Zika vaccine could be 18 months away from large clinical trials. About 15 groups and companies are currently working on the development of vaccines.
Inovio, a U.S. pharmaceutical company, is currently developing a vaccine that appears to be effective in mice. The synthetic vaccine produced strong immune responses from the rodents during pre-clinical trial. The firm said that it plans to test the vaccine in other non-human primate, which could pave the way for trials in humans by the end of 2016.
People living in the Americas are mostly affected by this mosquito-borne disease. In the last couple of months, Brazil reported a sudden increase of microcephaly. The birth defect causes neurological disorders among babies because they are born with smaller brains than usual. As Zika spreads, cases of Guillain-Barre syndrome that causes peripheral paralysis also increased.
Transmitted by the aggressive Aedes mosquitoes, the virus is similar to other diseases like Yellow Fever, Dengue and Chikungunya. The Zika virus, however, does not cause serious illness to those infected that about 60 to 80 percent are not even aware they have the illness.
Common signs and symptoms of the disease include fever, joint pains, rashes and red eyes. In some cases, vomiting and muscle pain were also reported.
