Eswatini has made history by becoming the first African nation to introduce lenacapavir, a revolutionary twice-yearly HIV prevention injection. Developed by Gilead Sciences, this groundbreaking drug has shown near-total protection in clinical trials and is hailed as a transformative tool in combating HIV, a virus that has claimed millions of lives across the continent. The rollout is part of the U.S. President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), in collaboration with the Global Fund, aiming to benefit at least 2 million people in 10 high-risk African countries by 2027. Eswatini, with the world’s highest HIV incidence, received the drug in the same year as its U.S. approval, marking a significant milestone. Zambia also received its first shipment, while regulatory approvals are pending in Botswana, Kenya, Malawi, Namibia, Rwanda, Tanzania, Uganda, and Zimbabwe. The U.S. initially planned to distribute 250,000 doses in 2024 but increased this to 325,000 due to high demand. In Eswatini, approximately 6,000 high-risk individuals, particularly mothers and newborns, will benefit from the initial rollout. Despite its potential, concerns over limited supplies and manufacturing rights have sparked debates, with South Africa’s health minister highlighting the need for broader access. Gilead has significantly reduced the drug’s price for lower-income countries, making it more accessible. However, civil society groups in South Africa have criticized the exclusion of local manufacturers from licensing agreements, despite their contributions to clinical trials.
分类： health
-
Transformation of healthcare in China’s Xizang region celebrated
The Xizang Autonomous Region has witnessed a transformative leap in its healthcare system, thanks to a robust medical aid initiative launched by China’s central government. Since 2015, over 2,400 medical professionals have been dispatched in 11 groups to hospitals across the region, marking a significant milestone in improving healthcare delivery in one of the country’s most geographically challenging areas. The program, initially introduced at the sixth central symposium on Xizang-related work in August 2015, initially focused on supporting the Xizang Autonomous Region People’s Hospital and seven municipal-level hospitals. By August 2021, the initiative expanded to include 13 county-level hospitals, further amplifying its impact. Tan Xiangdong, deputy director of Xizang’s health commission, highlighted the program’s focus on cultivating medical disciplines, nurturing local talent, and advancing high-altitude medical research. The results have been profound: the maternal mortality rate dropped from 108.86 per 100,000 in 2014 to 48 per 100,000 by 2020, while the infant mortality rate fell from 16.81 per 1,000 to 7.6 per 1,000 over the same period. Additionally, the average life expectancy in Xizang rose to 72.19 years by the end of 2020, representing the highest growth rate nationwide. This initiative underscores the central government’s commitment to equitable healthcare development and has set a benchmark for medical aid programs in remote regions.
-
Less fruits, banned items: Many Dubai school canteens fail on nutrition, audit finds
A recent audit conducted by Dubai Municipality has uncovered significant shortcomings in the nutritional quality of food offered in school canteens across the emirate. The audit, part of the My School Food campaign, examined over 7,000 food items across more than 200 schools, revealing a lack of fruit options and the use of banned ingredients in some cases. Hassa Al Sumaiti, Acting Head of the Applied Nutrition and Awareness Section, highlighted the disparity between schools offering healthy choices and those failing to meet basic nutritional standards. She emphasized the importance of fruits in daily nutrition and the need for stricter oversight to ensure compliance with dietary guidelines. The findings were discussed at the Dubai International Food Safety Conference, where Al Sumaiti stressed the long-term impact of school food on children’s health and academic performance. The audit is the first phase of a broader initiative to improve school food systems in Dubai, with pilot programs already underway in selected schools. The municipality plans to implement these improvements citywide, aiming to foster healthier eating habits and reduce the risk of obesity and chronic diseases among students. Additionally, the event honored students who participated in the school food hero competition, showcasing innovative ideas like AI-powered canteens to promote sustainability and nutrition.
-
Cervical cancer vaccine push has saved 1.4 million lives: Gavi
A groundbreaking three-year campaign led by Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, has successfully prevented an estimated 1.4 million cervical cancer deaths in low-income countries. The initiative, which focused on delivering human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccines, has protected 86 million girls against the leading cause of cervical cancer. Gavi announced this milestone on World Cervical Cancer Elimination Day, highlighting the disproportionate impact of HPV-related cancers in low-income regions, which accounted for 90% of the 350,000 cervical cancer deaths recorded in 2022. These areas often lack access to screening and treatment services, exacerbating the crisis. Gavi’s CEO, Sania Nishtar, praised the ‘incredible commitment’ of participating countries and organizations in achieving this life-saving goal. The vaccine coverage rate in Africa surged from 4% in 2014 to 44% by the end of 2024, surpassing Europe’s 38% rate. Gavi leveraged economies of scale to reduce vaccine costs, making doses available for as low as $2.90 to $5.18 in supported countries, compared to over $100 elsewhere. The World Health Organization’s 2022 endorsement of a single-dose HPV vaccination schedule further doubled the reach of existing vaccine stocks. Despite these advances, cervical cancer remains a critical threat, claiming a woman’s life every two minutes. Gavi’s efforts underscore the importance of global collaboration in combating this preventable disease.
-
How my on-air ‘brain fog’ moment sparked a big debate
Zoe Kleinman, BBC’s technology editor, recently made headlines not for her tech coverage but for her candid revelation about experiencing ‘brain fog’ during a live TV report. In a LinkedIn post that went viral, Kleinman shared her decision to hold notes during a broadcast, a move she initially viewed as a professional failure. However, the overwhelming response from women across the globe highlighted a shared struggle often tied to perimenopause and hormonal changes. ‘Brain fog,’ though not a medical term, describes moments of cognitive disarray—forgetting words, losing train of thought, or feeling mentally clouded. For women in their 40s, this symptom often coincides with perimenopause, a transitional phase marked by fluctuating hormone levels. The impact is profound, especially for those in public-facing roles. Janet Edgecombe, an internal communications expert, echoed Kleinman’s experience, recounting moments of forgetting basic words mid-conversation. Research underscores the severity of the issue: 10% of women leave their jobs due to menopause symptoms, while half consider quitting. Kleinman’s decision to hold notes, initially seen as a compromise, sparked a movement. The hashtag #HoldTheNotes emerged, encouraging women to embrace practical solutions without shame. Medical experts like Dr. Louise Newson emphasize the role of testosterone in brain function, advocating for its inclusion in Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT). Meanwhile, innovative solutions like Niraxx’s red-light therapy headband offer hope for improving focus. Kleinman’s story has opened a crucial dialogue, urging society to take ‘brain fog’ seriously and support women navigating this challenging phase of life.
-
‘Grey’s Anatomy’ actor James Pickens Jr reveals prostate cancer diagnosis
James Pickens Jr., renowned for his role as Dr. Richard Webber in the long-running medical drama ‘Grey’s Anatomy,’ has publicly shared his prostate cancer diagnosis. In a candid interview, the actor disclosed that his family has a significant history of the disease, which influenced his proactive approach to health screenings. ‘Prostate cancer has been prevalent in my family. My father and several of his brothers battled it. I wasn’t entirely surprised when I received the diagnosis,’ Pickens Jr. told Variety. He emphasized the importance of early detection, revealing that doctors identified the cancer during a routine checkup. ‘My PSA levels had increased slightly, but we caught it at an early stage. The medical team recommended a cautious approach, given the rare variant of the cancer I have,’ he explained to The Hollywood Reporter. Pickens Jr., who has portrayed Dr. Webber across all 22 seasons of ‘Grey’s Anatomy,’ reflected on the character’s evolution and its parallels to his personal journey. ‘Dr. Webber’s resilience and humanity resonate deeply with me. We’ve seen him triumph and struggle, much like life itself,’ he added. Beyond ‘Grey’s Anatomy,’ Pickens Jr. has appeared in notable shows such as ‘The Conners,’ ‘Roseanne,’ and ‘The X-Files.’ His openness about his diagnosis aims to raise awareness about prostate cancer and the critical role of regular health checkups.
-
Chinese Medicine Industry Council of Australia calls for deeper Australia–China health cooperation
The Chinese Medicine Industry Council of Australia (CMIC) has called for enhanced health cooperation between Australia and China, emphasizing the growing significance of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) in community health. The appeal was made during the 15th anniversary celebration of CMIC in Sydney on November 15, where industry leaders and officials highlighted the potential for unity, innovation, and shared development in advancing TCM. Counsellor Jin Jianmin from the Chinese Consulate-General in Sydney noted that China’s latest Five-Year Plan prioritizes the modernization of healthcare, including the integration of TCM and Western medicine, which opens new avenues for bilateral collaboration. CMIC President Max Anyang Ma reflected on the organization’s 15-year journey, stressing its commitment to professionalism, quality, and industry cohesion. He highlighted the importance of high-quality herbal materials and practitioner expertise in achieving effective clinical outcomes. Ma also outlined CMIC’s efforts in policy engagement, standards development, and talent cultivation, as well as its role in addressing regulatory issues. The event also featured the presentation of the Australia Qihuang Awards, recognizing contributions to TCM research, education, and clinical practice. Pamela Longley, chair of the NSW Chinese Medicine Council, acknowledged the challenges of introducing TCM in Australia but expressed optimism about the gradual shift in public understanding through sustained cooperation between Chinese and Australian practitioners.
-
Shanxi health authorities report spike in flu cases
Health officials in Shanxi Province have raised alarms over a significant increase in acute respiratory infections as the region enters the peak of the autumn-winter flu season. According to a report by China Central Television on Saturday, influenza activity has surged over the past three weeks, with the majority of cases reported among students. The Shanxi Provincial Health Commission anticipates that the number of infections will continue to rise in the coming weeks. Chen Jing, deputy director of the Shanxi Center for Disease Control and Prevention, highlighted that the dominant strain in the province is influenza A (H3N2), accounting for approximately 99% of cases. Minor cases of influenza A (H1N1) and influenza B have also been detected. The H3N2 strain, a subtype of influenza A, has undergone minor genetic changes but remains highly transmissible with no significant alterations in its infectiousness. Common symptoms include fever, cough, sore throat, muscle aches, headache, chills, and fatigue, with severe cases potentially leading to complications such as pneumonia and respiratory failure. Medical experts are urging the public to seek accurate diagnoses, as different respiratory pathogens require specific treatments. To manage the outbreak, the commission has activated a province-wide surveillance network for influenza and other respiratory pathogens to enhance trend analysis and risk assessment. Hospitals have been instructed to implement emergency mechanisms to reallocate staff and beds, ensuring uninterrupted medical services. Additionally, since late October, all public secondary and tertiary general hospitals in Shanxi have established pediatric outpatient services. A provincial pediatric care network and 15 municipal medical alliances have been formed to streamline referrals and provide timely treatment for critically ill children.
-
Move over açaí – the Amazon has more ‘superfoods’ to offer
In a renovated warehouse lab in Belém, Brazil, machines are processing exotic fruits like cupuaçu, taperebá, and bacaba, which could soon join açaí as the next global superfoods. These fruits, rich in antioxidants, fiber, and fatty acids, are part of Brazil’s ambitious plan to combat climate change, protect biodiversity, and alleviate regional poverty. The initiative aligns with the country’s hosting of the COP30 UN climate talks, emphasizing sustainable economic growth through the Amazon’s natural resources. Max Petrucci, founder of Mahta, a company specializing in Amazonian superfoods, highlights the dual benefits of these products: nutritional value and environmental sustainability. Mahta pays fair prices to farmers practicing sustainable agriculture, ensuring ethical sourcing. While scientific research on superfoods remains limited, Amazonian fruits are widely recognized for their health benefits. Companies like Mahta are freeze-drying these fruits into powders to preserve nutritional value and reduce transportation costs, a strategy that keeps economic value within Brazil. The Belém Bioeconomy Park supports small businesses in testing innovative preservation methods, tapping into the Amazon’s vast, untapped potential. The Amazon rainforest, spanning 6 million square kilometers, has long been a source of natural wealth but has suffered from deforestation for timber, cattle, and soy production. President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva has pledged to halve deforestation by 2030, with recent rates hitting an 11-year low. Brazil’s bioeconomy strategy focuses on sustainable resource use, preserving nature while developing valuable products like fuels, pharmaceuticals, and foods. Sarah Sampaio, who runs a coffee company in the Apui region, exemplifies this approach by integrating coffee cultivation with native Amazonian trees, promoting agroforestry. Her efforts have earned her coffee national recognition, showcasing the potential of sustainable practices. Açaí, already a global health food sensation, remains a benchmark for Amazonian superfoods, with its high antioxidant content and popularity in Europe and the US. However, scaling up production poses challenges, as industrial plantations could replicate the environmental issues they aim to solve. The bioeconomy concept, central to the UN climate talks, offers a pathway to reduce fossil fuel dependency, though it requires careful regulation to avoid unintended consequences like deforestation or land exploitation. As Brazil pushes for a four-fold increase in biofuel use by 2035, experts like Ana Yang of Chatham House stress the importance of safeguards to ensure bio-based transitions are truly sustainable.
-
UAE: Think diabetes is expensive? Medical bills only 5% of real cost, study shows
A groundbreaking study conducted by the University of Birmingham Dubai in collaboration with the World Health Organisation (WHO) has unveiled the staggering hidden costs of diabetes in the UAE. While medical expenses account for a mere 5.7% of the total burden, the remaining 94.3% stems from indirect losses such as reduced productivity, missed workdays, early retirement, and premature deaths. These findings highlight the silent yet profound impact of diabetes on individuals, families, and the national economy. The study, led by Dr. Khalifa Elmusharaf, associate professor and director of the Public Health Programme at the University of Birmingham Dubai, projects a steady rise in diabetes cases over the next two decades. By 2050, over 1.3 million UAE residents are expected to be living with the disease, with annual deaths potentially reaching 5,920. The economic burden of diabetes in the UAE reached $19.5 billion in 2023, with projections soaring to $30.3 billion by 2050. The study also warns that across the Middle East and North Africa (MENA), the financial toll of diabetes could escalate to $1.5 trillion by 2050, driven primarily by lost productivity rather than medical costs. Dr. Elmusharaf emphasized the urgent need for increased investment in prevention and early diagnosis to mitigate the growing human and economic costs. ‘This study sends a clear message to policymakers that diabetes is silently draining our economies,’ he stated. The research underscores the necessity for comprehensive strategies to address this escalating public health crisis.