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Published on: Apr 04, 2020
2 minute read
By: Dr Rajan Choudhary

THE CHALLENGES FACED IN MAKING A VACCINE FOR COVID-19 — Part 2

Previously we’ve seen the difficulties researches face in trying to make a vaccine. But even if we make a vaccine, that’s just half the battle. Viruses are unique because they can mutate, and they can mutate to astonishing degrees. In humans mutations to tiny parts of our DNA can cause severe diseases or even death. In viruses mutations can change their structure, making them more infective and giving them a new coat. It gives them a survival advantage, the ability to evade our immune system and make our vaccines ineffective. This is why we need a new flu vaccine every year.

If it takes months to a year to develop a vaccine, it will be based off the virus found in December 2019. By this time the virus may have spread and mutated to such a degree that it is not effective. This does not mean all the effort was for nothing. Going through the steps and understanding the issues faced with making a COVID-19 vaccine can make the process quicker for subsequent vaccines against its mutated versions.

https://www.sciencealert.com/who-says-a-coronavirus-vaccine-is-18-months-away So Long to Develop a Vaccine

FAILURES FROM THE PAST

These issues were faced during the Ebola and Zika virus epidemics, and many large companies are understandably hesitant to develop vaccines for COVID-19. Ebola first broke out in 2014, and it was only in December 2019 that the first vaccine was approved for use by the European Commission and the United States. This is despite multiple large institutes in Canada and the UK working together to develop it.

13 different Ebola vaccine candidates had been identified soon after the outbreak, but none had been tested on humans. Unfortunately this is the most expensive part of development, and the area biopharmecuticals stand to loose the most money. Return on investments is also low, since epidemics usually take place in poorer countries, and the potential customers are unable to pay the high prices for these brand new treatments. It is an unfortunate realisation that research into medicines is driven by rich countries, for diseases that affect the rich.

https://newint.org/features/web-exclusive/2016/06/16/why-did-the-market-fail-to-produce-an-ebola-vaccine Ebola

WHERE ARE WE NOW?

This is all well and good, but what does it mean for COVID-19? We know we cannot rush a vaccine, because a poorly designed vaccine with unknown side effects can cause more harm than good, especially if given to children or the elderly. Currently the WHO are tracking 31 different attempts at making a COVID-19 vaccine, using different methods as discussed before. All of these are currently in the pre-clinical stage, focusing on isolating parts of the virus and creating a target the body will recognise and react to.

Researchers at the University of Queensland were one of the first to start using the genetic code of COVID-19, released openly by Chinese researchers. They have developed a test vaccine within 6 weeks using state-of-the-art genetic techniques, used for the first time. If animal models prove successful then human testing might begin within 6 months. In the pharmaceutical industry advancements this quick are almost unheard of.

Additionally over 293 clinical trials are taking place in China using existing drugs on the market. The advantage is we already know these drugs are safe to use in humans, but we are trying to work out if they will work against COVID-19. Some scientists are also looking at medications that were initially developed against SARS and MERS, but never completed because these outbreaks died down and the medication was no longer required.

https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2020/03/china-recovered-develop-effective-covid-19-treatments-200302082850237.html COVID-19 treatments

https://www.who.int/blueprint/priority-diseases/key-action/novel-coronavirus-landscape-ncov.pdf?ua=1 WHO news

https://www.theverge.com/2020/2/28/21156385/covid-coronavirus-vaccine-treatment-moderna-remdesivir-research COVID-19 treatment

Its not all doom and gloom. Challenges drive innovation, and we are already benefitting from this. New forms of genetic sequencing, new methods for extracting viral proteins, new techniques in creating a vaccine. These innovations are already benefitting us on the drive to create an effective vaccine for COVID-19, and they will benefit us in the future when the next pandemic hits.

Dr Rajan Choudhary, Product Manager Second Medic UK

www.secondmedic.com

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Community Health Wellness Programs: Building Healthier Communities Together

Healthcare does not begin in hospitals—it begins within communities. Community health wellness programs play a vital role in strengthening preventive healthcare systems, improving early detection and reducing disease burden. In India, where both urban and rural populations face increasing lifestyle and infectious disease risks, community-level initiatives are essential.

According to the World Health Organization, preventive and primary healthcare services delivered at community level significantly reduce morbidity and mortality. Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) reports also highlight the rising burden of non-communicable diseases such as diabetes and hypertension, emphasizing the need for community-based interventions.

What Are Community Health Wellness Programs?

Community health wellness programs are organized efforts designed to:

promote preventive healthcare
increase health awareness
provide screening services
encourage healthy lifestyle adoption

These programs may be conducted by healthcare organizations, NGOs, corporate CSR initiatives or government agencies.

Why Community Programs Matter in India

India’s healthcare challenges include:

high population density
urban-rural disparities
limited early screening access
rising lifestyle diseases

NFHS-5 data shows increasing prevalence of hypertension, diabetes and obesity, especially in urban areas. Community-level screening improves early detection.

Key Components of Community Health Wellness Programs

1. Preventive Health Screening

Health camps often provide:

blood pressure checks
blood sugar testing
cholesterol screening
BMI measurement

Early detection prevents complications.

2. Health Education and Awareness

Workshops on:

balanced nutrition
physical activity
tobacco cessation
mental health

help individuals adopt healthier habits.

3. Vaccination Drives

Immunization programs reduce spread of infectious diseases.

Community outreach increases coverage.

4. Maternal and Child Health Services

Programs focus on:

prenatal care
nutrition guidance
child immunization

Protecting vulnerable populations strengthens long-term health.

5. Chronic Disease Management Support

Community programs support patients with:

diabetes
hypertension
asthma

Education improves medication adherence.

Benefits of Community Health Wellness Programs

Improved Early Detection

Screening identifies disease before symptoms worsen.

Reduced Healthcare Costs

Preventive care is more affordable than emergency treatment.

Increased Public Awareness

Educated communities make informed health decisions.

Better Access for Underserved Populations

Rural and low-income groups benefit significantly.

Strengthened Public Health Systems

Community-level intervention reduces burden on tertiary hospitals.

Role of Technology in Community Health

Digital health platforms enable:

teleconsultations
electronic health records
AI-assisted risk assessment

Technology improves efficiency and outreach.

Corporate and CSR Involvement

Many organizations integrate community health programs into CSR initiatives.

Such programs:

enhance brand reputation
promote employee engagement
contribute to social impact

Corporate-community partnerships amplify reach.

Addressing Urban Health Challenges

Urban populations face:

pollution exposure
sedentary lifestyles
high stress

Community programs provide screening and awareness to mitigate risk.

Addressing Rural Health Gaps

Rural areas may lack access to:

specialists
diagnostic services
preventive screening

Mobile health camps bridge this gap.

Measuring Impact

Successful programs track:

number of screenings conducted
disease detection rates
follow-up adherence
reduction in risk factors

Data-driven evaluation improves sustainability.

Long-Term Impact on Public Health

Community health wellness programs contribute to:

reduced chronic disease burden
improved life expectancy
stronger healthcare infrastructure

Preventive care at grassroots level creates systemic improvement.

Challenges in Implementation

Common challenges include:

limited funding
awareness barriers
logistical constraints

Collaboration between government, private sector and NGOs improves scalability.

The Future of Community Wellness in India

With rising lifestyle diseases and growing awareness, community wellness initiatives will become central to public health strategy.

Integration of digital tools, preventive screenings and education campaigns will enhance impact.

Conclusion

Community health wellness programs are essential for building resilient and healthier societies. By promoting preventive care, early screening and health education, these initiatives reduce disease burden and improve quality of life. In India’s diverse and rapidly evolving healthcare landscape, community-based wellness efforts serve as a foundation for sustainable public health progress. Investing in community health today ensures stronger, healthier generations tomorrow.

References

World Health Organization (WHO) – Community Health and Preventive Care Reports
Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) – Non-Communicable Disease Data
National Family Health Survey (NFHS-5) – Public Health Statistics
NITI Aayog – Primary and Preventive Healthcare Strategy
Lancet – Public Health and Community Intervention Research

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