Global Pulse

分类： health

  • They contracted hepatitis before the vaccine was given at birth – now the shot may be delayed again

    They contracted hepatitis before the vaccine was given at birth – now the shot may be delayed again

    A potential overhaul of America’s newborn vaccination protocol has ignited fierce debate among medical experts and patients who have experienced hepatitis B’s devastating consequences firsthand. The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) is poised to vote on delaying hepatitis B vaccinations from birth to an unspecified later date—a move that contradicts three decades of established medical practice.

    The controversy stems from recent appointments by Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who replaced the entire ACIP committee with vaccine-skeptical members. During September meetings, new appointees questioned the necessity of vaccinating infants against what they characterized as an ‘adult problem,’ despite overwhelming evidence that early immunization prevents mother-to-child transmission and provides crucial early protection.

    Medical professionals warn that even a two-month delay could have catastrophic consequences. Northwestern University’s Dr. Claudia Hawkins projects that such a change could result in ‘hundreds of additional deaths from liver disease and liver cancer’ over time. Since universal birth-dose vaccination began in 1991, childhood hepatitis B infections have plummeted by 95%, preventing approximately 90,000 deaths according to CDC data.

    The human impact of hepatitis B is illustrated through patients like John Ellis, who contracted the virus before receiving his delayed vaccination at age 12. Despite his mother’s 30 years of nursing experience, the diagnosis shocked their family. ‘That was kind of a dark time for me,’ Ellis recalled. ‘Having to navigate conversations about this chronic illness that people aren’t familiar with.’

    Phil Shin’s story reveals the silent danger of the virus. Diagnosed before middle school, he remained asymptomatic until age 48, when doctors discovered a racketball-sized tumor in his liver. After emergency surgery and a life-saving transplant, Shin now serves on the American Liver Foundation board, advocating for awareness.

    The virus’s indiscriminate nature is underscored by Helen Ouyang’s childhood tragedy. Her father died from hepatitis B-related liver cancer when she was three, experiencing only vague symptoms before his rapid decline. As an emergency physician at Columbia University, Dr. Ouyang understands both the personal and medical implications of the disease.

    Medical experts emphasize that hepatitis B spreads through bodily fluids, including shared household items like toothbrushes, contradicting claims that it’s not ‘casually contagious.’ They also note that relying solely on maternal testing creates vulnerability, as some patients receive false negatives or lack reliable healthcare access.

    The policy change could also affect insurance coverage and create loopholes for parents to opt out of vaccination entirely. For those living with hepatitis B, the potential regression of vaccination guidelines represents both a public health threat and a dismissal of their suffering. ‘I’m a living, breathing testament to what could happen,’ Ellis stated. ‘I didn’t get the vaccine at birth. I got it later, and I still contracted hepatitis B.’

  • How pets are helping UAE residents manage grief, mental health challenges

    How pets are helping UAE residents manage grief, mental health challenges

    A growing therapeutic movement is transforming mental healthcare in the United Arab Emirates as residents discover the profound psychological benefits of animal companionship. Clinical experts and personal testimonies reveal how pets and structured animal therapy programs provide critical emotional support for those grappling with grief, anxiety, and neurodivergent challenges.

    Dubai resident Maya (identity protected) experienced this transformation firsthand following her father’s sudden passing in 2024. Plunged into severe depression with debilitating panic attacks and insomnia, Maya found unexpected salvation when temporarily caring for a friend’s dog. ‘The presence of another living being provided immediate relief,’ she recalled. ‘The animal demonstrated remarkable intuition during my distress episodes, offering quiet companionship that proved tremendously comforting.’

    Medical professionals confirm these observations with scientific backing. Dr. Walid Shaaban, CEO of Emirates Zoo Park and Resort, emphasizes that ‘animals provide consistent, non-judgmental presence that significantly reduces anxiety, emotional overload, and sensory dysregulation.’ This perspective is reinforced by Dr. Luisa Coelho, Clinical Director of The Cat Vet in Dubai, who notes clinical evidence demonstrates ‘pet interaction lowers cortisol levels, alleviates anxiety and depression symptoms, while boosting oxytocin and serotonin—hormones crucial for emotional regulation and bonding.’

    The therapeutic application has evolved into structured programs catering to diverse needs. EZPR’s specialized initiative matches neurodivergent individuals with animal ambassadors based on sensory profiles, therapeutic objectives, and comfort levels. ‘Animals eliminate social pressures through predictable, emotionally neutral interactions,’ explains Dr. Shaaban. ‘This proves particularly valuable for autistic individuals who struggle with complex social cues.’

    Carolyn Yaffe, Counsellor and Cognitive Therapist at Medcare Camali Clinic, highlights how animal-assisted therapy creates ‘safe spaces and structured routines that help autistic individuals feel secure. The companionship reduces anxiety while fostering calming atmospheres conducive to expression and sensory regulation.’

    Program implementation follows rigorous protocols considering animal temperament, environmental factors, and cultural considerations. Many participants benefit from observation-based sessions rather than direct contact, with all interactions supervised by handlers following strict welfare and safety standards.

    For Maya, the experience sparked lasting change. Now actively volunteering at animal shelters and fostering pets, she acknowledges: ‘That intervention saved me from profound mental anguish. Regular animal interaction has dramatically improved my psychological wellbeing while connecting me with a supportive community.’

  • Delhi records 200,000 acute respiratory illness cases amid toxic air

    Delhi records 200,000 acute respiratory illness cases amid toxic air

    India’s capital faces a severe public health emergency as federal government data reveals staggering numbers of pollution-related respiratory illnesses. Between 2022 and 2024, six state-run hospitals in Delhi documented over 200,000 cases of acute respiratory conditions, with more than 30,000 patients requiring hospitalization during this period.

    The toxic air crisis has become a recurring seasonal phenomenon in Delhi and its surrounding regions, particularly during winter months. Current measurements show Delhi’s Air Quality Index (AQI) consistently exceeding 20 times the World Health Organization’s recommended safety threshold. The AQI incorporates various pollutants including PM2.5—fine particulate matter capable of penetrating deep into lung tissue.

    Multiple contributing factors create this environmental hazard: industrial emissions, vehicle exhaust, temperature inversions, reduced wind patterns, and the controversial practice of seasonal crop residue burning in neighboring agricultural states.

    Statistical analysis reveals consistently high case numbers across recent years: 67,054 acute respiratory cases in 2022, 69,293 in 2023, and 68,411 in 2024. Government officials acknowledged to parliament that while elevated pollution levels correlate with increased emergency room visits, the study design cannot establish definitive causation.

    Delhi’s air quality frequently surpasses the ‘severe’ threshold of 400 AQI—levels considered hazardous even for healthy individuals and critically dangerous for those with pre-existing conditions. Recent measurements recorded AQI levels around 380, maintaining the pattern of dangerously polluted air.

    The crisis particularly affects vulnerable populations, with multiple hospitals reporting significant increases in pediatric patients suffering from pollution-related illnesses. The judicial system has taken note, with Delhi’s High Court preparing to hear petitions demanding immediate government action to address the hazardous air quality. India’s Supreme Court has repeatedly expressed concern about the persistent pollution problem in the capital region and surrounding areas.

  • Full House star Dave Coulier diagnosed with tongue cancer

    Full House star Dave Coulier diagnosed with tongue cancer

    Dave Coulier, the beloved actor renowned for his portrayal of Uncle Joey in the classic sitcom ‘Full House,’ has publicly disclosed a new health challenge: a diagnosis of tongue cancer. This announcement arrives just seven months after the 66-year-old comedian had celebrated being declared cancer-free following successful treatment for stage three non-Hodgkin Lymphoma, a blood cancer, in 2024.

    In an interview with NBC’s Today show, Coulier provided details about his condition, identified as P16 squamous carcinoma located at the base of his tongue. Medical professionals have assured him of a highly optimistic 90% curability rate for this specific cancer. His treatment regimen involves 35 rounds of radiation therapy, scheduled for completion on December 31st. Coulier was explicit in stating that this new diagnosis is medically distinct and entirely unrelated to his previous bout with lymphoma.

    The actor elaborated on the discovery, explaining that the malignancy was detected during a routine PET scan in October. Further investigation revealed the presence of P16, a protein biomarker often associated with the human papillomavirus (HPV). Coulier shared his doctors’ insight that the cancer could potentially stem from an HPV infection contracted decades prior, noting that while many carry the virus, his had activated and developed into carcinoma.

    Emphasizing the critical importance of preventative healthcare, Coulier credited early detection for his positive prognosis. He urged his fans and the public to prioritize regular medical check-ups, including colonoscopies, breast exams, and prostate exams, stating unequivocally that such vigilance saves lives. While acknowledging the side effects of radiation, he contrasted it as a ‘whole different animal’ than the aggressive chemotherapy he previously endured.

    Coulier remains a cherished figure in entertainment, having appeared in all 192 episodes of the original ‘Full House’ series from 1987 to 1995 and later reprising his role in the Netflix sequel, ‘Fuller House.’

  • VR headsets take war-scarred children to world away from Gaza

    VR headsets take war-scarred children to world away from Gaza

    In the aftermath of prolonged conflict, innovative virtual reality therapy is providing psychological respite for children severely affected by the war in Gaza. At a temporary facility in Al-Zawayda, central Gaza, young trauma survivors are experiencing immersive therapeutic sessions through specialized VR headsets that transport them to peaceful virtual environments far removed from their war-torn reality.

    Within a white tent erected on sandy terrain, children wearing TechMed Gaza headsets explore digitally created landscapes featuring serene beaches, lush gardens, and safe urban settings. The therapy sessions, observed by AFP journalists, show visibly engaged participants—one child reaches out to touch virtual elements, another reports seeing birds, while a wheelchair-bound boy describes encountering trees, grass, and flowers.

    Mental health supervisor Abdalla Abu Shamale explains that the program extends beyond mere escapism. “Through specialized programming, we design games with therapeutic, preventive, and developmental objectives that help children develop effective coping mechanisms,” he stated. The technology has demonstrated particular effectiveness with war-amputee children, those with physical injuries, and those exposed to extreme traumatic events.

    The urgency of mental health intervention in Gaza is underscored by UNICEF statistics indicating approximately one million children—effectively the entire child population of Gaza—require mental health and psychosocial support following two years of devastating conflict. According to the World Health Organization, conflict-related injuries carry significant mental health consequences, with survivors struggling with trauma and loss while psychosocial services remain scarce.

    Clinical results show promising outcomes, with VR therapy achieving measurable improvements in significantly fewer sessions than traditional methods. Where conventional therapy typically requires 10-12 sessions, VR techniques can produce positive results within just 5-7 sessions, according to program operators. The technology allows therapists to create customized experiences that account for each child’s specific physical and psychological condition, helping rebuild positive perceptions of the world.

    The therapy continues despite the fragile ceasefire that has held since October 10 between Israel and Hamas, offering a innovative approach to addressing the massive mental health crisis affecting Gaza’s youngest generation.

  • Measles vaccinations begin in rebel-held Congo almost a year after deadly outbreak

    Measles vaccinations begin in rebel-held Congo almost a year after deadly outbreak

    In a significant humanitarian development, measles vaccines have finally reached the rebel-controlled territory of Kachehembe in eastern Congo’s North Kivu province. This delivery comes nearly a year after the onset of a devastating measles outbreak that has plagued the region.

    The humanitarian situation has been severely exacerbated by the seizure of territory earlier this year by Rwanda-backed M23 rebels, creating substantial obstacles to healthcare delivery in one of the world’s most critical crisis zones. Medical charity Doctors Without Borders (MSF) has initiated vaccination efforts, with anxious parents forming lengthy queues to immunize their children against the highly contagious disease.

    Silas Bazimaziki Rugiriki, a local father bringing his son for vaccination, expressed the community’s distress: “Children are suffering greatly from this disease.”

    Congo’s health system faces overwhelming challenges, reporting over 36,000 suspected measles cases and 565 fatalities across nearly all of its 26 provinces as of July. The country simultaneously battles multiple health emergencies including recent Mpox and Ebola outbreaks, compounded by ongoing rebel activities.

    The M23 insurgency has captured key cities in the mineral-rich eastern region since January, resulting in thousands of casualties despite ongoing peace mediation efforts led by the United States and Qatar.

    MSF reports having treated at least 1,000 pediatric measles cases in Kachehembe alone this year, with 11 confirmed deaths. Their vaccination campaign specifically targets children under five years old, though operations face complications from mass displacements caused by persistent attacks from multiple rebel factions.

    Dr. Toussaint Selemani, MSF’s medical director for the measles response, explained to The Associated Press: “The area is experiencing a constant influx of displaced families, which is increasing demand.” A nearby hospital currently treats 53 children afflicted with measles.

    Local mothers described the rapid progression of the illness. Sarah Noëlla, 37, recounted how her 2-year-old son Fariji Jacques developed fever followed by red eyes and mouth speckles, initially mistaken for influenza. Many families emphasized their complete dependence on MSF’s assistance, with 21-year-old mother Irène Shashire stating, “We are living in a war zone, we have nothing.”

  • UAE: 1 in 3 students show ADHD symptoms; women more affected, study shows

    UAE: 1 in 3 students show ADHD symptoms; women more affected, study shows

    A groundbreaking 2024 study conducted in the United Arab Emirates has uncovered significant prevalence of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder symptoms among university students, with findings indicating between 13.6% and 34% of young adults demonstrate ADHD characteristics. The research, spearheaded by Al Yateem and colleagues through comprehensive surveying of 406 individuals aged 18-20 years, revealed a notable gender disparity with females reporting symptoms at higher rates than their male counterparts.

    Clinical experts attribute this emerging pattern to the transition into adulthood, where previously concealed symptoms become apparent as structured school environments and parental support systems diminish. According to Lindi Nhlapo, psychologist at Dubai’s Thrive Wellbeing Centre, the increased cognitive demands of independent adulthood make characteristic symptoms more recognizable. “Young adults face expectations to plan, organize, and manage tasks autonomously. As cognitive load intensifies, manifestations such as forgetfulness, task avoidance, and overcommitment become increasingly evident,” Nhlapo explained.

    The study highlights how ADHD presentation differs in adulthood, with hyperactivity often transforming into internal restlessness rather than physical movement. Impulsivity may manifest as excessive prioritization of social activities, while inattentiveness frequently appears as persistent mental fatigue or difficulty decomposing complex tasks.

    Modern digital environments exacerbate these challenges, with experts warning that constant technological stimulation worsens core ADHD features. The perpetual digital noise, rapid task-switching, and sensory overload particularly impact attention regulation, impulsivity, emotional reactivity, and executive functioning—though technology doesn’t directly cause ADHD, it magnifies symptoms and exposes vulnerabilities earlier.

    The implications extend beyond academic performance, significantly affecting interpersonal relationships. Research indicates couples with an ADHD partner face nearly double the likelihood of serious conflict or separation compared to neurotypical pairs. This stems not from ADHD itself causing breakups, but from accumulated misunderstandings and daily pressures when symptoms are misinterpreted as apathy or disinterest.

    Dr. Manuela Paone, a clinical psychologist specializing in relationship dynamics, notes that while individuals with ADHD often bring passion and creativity to relationships, misinterpretations of behavior can create destructive cycles. “When forgetfulness or zoning out is perceived as disinterest, it establishes patterns difficult to break without mutual awareness and understanding,” Dr. Paone emphasized.

    Clinicians stress that diagnosis and support remain crucial, recommending individuals suspecting ADHD consult medical professionals, utilize validated screening tools, and implement routines supporting focus and communication. As Jessica Rosslee, licensed clinical psychologist, summarizes: “Progress emerges when responsibility meets empathy—it’s not about demanding acceptance but demonstrating active effort. This foundation fosters genuine intimacy and understanding.”

  • Groundbreaking HIV prevention shots begin in Africa

    Groundbreaking HIV prevention shots begin in Africa

    A new era in HIV prevention has commenced across Southern Africa with the landmark public rollout of lenacapavir, a groundbreaking injectable medication demonstrating unprecedented efficacy against HIV transmission. The revolutionary prevention tool, administered just twice annually, has shown remarkable 99.9% effectiveness in clinical trials, positioning it as a functional equivalent to a powerful vaccine against the virus.

    South Africa, Eswatini, and Zambia initiated their respective programs on World AIDS Day, marking the first real-world implementation of this long-acting preventive solution in low- and middle-income nations. The Wits University research unit in South Africa—where approximately 20% of adults live with HIV—spearheaded the rollout through an initiative funded by Unitaid, the United Nations global health agency.

    The launch ceremonies featured significant public engagement, with dozens lining up for injections in Eswatini’s Hhukwini constituency amid celebratory songs and dances. Eswatini’s Prime Minister Russell Dlamini declared the development “a turning point in our national HIV response” that provides “fresh hope and a powerful tool to protect our citizens.”

    Despite the enthusiasm, significant challenges remain regarding accessibility and cost. The medication carries a staggering $28,000 annual price tag per person in the United States, raising concerns about affordability in resource-limited settings. Under a current arrangement, manufacturer Gilead Sciences has committed to providing lenacapavir at no profit to two million people in high-HIV burden countries over three years through a US program.

    Notably, South Africa—despite its participation in clinical trials—will not receive doses through this initiative due to ongoing policy disagreements between Washington and Pretoria. A senior US State Department official indicated that countries with substantial means should fund their own prevention programs.

    Health advocates emphasize the critical need for expanded access throughout Eastern and Southern Africa, which accounts for 52% of the global HIV burden according to 2024 UNAIDS data. The region continues to face severe challenges, with Zambia reporting approximately 1.4 million people living with HIV and 30,000 new infections annually.

    The future outlook appears promising, with generic versions expected to become available by 2027 through agreements between Unitaid, the Gates Foundation, and Indian pharmaceutical companies. These generic alternatives are projected to cost approximately $40 annually, potentially transforming HIV prevention accessibility across more than 100 countries.

  • WHO backs GLP-1 treatments to tackle obesity epidemic

    WHO backs GLP-1 treatments to tackle obesity epidemic

    In a landmark move to combat the escalating global obesity pandemic, the World Health Organization has issued its first-ever clinical guidelines endorsing GLP-1 agonist medications as essential long-term treatments for obesity management. This decisive recommendation comes as obesity rates threaten to double worldwide by 2030 without immediate intervention, currently affecting over one billion people and claiming 3.7 million lives annually from related complications—surpassing combined fatalities from malaria, tuberculosis, and HIV.

    The UN health agency recognizes obesity as a chronic, relapsing disease requiring comprehensive, lifelong care strategies. While emphasizing that pharmaceutical interventions alone cannot reverse the epidemic, WHO experts highlight that GLP-1 therapies—including widely known brands Ozempic and Mounjaro—represent a transformative component within integrated treatment approaches. These appetite-suppressing medications have demonstrated significant efficacy, though the organization calls for expanded research on their long-term safety profiles.

    WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus stated that these therapies ‘can help millions overcome obesity and reduce its associated harms’ when combined with intensive behavioral interventions promoting nutritional education and physical activity. The guidelines specifically recommend GLP-1 agonists for non-pregnant adults while stressing the necessity of population-level policies creating healthier environments.

    Dr. Jeremy Farrar, WHO Assistant Director-General for health promotion, cautioned against viewing these medications as ‘a magic bullet,’ but acknowledged their profound potential to reshape healthcare outcomes for diabetes and cardiovascular diseases. The economic implications are equally staggering, with obesity-related costs projected to reach $3 trillion annually by 2030, potentially rendering healthcare systems ‘untenable’ without effective intervention strategies.

    Addressing accessibility concerns, WHO has already included GLP-1 drugs in its Essential Medicines List, advocating for affordable generic versions to ensure equitable distribution across low- and middle-income nations. This initiative aims to prevent worsening global health disparities while leveraging scientific innovations to tackle one of modernity’s most pressing public health challenges.

  • UAE: Mother wakes from 3-month coma to discover she gave birth to baby girl

    UAE: Mother wakes from 3-month coma to discover she gave birth to baby girl

    A Jordanian expatriate residing in Ajman has emerged from one of the longest documented ECMO (Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation) cases in medical history, awakening after three months in a coma to discover she had given birth during her unconsciousness. Amal Othman, 40, survived a harrowing medical ordeal that began with a severe influenza infection during her Umrah pilgrimage while pregnant.

    Her condition rapidly deteriorated into Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS) accompanied by hemothorax and pneumothorax—life-threatening accumulations of blood and air in the chest cavity. Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi’s critical care team implemented ECMO support for an unprecedented 324 days, representing one of the most prolonged applications of this advanced life support technology worldwide.

    Medical director Dr. Fadi Hamed described the case as ‘exceptionally complex,’ requiring coordinated surgical interventions and sustained critical care management. ‘This patient’s journey demonstrates the remarkable outcomes possible through fully integrated team medicine and persistent hope,’ Dr. Hamed stated.

    Upon regaining consciousness, Othman experienced complete paralysis and temporary voice loss, unaware of both the duration of her hospitalization and the successful delivery of her daughter months earlier. Her husband gradually revealed the reality of her situation, including the birth of their child—a revelation the mother characterizes as ‘the beginning of hope’ after existing ‘between life and death.’

    Remarkably, Othman reported vivid visions during her comatose state that corresponded with actual events, including her family’s relocation to a new residence. Her recovery involved extensive rehabilitation under physical therapist Rami Boyles, who noted her progression from complete immobility to regained mobility with assisted walking.

    Despite her miraculous recovery, Othman continues to face medical challenges, including the need for future colon transplantation due to treatment-related complications. She has appealed for financial support to complete her ongoing surgical requirements, emphasizing that while her survival represents a medical milestone, her healing journey continues.