分类： health

China is currently grappling with a significant uptick in respiratory and intestinal infectious diseases, according to the National Disease Control and Prevention Administration. During a recent press briefing, spokesperson Xi Jingjing highlighted the rising prevalence of influenza, respiratory syncytial virus, rhinovirus, and other acute respiratory infections. Additionally, norovirus infections, hand, foot, and mouth disease, and other intestinal illnesses are circulating at elevated levels, particularly in schools and childcare facilities. Wang Dayan, director of the Chinese National Influenza Center, noted that flu activity is increasing nationwide, with the H3N2 subtype of influenza A dominating over 95% of cases. The remaining cases are attributed to the H1N1 influenza A strain and influenza B. With 23 provincial-level regions reaching a medium level of influenza activity, the administration anticipates a continued rise in cases as the peak flu season approaches from late December to early January. Authorities are urging the public, especially vulnerable groups such as the elderly, children, and individuals with underlying health conditions, to get vaccinated promptly and enhance personal protection in crowded spaces. Meanwhile, the risk of imported vector-borne diseases like chikungunya fever and dengue fever persists, particularly in southern provinces.

In a groundbreaking initiative to enhance public health awareness, the 15th Chinese medical team in Papua New Guinea (PNG) has introduced a health education column in the Post-Courier, one of the nation’s leading newspapers. This marks the first time in the 62-year history of Chinese medical aid abroad that such a collaboration has been established. The column’s debut aligns with Movember, a global campaign focused on raising awareness about prostate and testicular cancer, addressing significant gaps in knowledge and screening for prostate diseases among PNG’s male population. Dr. Zhang Teng, the team’s urology specialist, authored the inaugural piece, detailing the causes, early symptoms, screening methods, and preventive measures for prostate cancer. The article also provides practical self-care advice, such as maintaining a healthy diet and regular exercise, and underscores the importance of seeking medical attention for symptoms like blood in urine, difficulty urinating, and lower back pain. Team leader Xu Wei highlighted the column’s role in deepening public health services in PNG, with plans for monthly updates covering various medical fields, including thoracic surgery, neurosurgery, gynecology, cardiology, neonatology, dentistry, and traditional Chinese medicine. The 15th Chinese medical team, comprising eight experts from top-tier hospitals led by the Chongqing University Cancer Hospital, arrived in PNG on October 13 for a one-year mission at the Port Moresby General Hospital. This initiative builds on a longstanding medical collaboration that began in 2002 when Chongqing first dispatched a medical team to PNG, marking China’s first medical mission in the South Pacific region.

The pivotal role of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) in addressing global health challenges was underscored at the ‘We Are The World’ Bangkok 2025 Summit, which convened from November 9 to 11. The event, organized by the nonprofit global health platform We Are The World, brought together international experts to explore the fusion of TCM with cutting-edge technologies like biotechnology, regenerative medicine, and artificial intelligence (AI).

Adrian Cheng Chi-kong, a Hong Kong entrepreneur and co-founder of We Are The World, emphasized the growing global recognition of TCM’s millennia-old wisdom in the face of rapid technological advancements. He highlighted the urgent need to integrate TCM with modern technologies to combat pressing health issues such as cancer and noncommunicable diseases (NCDs), which claimed millions of lives globally in recent years.

Phinij Jarusombat, former Thai Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Public Health, stressed the importance of collaboration in bridging the gap between advanced medical technologies and patients suffering from chronic and neurodegenerative diseases. He advocated for a ‘Health Silk Road’ to facilitate the free flow of medical knowledge and innovation, building on Thailand’s existing cooperation with China in digital health and medical training.

Yan Lijin, Chairman of the China Silk Road Group, announced a collaboration between the Traditional Chinese Medicine Culture Congress and We Are The World, emphasizing the potential of TCM’s integration with biotechnology, regenerative medicine, and AI to address health challenges across the human life cycle. He noted TCM’s accessibility and affordability make it a valuable supplement to healthcare systems in less developed regions, while offering personalized solutions in chronic disease management in developed areas.

Personal testimonies, such as that of Michael Chin, co-founder of We Are The World, highlighted the practical benefits of combining TCM with modern treatments. Sranyoo Chanate, CEO of Kluaynamthai Hospital, and Sorapoj Techakraisri, founder of Pace Development Corp, echoed the sentiment, envisioning a future where the integration of traditional and modern medicine revolutionizes healthcare.

The summit served as a platform for sharing innovative healthcare solutions and fostering global cooperation to build a healthier future.

As millions of Muslims prepare for the spiritual journey of Umrah, Saudi Arabian authorities have introduced stringent health measures to ensure the safety of pilgrims. These measures include mandatory vaccinations and health advisories to prevent the spread of infectious diseases in crowded areas. The UAE has also emphasized the importance of vaccinations for its residents traveling to Saudi Arabia for Umrah. The seasonal influenza vaccine is mandatory for all UAE residents planning to undertake the pilgrimage. It is recommended that travelers receive this vaccination at least 10 days before departure to ensure adequate immunity. The vaccine is available at Emirates Health Services (EHS) general health centers for Dh50, with an additional Dh20 fee for a vaccination card required at travel hubs. Certain groups, including UAE citizens, individuals over 50, people of determination, children under 5, pregnant women, students, and healthcare workers, are exempt from the vaccination fee. Previously, the meningococcal vaccine was mandatory for all Umrah travelers aged 1 and above, but Saudi Arabia recently announced that this is no longer a requirement. However, those who still wish to receive the vaccine must book a doctor’s consultation, which costs Dh150 unless they possess an EHS health card. The Saudi Ministry of Health also recommends the SARS-COV-2 (Covid-19) vaccine for travelers to Umrah areas, which include Makkah, Madinah, Jeddah, and Taif. Pilgrims with chronic conditions are advised to carry detailed medical documentation and sufficient medication in its original packaging. In addition to vaccinations, travelers are encouraged to follow general health tips, such as frequent handwashing, using face masks in crowded areas, maintaining food hygiene, staying hydrated, and protecting against mosquito bites. These precautions are essential for ensuring a safe and healthy pilgrimage experience.

A newborn diagnosed with a severe congenital heart defect has been given a new lease on life following a high-risk surgical procedure at Fuwai Yunnan Cardiovascular Hospital in Kunming, Yunnan Province. The infant, weighing a mere 2.9 kilograms at birth, was found to have transposition of the great arteries (TGA), a rare condition where the heart’s two main arteries are reversed, severely impairing blood circulation and oxygen supply. Shortly after birth, the baby exhibited critically low blood oxygen levels, exacerbated by the near-closure of the foramen ovale, a vital passage for blood flow in newborns. A multidisciplinary medical team, led by Wang Xiaoqi, the hospital’s vice-president, and Dong Shuo, director of pediatric surgery, performed an arterial switch operation to correct the defect. Four days post-surgery, the infant was successfully weaned off the ventilator and showed signs of steady recovery. The baby has since been moved from intensive care to a general ward and is expected to be discharged soon. ‘This was an exceptionally high-risk procedure for a one-day-old baby weighing less than three kilograms,’ Wang remarked. ‘However, the team’s precision and collaboration ensured a successful outcome.’

The Emirates Drug Establishment (EDE) has announced an immediate recall of Hong Thai Herbal Inhaler (Yadom) from UAE markets due to confirmed microbial contamination in several batches. The decision follows laboratory tests that revealed contamination levels exceeding international safety standards for inhalation products. The affected batch, identified as 000332, was manufactured on December 9, 2024, and is set to expire on December 8, 2027. Approximately 200,000 units from this batch have been recalled in the UAE. The EDE has urged the public to cease using the product and safely dispose of any units they possess. Consumers experiencing symptoms such as shortness of breath, nasal irritation, or persistent dizziness after use are advised to seek medical attention. The recall is being coordinated with municipalities and regulatory authorities to ensure the product is removed from all points of sale, including online platforms. This action follows a similar recall in Thailand, where the product failed microbial contamination tests. Hong Thai, the manufacturer, has emphasized that customer safety remains their top priority.

In a concerted effort to combat cervical cancer, health experts are emphasizing the need to increase public awareness and dispel misconceptions surrounding the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine. HPV, the primary cause of cervical cancer, claimed nearly 350,000 lives globally in 2022, with China accounting for 16% of these fatalities. Starting Monday, China will integrate the HPV vaccine into its national immunization program, offering free bivalent vaccines to 13-year-old girls, administered in two doses six months apart. This initiative, announced by seven government agencies on October 30, aims to bolster public health and reduce cervical cancer rates. As of June, 18 provincial-level regions in China have already provided free HPV vaccinations to eligible girls, benefiting approximately 5 million annually, according to a State Council white paper released on September 19. In Beijing, for instance, seventh-grade girls are eligible for free domestically developed bivalent vaccines targeting HPV strains 16 and 18, which are responsible for 70-80% of cervical cancer cases. Despite these efforts, some parents remain hesitant. Li Yun, a Beijing mother, opted for an imported nine-valent vaccine for her daughter, citing reliability concerns. However, she noted that some parents declined the vaccine, citing fears of adverse effects or the belief that their children were too young to need it. Health experts like Tan Xianjie from Peking Union Medical College Hospital stress the importance of early vaccination, particularly before sexual activity begins, to maximize protection. The World Health Organization has set a global target to ensure 90% of girls receive full HPV vaccination by age 15 by 2030, as part of its strategy to eliminate cervical cancer. In China, the free vaccination policy has already made significant strides, covering many eligible girls and promoting health equity across the nation. Experts like Qiao Youlin from Peking Union Medical College and Zhao Fanghui from the National Cancer Center highlight the long-term benefits of vaccination and the need for continued public education to overcome hesitancy and ensure widespread uptake.