Health experts are urging for heightened public awareness and the dispelling of misconceptions to improve the coverage rate of the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine in China. HPV, a leading cause of cervical cancer, claimed 350,000 lives globally in 2022, with China accounting for 16% of these fatalities. Starting November 10, China will integrate the HPV vaccine into its national immunization program, offering free bivalent HPV vaccines to girls aged 13 and above born after November 10, 2011. This marks a significant shift from previous policies that targeted children under six, now extending to adolescents and focusing on preventing a malignant tumor caused by chronic infection, particularly in women. Du Heng of the Gates Foundation emphasized the long-term impact of this initiative, noting that full outcomes may take 20 to 30 years to manifest. As of June, 18 provincial-level regions in China have already provided free HPV vaccinations to about 5 million girls annually, targeting those aged 9 to 14. In Beijing, for instance, girls in the 7th grade and above can receive free domestically developed bivalent vaccines, which protect against the two most common HPV strains responsible for 70-80% of cervical cancers. Despite these efforts, some parents remain hesitant, citing concerns about the necessity and safety of the vaccine. However, experts like Qiao Youlin from Peking Union Medical College believe that these challenges are temporary and will improve with increased health awareness. The World Health Organization aims for 90% of girls globally to be fully vaccinated against HPV by the age of 15 by 2030, as part of its strategy to eliminate cervical cancer. In China, the free vaccination policy has already covered many eligible girls, showcasing significant progress. Experts also stress the importance of regular cervical cancer screenings and the role of men in HPV prevention, as their infection rate is as high as 45%, often without symptoms. Eliminating cervical cancer is seen as a shared societal responsibility, achievable through enhanced scientific awareness and collective action.
标签： Asia
亚洲
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Adnoc Drilling expands regional footprint with major stake in MB Petroleum Services
NMC Royal Hospital located in Khalifa City has been honored with the esteemed Comprehensive Chest Pain Center Certification by the American Heart Association (AHA). This recognition underscores the hospital’s commitment to delivering exceptional cardiac care and its adherence to rigorous international standards in diagnosing and treating chest pain. The certification process involved a thorough evaluation of the hospital’s protocols, facilities, and medical expertise, ensuring that patients receive timely and effective care for cardiac emergencies. This achievement positions NMC Royal Hospital as a leader in cardiovascular health within the region, enhancing its reputation as a trusted healthcare provider. The certification also reflects the hospital’s dedication to continuous improvement and patient safety, aligning with global best practices in cardiac care.
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New Cold War, new cold lines
As Zohran Mamdani prepares to assume the role of mayor of New York City, a pivotal moment in American politics unfolds. His election coincides with the passing of Dick Cheney, a symbol of traditional centrist conservatism, marking a potential shift in the nation’s political landscape. Mamdani’s rise, juxtaposed with the polarizing influence of former President Donald Trump, raises questions about the future of American politics. Will Mamdani bridge the divide, or will his leadership deepen the ideological chasm? This comes at a time when the United States faces unprecedented challenges from China, with tensions escalating into what some describe as a new Cold War. Unlike the ideological battles of the 20th century, this conflict is characterized by economic interdependence and geopolitical maneuvering. The US-China rivalry, fueled by trade disputes, technological competition, and ideological differences, has global implications. As both nations navigate this complex relationship, the world watches to see whether this confrontation will lead to cooperation or further division. Mamdani’s leadership may play a crucial role in shaping America’s response to these challenges, as the nation grapples with internal divisions and external pressures.
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Rape, ransom and execution: The road out of Sudan’s el-Fasher
The city of el-Fasher, the capital of Sudan’s North Darfur state, has become a harrowing scene of mass violence and devastation following its capture by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) last week. As civilians attempted to flee the besieged city, they were met with unimaginable horrors, including executions, sexual violence, and widespread looting. The RSF, reportedly armed with weapons and technology supplied by the United Arab Emirates (UAE), has been accused of perpetrating atrocities reminiscent of the Rwandan genocide. Survivors recount scenes of men being separated from women and children and executed, boys as young as two killed in front of their families, and women subjected to rape and sexual assault. Hostages were held for ransom, with families forced to transfer exorbitant sums via mobile banking apps to secure their release. The Yale Humanitarian Research Lab (HRL) has identified evidence of mass graves in RSF-controlled areas, with body disposal operations underway. Civilians attempting to escape faced further dangers, including falling into deep trenches surrounding the city. Many who managed to flee to Tawila, a safer area west of el-Fasher, arrived in dire conditions, with hundreds of children separated from their families. Survivors describe consistent patterns of looting, ransom demands, and targeted killings based on ethnicity or perceived political affiliations. The RSF’s actions have drawn international condemnation, with calls for the UAE to be held accountable for its role in arming the paramilitary group. The Sudanese government has documented numerous cases of sexual violence, but the true scale of the atrocities remains unknown due to limited access to affected areas. Humanitarian organizations are calling for urgent aid to address the dire needs of displaced populations, including food, water, shelter, and medical care. The international community’s inaction has been criticized, with activists urging governments to take decisive steps to end the violence and hold perpetrators accountable.
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Dubai hosted Fourth Asgardia Executive Congress – synergy for humanity’s cosmic future
NMC Royal Hospital, located in Khalifa City, has achieved a significant milestone by receiving the Comprehensive Chest Pain Center Certification from the American Heart Association (AHA). This prestigious accreditation underscores the hospital’s commitment to delivering exceptional cardiac care and adhering to the highest standards in diagnosing and treating chest pain and related cardiovascular conditions. The certification process involved rigorous evaluation of the hospital’s protocols, facilities, and medical expertise, ensuring alignment with AHA’s stringent criteria. This recognition not only highlights NMC Royal Hospital’s advanced capabilities in cardiac care but also positions it as a leading healthcare provider in the region. The achievement is expected to enhance patient trust and attract individuals seeking top-tier medical services for heart-related issues.
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Your phone as passport: Flyers now book flights, check in, clear immigration on mobile
The future of air travel is increasingly digital, with smartphones becoming the central hub for managing every aspect of the journey. According to the International Air Transport Association’s (IATA) 2025 Global Passenger Survey, more than half of travelers (54%) now prefer to interact directly with airlines via apps, marking a significant shift from traditional booking methods. Airline websites, while still popular at 31%, have seen a decline from 37% in 2024, as apps gain traction, particularly among younger travelers, with 25% opting for mobile solutions. The survey, which gathered responses from over 10,000 travelers across 200 countries, highlights a growing demand for seamless, smartphone-based travel experiences. A staggering 78% of passengers want a single mobile solution that integrates digital passports, wallets, and loyalty cards to streamline booking, payments, and airport processes. Mobile-enabled baggage handling is also on the rise, with electronic bag-tag adoption jumping from 28% to 35% in just one year. Payment methods are evolving too, with digital wallet usage climbing from 20% to 28%, while card payments have dipped from 79% to 72%. Nick Careen, IATA’s Senior Vice-President for Operations, Safety & Security, emphasized that passengers expect to manage their travel digitally, akin to other aspects of their lives, but stressed the importance of trust and cybersecurity in this transformation. Biometric technology is playing a pivotal role in this digital shift, with 50% of passengers having used facial recognition at some stage of their journey, up from 46% in 2024. In the UAE, airports are leading the charge, with Emirates deploying over 200 biometric facial-recognition cameras at Dubai International Airport, enabling registered passengers to move from check-in to boarding without physical documents. Similarly, Abu Dhabi’s Zayed International Airport is rolling out a ‘Smart Travel’ system across check-in, security, and transfer points, allowing travelers to clear immigration in as little as seven seconds. While 85% of biometric users reported satisfaction with the technology, privacy concerns remain, with 42% of hesitant passengers stating they would reconsider if data-protection assurances were provided. Careen highlighted that the next major step is for governments to issue digital passports and enable their secure recognition across borders, paving the way for a fully digital travel experience.
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Israeli minister urges Jews to flee ‘Hamas supporter’ Mamdani after New York mayoral win
In a controversial statement, Israeli Minister for Diaspora Affairs Amichai Chikli has called on Jewish Americans in New York to consider relocating to Israel following the election of Zohran Mamdani as the city’s first Muslim mayor. Chikli described Mamdani’s victory as a pivotal moment that threatens the historical sanctuary New York has provided to Jewish refugees. He labeled Mamdani, a Democratic Socialist and assemblyman from Queens, as a “Hamas supporter” and drew parallels between his views and those of extremist groups, referencing the 9/11 attacks. Chikli’s remarks have sparked widespread debate, particularly given his past controversial stances on ethnic cleansing and settlements in Gaza and southern Lebanon. Mamdani, who immigrated to the U.S. from Uganda as a child, ran a left-wing campaign with a strong pro-Palestinian stance, which he maintained despite accusations of antisemitism. His victory was bolstered by his position on Israel’s actions in Gaza, which he has termed genocide. Although he later retracted a statement about arresting Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Mamdani’s views resonated with many voters. In his victory speech, he pledged to combat antisemitism and Islamophobia, receiving support from prominent Orthodox Jewish leader Rabbi Moishe Indig. The election has highlighted deep divisions and the growing influence of progressive politics in New York.
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UN chief demands halt to truce violations amid violence, Israeli aid restrictions
United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has issued a stern call for an immediate halt to ceasefire violations in Gaza, as reports of ongoing violence and restricted humanitarian aid continue to surface. Speaking at the Second World Summit for Social Development in Doha, Qatar, and via a post on X (formerly Twitter), Guterres emphasized the urgent need for all parties to adhere to the terms of the peace agreement. Despite a U.S.-brokered ceasefire that took effect three weeks ago, daily incidents of violence, including drone strikes, raids, and home demolitions, persist, according to Palestine’s Wafa News Agency and other sources. The UN and international aid organizations have repeatedly appealed for unimpeded access to deliver essential aid to Gaza, where famine was declared in August. Abeer Etefa, senior spokesperson for the World Food Programme (WFP), highlighted the dire situation, noting that hundreds of thousands of displaced Palestinians face severe food shortages and inadequate shelter. The WFP has distributed food parcels to approximately one million people, but this falls short of the target of 1.6 million. Etefa stressed the need for more border crossings and improved access to key roads within Gaza to address the escalating humanitarian crisis. The Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC) also raised concerns about the impending winter, warning that thousands of families lack adequate protection from the cold and rain. Israeli authorities have reportedly rejected numerous requests from aid agencies to bring in essential shelter supplies, leaving over 260,000 families exposed to worsening conditions. Humanitarian partners have underscored the necessity of heavy machinery to clear the estimated 55 to 60 million tons of rubble, which is critical for installing temporary shelters. Angelita Caredda, NRC’s Middle East and North Africa regional director, emphasized the urgency of the situation, stating that every day of delay puts lives at risk as winter approaches.
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BRIDGE Summit 2025 to spotlight 7 tracks shaping the future of media, content, entertainment
The BRIDGE Summit 2025, set to take place at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC) from December 8 to 10, is poised to be the world’s largest event in media, content, and entertainment. This groundbreaking summit will explore seven interconnected tracks—Media, Creator Economy, Music, Gaming, Technology, Marketing, and Picture—that collectively represent the full spectrum of the contemporary media ecosystem. With 400 global speakers and 300 exhibitors, the event aims to map the future of content as a driver of cultural and economic growth, uniting creative industries under one roof to accelerate innovation, creativity, and technology. Dr. Jamal Al Kaabi, Vice Chairman of BRIDGE, emphasized the summit’s mission to create value through connection, fostering an integrated ecosystem where ideas evolve into projects and stories become engines of economic and cultural impact. The summit is expected to attract over 60,000 participants across a 1.65 million square-foot exhibition area, establishing itself as the largest platform of its kind. Registration is now open at www.bridgesummit.com/en.
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China-Laos international passenger line launched
A groundbreaking international passenger rail service linking Mohan Railway Station in China’s Yunnan Province and Boten Railway Station in Laos commenced trial operations on November 3. This marks the first commuter-style international rail link between the two nations, offering five daily round-trips in each direction. The 16-kilometer journey, which takes approximately 50 minutes, includes stops at border ports for passenger boarding and customs clearance. Operated by Yunnan Tourism Co Ltd, the service aims to provide a seamless and efficient travel experience, integrating directly with the China-Laos Railway for enhanced road–rail intermodal transport. Xia Mo, deputy general manager of Yunnan Tourism Co Ltd, emphasized the company’s commitment to safety, professionalism, and dedication, ensuring travelers experience the convenience and warmth of this ‘road of friendship.’ The new rail line is expected to significantly improve cross-border travel convenience and strengthen regional connectivity, fostering closer ties between China and Laos.