分类： health

In a remarkable medical triumph, a premature baby born at just 27 weeks and weighing less than a kilogram has survived an extremely rare and life-threatening condition known as Amyand’s hernia. The infant, Sid Elian Mattheus Casino, underwent a complex surgery at Burjeel Hospital in Abu Dhabi, defying the odds to recover from a condition that occurs in only 0.1% of cases worldwide. Amyand’s hernia involves a perforated appendix trapped in the inguinal canal and extending into the scrotum, a condition almost unheard of in premature infants. For first-time parents Stewart John and Isabel Mari Casiño, Sid’s early arrival was both a joyous and terrifying experience. Isabel first met her baby 12 hours after delivery in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), surrounded by machines and wires. “My heart was breaking and overflowing at the same time,” she recalled. “I wished I could just hold him and protect him.” Three weeks later, when Sid developed swelling in his belly and scrotum, doctors diagnosed the hernia. Despite initial fears, Isabel placed her trust in Professor Dr. Amulya Saxena, a consultant pediatric surgeon at Burjeel Hospital, who assured her that Sid would survive. The emergency surgery, performed by Dr. Saxena and his team, involved removing the perforated appendix and preserving the tiny testicle while ensuring no contamination or infection. Sid’s recovery in the NICU was slow but steady, and after ten weeks of intensive care, the family finally took him home. At discharge, he weighed 1.8 kilograms, and a month later, his weight nearly doubled to 3.3 kilograms. “Every day is a win for us,” said Isabel. “My baby has shown me what true strength is.” Dr. Saxena attributed Sid’s recovery to prompt diagnosis, meticulous surgical work, and coordinated care. “Seeing him healthy and thriving today is the most rewarding outcome for our entire team,” he said.

Dhanwantari Vaidyasala, a renowned Ayurvedic institution from Kerala, has inaugurated its first international centre in Bur Dubai, marking a significant milestone in its 93-year history. Founded in 1933, the Kerala-based institution has long been a beacon of authentic Ayurvedic healing and wellness. The new facility in Al Ain Center aims to make its acclaimed treatments more accessible to UAE residents, many of whom previously travelled to India for care. This expansion is part of a broader vision to establish a global presence under the banner of ‘Dhanwantari Global.’ Dr Satheesh Kumar Namboothiri, the managing director, revealed ambitious plans to open new centres in Bahrain, Qatar, Oman, the Philippines, Germany, and Australia by 2026. The Dubai centre will focus on addressing modern health challenges, including diabetes and chronic diseases, through authentic Ayurvedic methods. Dr Sathya K Pillai, the medical director, emphasized the facility’s advanced diagnostic systems and specialised treatments for conditions like neuropathy, eye ailments, and skin and hair care. Additionally, Dhanwantari UAE plans to expand its footprint across the Gulf, with 10 direct outlets, franchise models, and kiosks set to open within the next three years. The brand has already integrated into the local community by acquiring the Ayur Sathya clinic and will soon introduce long-term treatment packages for regular clients.

Sudan is facing an escalating cholera crisis, exacerbated by ongoing conflict, mass displacement, and relentless heavy rains. The World Health Organization (WHO) has raised alarms over a ‘concerning case fatality rate’ of 2.8 percent, nearly triple the emergency threshold of 1 percent, signaling an urgent need for a robust response. As of October 13, Sudan’s Ministry of Health reported over 120,000 cholera cases and more than 3,300 deaths nationwide. In Darfur alone, 17,246 cases and 570 deaths have been recorded across all five states since the outbreak began in Nitega, South Darfur, in May. The international humanitarian organization CARE highlighted that the conflict has displaced millions, forcing families into overcrowded camps with limited access to clean water and collapsed sanitation systems. Cholera is spreading rapidly through communities already on the brink of survival, with women, children, and the elderly bearing the brunt of the crisis. The situation is further compounded by the destruction of over 75 percent of health facilities, making healthcare increasingly inaccessible. CARE Sudan warned that the humanitarian response is severely underfunded and overstretched, with shortages of medical supplies, chlorine, hygiene kits, and insufficient water trucking capacity hampering efforts to reach affected communities. The lack of sustained funding threatens to undermine ongoing interventions, potentially worsening the crisis as the rainy season persists.

South Africa has expressed gratitude for a $115 million U.S. bridging plan that ensures continued funding for HIV treatment and prevention programs until March. The initiative, part of the U.S. President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), is seen as a positive step in bilateral relations despite recent strains. PEPFAR, credited with saving over 25 million lives globally, has been a lifeline for South Africa, which has the world’s highest number of people living with HIV. Earlier this year, U.S. President Donald Trump suspended foreign aid to South Africa, including PEPFAR, leading to job losses and service disruptions. Over 8,000 health workers were laid off, and 12 specialized HIV clinics funded by USAID were closed. South African Minister Khumbudzo Ntshavheni highlighted the bridge plan as a solution to the abrupt funding halt, emphasizing its role in maintaining bilateral ties. However, relations remain tense, with Trump accusing South Africa’s government of mistreating minority white Afrikaners and imposing tariffs on its exports. Health Minister Aaron Motsoaledi noted that the U.S. is revising its approach to PEPFAR, offering transition periods of up to five years before complete funding cessation. While the bridge plan provides temporary relief, uncertainties linger over long-term HIV program sustainability.

The small southern African nation of Lesotho, long plagued by one of the world’s highest HIV infection rates, is grappling with a deepening crisis following significant cuts to U.S. foreign aid. For years, nearly $1 billion in American assistance helped Lesotho build a robust health network that effectively slowed the spread of HIV. However, the decision by former U.S. President Donald Trump to freeze foreign aid and dismantle the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) has left the country in chaos. Clinics have shut down, healthcare workers have been laid off, and patients have abandoned treatment, leading to a crumbling healthcare system. Despite the temporary reinstatement of some U.S.-funded programs, the damage has been severe, with experts warning of a potential resurgence of the epidemic. The impact of these cuts is felt most acutely by Lesotho’s 260,000 HIV-positive residents, who now face uncertainty and fear for their futures. Key prevention programs, such as those targeting mother-to-child transmission and high-risk groups, have been halted, and healthcare workers are struggling to provide care through informal networks. The situation has been described as a ‘crime against humanity’ by some advocates, who stress that the progress made over the past two decades is at risk of being undone. While Lesotho’s government has been urged to move toward self-reliance, the immediate need for international support remains critical to prevent further loss of life and to sustain the fight against HIV.