Tag: HIV/AIDS
Get Excited: AIDS2012 Arrives in Washington, DC July 2012
From July 22 to 27, 2012, Washington, DC will host the nineteenth international AIDS conference, known as AIDS 2012. The AIDS 2012 conference theme, “Turning the Tide Together,” reflects organizers’ recognition that in 2012 the global AIDS community finds itself at a unique juncture: research advances have made it possible to envision an end to the epidemic at the precise moment when funding challenges threaten to slow progress on scientific discovery and program implementation.
The CSIS Global Health Policy Center is pleased to present a video featuring the perspectives of many of the participants in the Friends of AIDS 2012 group, as well as the insights of government officials, private sector representatives, advocates, and program implementers who have been long-time conference participants.
Global Health Weekly News Round-Up
The weekly news round-up for last week is posted below. Apologies for the delay. The holidays keep us all busy!
CDC’s report on its contributions on women’s health is available as the “Review on Women’s Health for the Year 2011” (Source: http://www.cdc.gov/Features/WomensHealthReview/?s_cid=fb1332).
Politics and Policies:
- Democrat Charles Schumer asked Food and Drug Administration Commissioner to review the safety and legality of AeroShot Pure Energy caffeine inhaler (Source: http://www.washingtonpost.com/business/controversy-over-inhaled-caffeine-grows-as-as-sen-schumer-calls-for-fda-probe/2011/12/22/gIQAjQaVDP_story.html).
- Due to concerns over bioterrorism the government advisory board that oversees biosecurity in the U.S. has asked the scientific journals Nature & Science to censor details on recent bird flu. It has asked the journals not to publish details on certain biomedical experiments (Source: http://www.thetakeaway.org/2011/dec/22/when-it-ok-censor-science/ and http://www.nytimes.com/2011/12/21/health/fearing-terrorism-us-asks-journals-to-censor-articles-on-virus.html).
- New guidelines from the U.S. advisory committee on Immunization Packages have recommended Hepatitis B vaccination for the unvaccinated adults with type 1 and type 2 diabetes due to increased risk of HBV infection. The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention published the guidelines in the Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (Source: http://yourlife.usatoday.com/health/story/2011-12-23/Hepatitis-B-vaccine-recommended-for-adults-with-diabetes/52188138/1).
- The HPTN 052 study funded by US National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) named as 2011 Breakthrough of the Year. It successfully demonstrated antiretroviral medications not only treat but also prevent transmission of HIV infection among heterosexual individuals (Source: http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/health/2011-12/23/c_131322368.htm).
- Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has urged to double check the concentration of acetaminophen before giving it to infants. High concentration can lead to confusion in infants (Source: http://www.webmd.com/parenting/baby/news/20111223/infant-acetaminophen-dosage-change-may-cause-confusion).
- Some mental, emergency care and non-communicable diseases drugs being included in the list of free drugs for distribution in Nepal (Source: http://www.namnewsnetwork.org/v2/read.php?id=180030).
- Avastin has been approved by the European Commission, as a drug for treatment of newly diagnosed and advanced ovarian cancer (Source: http://www.reuters.com/article/2011/12/23/us-avastin-ovarian-cancer-idUSTRE7BM15A20111223).
Programs
- India to start a nation-wide program, weekly iron and folic supplementation program (WIFS) to deal with the problem of anemia among its adolescents (Source: http://zeenews.india.com/news/nation/govt-evolves-programme-to-tackle-anaemia_748331.html).
- United Nations population fund (UNFPA) with other agencies is working to provide necessary help to the pregnant and lactating women in the evacuation centers of topical storm hit areas. Team of doctors, midwives and other health care workers are being deployed in those areas. Reproductive health care supplies and medicines are being distributed. They will distribute clean delivery kits to for healthy and hygienic deliveries (Source: http://www.prweb.com/releases/reproductive_health/supplies_philippines/prweb9063252.htm).
Research
- Cardiac MRI more accurate ruling out coronary heart disease than stress MRI. The Single Photon Emission Computed Tomography (SPECT) though exposes patients to ionic radiations but its highly accurate (Source: http://www.medpagetoday.com/Cardiology/AcuteCoronarySyndrome/30369?pfc=101&spc=230).
- A daily dose of 80mg aspirin reduces bowel cancer risk according to researchers at Dartmouth Medical School, New Hampshire(Source: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-170649/Aspirin-cut-bowel-cancer-risk.html).
- According to a demonstration done by John Hopkins Malaria Research Institute, by genetically engineering immune system of Plasmodium falciparum, transmission of malaria parasite can be blocked. This will result in killing of large number of parasites which come into the mosquito’s body when they suck the blood of an infected person. The fitness of genetically modified bacteria was almost the same as those who were nonmodified (Source: http://www.newswise.com/articles/scientists-engineer-mosquito-immune-system-to-block-malaria).
- A study published in American Journal of Clinical Nutrition indicates that to avoid fondness towards salt, its reduced intake should begin early in life (Source: http://www.latimes.com/health/la-he-babies-salt-20111221,0,6606273.story).
Diseases & Disasters
- Health department of Illinois has urged people to take a shot of whooping cough vaccine after looking into the reports of spread of this disease in Northern Illinois (Source: http://napervillesun.suntimes.com/news/9537068-418/whooping-cough-spreading-throughout-northern-illinois.html and http://www.thirdage.com/news/pertussis-outbreaks-trouble-illinois_12-18-2011).
- Hospital wards closed in Britain due to Norovirus outbreak (Source: http://www.upi.com/Top_News/World-News/2011/12/23/Virus-outbreak-strikes-British-hospitals/UPI-91931324663834/?spt=hs&or=tn).
- People in Nairobi, Kenya, are fearing of Ebola virus outbreak after the death of profusely bleeding 29 year old women (Source: http://www.globalpost.com/dispatches/globalpost-blogs/africa-emerges/ebola-makes-comeback).
- People in topical storm hit areas in Philippines are in great need of milk for their babies (Source: http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/nation/regions/12/23/11/breastmilk-needed-flood-hit-mindanao).
- Second bird found dead after infection with H5N1 in Hong Kong has raised health concerns in the city (Source: http://www.cbc.ca/news/health/story/2011/12/23/bird-flu-hong-kong.html).
These headlines were compiled by Vani Nanda, MPH Candidate at West Chester University PA.
Global Health Weekly News Round-Up
From December 4 to 10, the US Centers for Disease and Control (CDC) celebrated National Influenza Vaccination Week (NIVW). It was an effort to spread the message of the importance of continuing flu vaccination through the holiday season and beyond. (Source: http://www.cdc.gov/Features/FightTheFlu/?s_cid=fb1293)
On December 10, 2011, Human Rights Day was observed . (Source: http://www.un.org/en/events/humanrightsday/2011/index.shtml)
Politics and Policies
- President Obama approved the decision to limit the morning after pill. His administration overruled the decision to make this pill available over the counter for the girls aged 17 years or younger. (Source: http://www.nytimes.com/2011/12/09/us/obama-backs-aides-stance-on-morning-after-pill.html?_r=1&adxnnl=1&ref=policy&adxnnlx=1323604933-CM1yLsRFtM9NYMVPd6JSJA)
- Payroll tax package released by the Republicans would delay for the next two years , 27.4% payment cut for the doctors who accept / are paid via the Medicare plan. (Source: http://thehill.com/homenews/house/198389-house-gop-introduces-payroll-tax-package?page=2#comments and http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5g-kbpjjkZz4s9rbfbxxs2LOwTH-w?docId=46892985f4614d5399a9c6540c119fa0)
Programs
- At the 16th International Conference on HIV/AIDS and STIs, the World Health Organization (WHO) announced “Rapid Advice” document that presents a guidance on the diagnosis, prevention and management of cryptococcal disease in HIV-infected adults, adolescents and children, with a focus on settings with limited health systems capacity and resources, and a high burden of the disease. It will be officially launched in March 2012. (Source: http://www.panapress.com/WHO-gives-guidelines-on-cryptococcus-disease—15-809357-29-lang2-index.html)
- The World Health Organization (WHO) announced a new vaccine “MenAfriVac” for the elimination of a deadly group A meningitis strain. It will be introduced by Nigeria, Cameroon and Chad who are in “Meningitis belt.” (Source: http://www.afriquejet.com/meningitis-vaccine-nigeria-cameroon-chad-to-use-new-meningitis-vaccine-2011121029299.html)
- The United Nations (UN) sanctioned $6 million fund to alleviate the sufferings of people from food shortages in Niger. (Source: http://www.un.org/apps/news/story.asp?NewsID=40645&Cr=+niger+&Cr1=)
- The US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) announced funding of $14.5 million for school based clinics. (Source: http://www.kaiserhealthnews.org/Daily-Reports/2011/December/09/hhs-school-grants.aspx)
- A five day campaign against polio has been launched by Congolese Minister of Health and Population. (Source: http://www.afriquejet.com/campaign-polio-congo-2011120929262.html)
Research
- Satellite images used to track diseases by the Princeton researchers. (Source: http://news.cnet.com/8301-27083_3-57340232-247/princeton-researchers-use-satellite-images-to-track-disease/)
- Research by University of California, San Diego shows a link between high starch diet and the recurrence of breast cancer. (Source: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-2072000/White-bread-pasta-rich-diet-increases-risk-breast-cancer-returning.html)
- An inherited mutated gene from father can lead to the development of cancer of breast in women. (Source: http://www.dispatch.com/content/stories/national_world/2011/12/10/dads-genes-can-speed-cancer.html)
- Abortion not related to risk of development of mental illness. (Source: http://yourlife.usatoday.com/health/medical/womenshealth/story/2011-12-09/Study-Abortion-doesnt-raise-mental-illness-risk/51762674/1)
- A research study published in Journal of Sexual Medicine states that women may be able to smell men with sexually transmitted disease (STIs). (Source: http://www.nydailynews.com/life-style/health/men-stds-give-unpleasant-smell-women-study-found-gonorrhea-infected-men-putrid-article-1.989292)
- Gene therapy is the new treatment of patients with various hematological disorders. It involves replacing the defective gene with the intact version. (Source: http://www.nytimes.com/2011/12/11/health/research/hemophilia-b-gene-therapy-breakthrough.html)
- The MRI scans used to understand the brain damage caused by Cerebral Malaria by a researcher of Michigan State University. (Source: http://www.news-medical.net/news/20111209/MSU-researcher-uses-MRI-to-unlock-how-cerebral-malaria-damages-brain.aspx)
Diseases and Disasters
- An earthquake of intensity 5.8 had hit Ryukyu Islands of Japan on Sunday December 11, 2011 at 10:22:44 AM. (Source: http://earthquake.usgs.gov/earthquakes/recenteqsww/Quakes/usc000753q.php#details)
- Fire at the Advanced Medical Research Institute hospital in Kolkata, India lead to the death of 92 people. (Source: http://www.nytimes.com/2011/12/10/world/india-hospital-fire-kolkata-west-bengal.html)
- The United Nation (UN) issued a child malnutrition warning for Africa’s Sahel region. (Source: http://www.un.org/apps/news/story.asp?NewsID=40687&Cr=sahel&Cr1=)
- First West Nile Virus case confirmed in the Palm Beach County, Florida. Public asked to take precautions. (Source: http://www.disasternews.net/news/article.php?articleid=4364)
- Brazil develops a new formula for the pediatric patients for Chagas disease treatment. (Source: http://www.news-medical.net/news/20111209/New-pediatric-formula-for-Chagas-disease-treatment-developed-in-Brazil.aspx)
- In its Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR), the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), announced a new regimen for latent tuberculosis infection. It is an effective treatment which involves just one-third time of the current therapy. (Source: http://www.news-medical.net/news/20111209/Shorter-effective-treatment-for-latent-TB-infection.aspx)
These headlines were compiled by Vani Nanda, MPH Candidate at West Chester University PA.
Weekly Global Health News Round-Up
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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