Global Virus Network

The network's main mission is to tackle current broad viral threats as they develop, and to strengthen current research of viruses that cause human disease so as to prepare for any viral hazards. Their mission is outlined by 3 steps that they take to achieve it, which are international collective research, ongoing training of upcoming generations of medical virologists (public education), and advocacy. Global partnerships and mutual cooperation allows the GVN to span globally and to research viruses as they manifest and spread. Public education The GVN is also a source of credible information about viruses, vaccines, and breakthroughs in both fields, which they spread through digital and public speaking platforms. The GVN promotes educational and valuable programs for future generations of scientists and biologists, and is a stable resource for both large governments and small organizations attempting to prepare themselves for viral threats. Advocacy The final part of the GVN's mission is ensuring that funding persists, and that the network is able to provide up to date information through partnerships with governments and agencies across the world. The GVN also advocates for further virology research to be performed and for more virology training opportunities worldwide. == Funding ==

All scientists and their research under the GVN are supported through various continuous small grants. The GVN works with governments as well as research companies to ensure that funding for both virology training and research are kept high enough to meet the demands of global health. The GVN also receives funding from its partners, the Global Health Security Agenda (GHSA), the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI), and the Medical Technology Enterprise Consortium (MTEC). == History and centers ==

The GVN has 34 centers across 17 nations, each of which has a medical virologist as its director who is willing to commit to GVN's mission. Each center also specializes in at least two areas of viral science. Centers Source: Locations in the Middle East • Israel: Tel Aviv University Locations in Southern and Eastern Africa • South Africa • Uganda. Locations in Europe and Eurasia • Ireland - University College Dublin • Germany: Robert Koch Institute Berlin; Technical University of Munich; Philipp University Marburg • Belgium: Northern Europe Consortium, Gembloux Agro-Bio Tech • Italy: Italian Consortium – University of Verona • Sweden: Scandinavian-Baltic Consortium, Karolinska Institute • UK: MRC-University of Glasgow, Scotland; The Pirbright Institute, Surrey • Spain: Centro de Biología Molecular Severo Ochoa (CBMSO), Madrid; Centre de Recerca en Sanitat Animal (CReSA), Barcelona • Russia: Moscow Center for HIV/AIDS Prevention and Treatment • Netherlands • Scotland • France Locations in Asia • China: Chinese Consortium – Chinese Centers for Disease Control • India • Karnataka • Manipal Institute of Virology • Kerala • Amrita Institute of Medical Sciences and Research Cente, Kochi • Institute of Advanced Virology, Thiruvananthapuram Locations in North and South America • United States • Maryland: Institute of Human Virology at the University of Maryland School of Medicine; Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health; J. Craig Venter Institute, Rockville • New York: Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai; University of Rochester Medical Center; University of Buffalo • California: University of California San Francisco; Scripps Research Institute • Colorado: Colorado State University, Fort Collins • Michigan: University of Michigan • Pennsylvania: University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute • Texas: UTMB Institute for Human Infections and Immunity, Galveston National Laboratory • Argentina: IBBM – National University of La Plata == Accomplishments ==

=== GVN against the Chikungunya virus (CHIKV) === Chikungunya virus explained CHIKV is a rapid-working onset febrile illness, of which the first visible symptom is a rash on the hands and arms. The virus causes a high fever and has the same intensity as that of an acute viral infection, similar to any virus present and visible in the bloodstream. However, the virus poses a threat if it gets transferred to a fetus as it can cause birth defects, miscarriages, and stillbirths. However, severe symptoms include motor changes in your limbs, an inflamed spinal cord, weakened legs, and cognitive impairment. Some people affected by the infection can develop adult T-cell Leukemia and can be predisposed to other severe medical conditions. This virus can spread through sexual contact, unsterile needles, and blood transfusions. It can also spread to a child from the mother's breast milk. There currently exist no treatments or cures for HTLV-1, and the condition lasts for a lifetime. However, it is not a major threat as roughly 95% of those infected are asymptomatic their whole life. GVN's Plan The GVN has stated the importance of its work, which brings together the global community to conduct research and communicate about these viral problems that do not receive appropriate recognition in some areas. The task force made up of experts working on the HTLV-1 virus spans 11 countries, and is led by Dr. Robert Gallow in Maryland, Dr. Luc Willems in Belgium, and Dr. Hideki Hasegawa in Japan. The task force works daily to conduct research to hopefully stop HTLV-1, and the mission of the task force also includes funding drugs which can work to stop the virus from progressing into a disease. == References ==