分类： health

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.

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.

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.

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.