Working for humanity
Prof Porter Anderson Jr of Harvard University, Dr John Robbins and Dr Rachel Schneerson of the US National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, and Prof Mathuram Santosham of Johns Hopkins University were selected as the 2017 laureates for the Prince Mahidol Award in the field of public health.
They are recognised for their work and research in the development of an effective vaccine for Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib), which is responsible for meningitis (inflammation of the membranes around the brain and spinal cord) particularly in children under five years old.
“The problem was how to make the vaccine work in infants,” said Dr Schneerson. “It was possible to get a good response in adult individuals. But most of the diseases occur around the age of one. So you have to make the vaccine that will work in babies. That was the problem. So when Hib vaccine was developed, that opens the door to all other vaccines in children.”
The original vaccine for Hib, added Prof Santosham, was based on a sugar molecule derived from a part of the Hib’s capsule. But as said, it did not work well in infants, the group most at risk of contracting Hib. They then developed conjugate vaccine, a technique which links a carrier protein like tetanus toxoid with the sugar molecule to strengthen its immune-inducing capacity.
“That’s groundbreaking work because it’s not just for the Haemopholus influenzae but many other infections,” said Prof Santosham. Thailand will start recommending the Hib vaccine as a basic shot for infants next year.
Dr Schneerson strongly encourages all countries, especially developing nations, to understand the importance of implementing the Hib vaccines among their population. But to get to that point, first there needs to be the political will.
“They need the will to use it and to not depend on foreign help for vaccines,” she said.
“The award sends a message. It’s not our personal award. It highlights and it points to others what should be done. What should be done is first to use the vaccine around the world. And second is hopefully encouraging young people to follow us, to stand on our shoulders. When we started our work, we stood on our predecessor’s shoulders. We hope that this award will encourage young people here to stand on our shoulders.”