HAVANA, January 23.— Scientists all over the world have recognized the effectiveness of the Cuban vaccine used against serogroup B meningococci bacteria, according to Cuban public health system spokespersons.

More than 52 million doses of the formula Va-Mengoc-BChave been administered in dozens of countries since its introduction 20 years ago, thanks to research done by experts within the country.

Concepción Campa, director of the Finlay Institute, confirmed that the drug remains the only one of its kind in the world with the aim of counteracting the effects of all forms of meningitis.

This disease is extremely dangerous and develops in outbreaks, the specialist explained.

Campa emphasized the advantages of this product during a lecture at the General Calixto García University Hospital in Havana during a scientific conference organized for the occasion of its 122nd anniversary.

She indicated that in 1991 the drug was introduced to immunize babies at the age of three and a half months, with a second dose administered at five and a half months to attain satisfactory results.

She highlighted the elimination of the disease within the country as a result of the vaccine, which guarantees its prevention and control.

Campa also explained that the first human vaccine against leptospirosis, developed collaboratively by her institution and the Pedro Kourí Institute of Tropical Medicine, produces a strong immune response with long-lasting protection. (PL)

Translated by Granma International 23-01-2008