I am part of an experimental dysentery vaccine trial run by the University of Maryland School of Medicine's Center for Vaccine Development. The purpose of this new vaccine is to protect against Shigella bacteria, which cause shigellosis and dysentery. Shigellosis causes an estimated 600,000 deaths annually. Most of the victims are children; those who recover often have noticeable impacts on their growth and development. Lack of access to clean water for drinking and bathing are primary causes of infection. Since the leading complication of this disease is dehydration from excessive fluid loss, lack of water supply compounds the issue.
I received one round of vaccination in April 2022 and will have the second in May 2022. To test the efficacy of the vaccine, I will be infected with shigella bacteria in June 2022 and complete an in-patient stay for observation. I won’t know whether I got the placebo or not, but I will add updates here.
A member of a previous cohort in the study launched a fundraiser through The Water Project with great success during their vaccine trial period, so I'd like to continue the momentum of that public goodwill.
Please donate if you are able. If you cannot, please spread the word and consider donating to this or another clean water charity when you are able. Alternatively, look into other trials put on by the Center for Vaccine Development to serve that way.
The Water Project has a 4/4 rating from Charity Navigator.
Donated $514.80 on 06/02/22