World AIDS Day was observed on December 1st by the CDC and its partners from around the globe. (Source: http://www.cdc.gov/Features/worldaidsday/?s_cid=fb1285) According to the report by the World Health Organization (WHO) there has been 15% reduction of new infections and a 22% decline in death due to this deadly virus. (Source: http://www.who.int/en/)
The Guardian has put out a global map showing the level of corruption country-by-country based on data from Transparency International. (Source: http://www.guardian.co.uk/news/datablog/interactive/2011/dec/01/world-corruption-index-transparency-international-map)
Politics and Policies:
- On the occasion of World AIDS Day, President Barack Obama has set up a new target (6 million) of treating patients from all around the world (from 4 million). (Source: http://www.newvision.co.ug/news/233227-obama-raises-u-s-goal-on-fighting-aids.html)
- Australia will set the standard for Asia’s health data compliance laws, predicts market analyst IDC Health Insights. (Source: http://www.theaustralian.com.au/australian-it/clear-e-health-compliance-laws-a-must-idc/story-e6frgakx-1226211890667)
- The minister of health of Jamaica, Hon. Rudyard Spencer, on the occasion of World AIDS Day, disclosed that amendments were being made to the Public Health Order to remove the discriminatory provisions relating to people suffering from HIV/ AIDS in their country. (Source: http://www.jis.gov.jm/news/leads-106/29388)
- Dr. Donald M. Berwick, official in charge of US Medicare and Medicaid described these policies as “extremely high level of waste”. He said that both involved activities that don’t have any value which if eliminated could save $150- $250 billion a year. (Source: http://www.houmatoday.com/article/20111204/WIRE/111209831?p=2&tc=pg)
- Chinais planning to enter the vaccine market. (Source: http://www.montereyherald.com/living/ci_19467994)
Programs:
- Seven local health agencies have been funded by the Minnesota Department of Health to develop and implement programs that address health hazards at home. (Source: http://www.echopress.com/event/article/id/90040/group/News/)
- Initiatives for public health and safety have been sponsored by the health officials across east Tennessee which is aimed at encouraging flu vaccinations and winter weather preparedness. (Source: http://www.starhq.com/2011/12/04/health-officials-encourage-winter-weather-preparedness/)
- Zambia was announced as the first Pink Ribbon Red Ribbon partner country which will be expanding its availability of vital cervical cancer screening and treatment and breast cancer education to those in need. This announcement was made by President George W. Bush, who, with Mrs. Laura Bush and First Lady of Zambia Dr. Christine Kaseba and United States Ambassador Mark Storella, visited the George Urban Health Center in Lusaka, Zambia. (Source: http://news.gnom.es/pr/president-george-w-bush-and-the-first-lady-of-zambia-dr-christine-kaseba-announce-zambia-as-first-country-to-implement-pink-ribbon-red-ribbon)
Research:
- A potential effective treatment for the peripheral arterial disease has been brought into light by a group of researchers at Universityof Minnesota. According to them exercise may be more effective than peripheral stunts for pain. (Source: http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/health/2016916385_exercise05.html)
- A recent report indicated increasing number of HIV infected children resistant to AIDS drugs. Most of the children on the drug therapy have been seen to have low bone density. Scientists believe that the reason behind the signs of osteoporosis might be due to toxic effects of some AIDS drugs like tenofovir. (Source: http://www.ibtimes.com/articles/259419/20111201/hiv-positive-children-asia-grow-resistance-aids.htm)
- A research study indicates the possibility of zinc oxide, a chemical found in food products, can cause cancer. (Source: http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2011-11-30/health/30458208_1_consumer-products-dna-damage-cells)
- In a study released by Boston University’s School of Public Health, the people living in Cape Cod towns, who are exposed early in life to drinking water contaminated by solvents, have a higher probability of eventually using illicit drugs (Source: http://www.capecodonline.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20111202/NEWS/112020328/-1/NEWSMAP ).
- The scientists at the University of Edinburgh and Ludwing Maximilians University in Munich have discovered that the people with variant of ABCC9 gene need more sleep than others (Source: http://www.scotsman.com/news/health/to_sleep_to_gene_dna_could_be_key_to_why_some_people_need_more_rest_1_1991223 ).
Diseases and Disasters:
- The experts at AfriHealth Conference (30 November- 1 December) in Kenya said “most African health needs can be solved by the age-old basics of water and sanitation, nutrition and hygiene; if we concentrate on these we will make big strides in the lives of our people.” The experts said that a focus on high-tech healthcare solutions could come at the expense of basic prevention. E-health and telemedicine strategies are lacking in Africa, together with the laws that guide their practice. (Source: http://www.scidev.net/en/new-technologies/icts/news/african-e-health-moving-in-wrong-direction-.html)
- Out of 26,000 reported measles cases from January to October 2011, more than 80% of them have occurred in Western Europe. World Health Organization (WHO)- Europe has issued a warning to European nations. (Source: http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/238590.php)
- Uranium mines in India pose a severe health hazard. According to the environmental health specialists, the mine waste dumped in the groundwater is radioactive. (Source: http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5i1G4YWJkajit3t0xD2ddl4UXwN7g?docId=CNG.5b3137d37ca033f82d1946db0c21911c.951)
These headlines were compiled by Vani Nanda, MPH Candidate at West Chester University PA.
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