LONDON\u00a0–\u00a0Junior doctors in England will begin a six-day walkout on Wednesday, the longest strike in the state-run National Health Service’s (NHS) 75-year history which is set to hit patient care during its\u00a0seasonal winter peak in demand.
\nLike in other\u00a0key sectors\u00a0over the past year, junior doctors represented by the\u00a0British Medical Association (BMA) have staged\u00a0a series of walkouts\u00a0in demand of better pay in the face of soaring inflation.
\nCumulatively, the NHS, which has provided healthcare free at the point of use since it was founded in 1948, cancelled 1.2 million appointments in 2023 due to strikes.
\nThe BMA abandoned talks with the government after being offered a pay rise of 8-10%, and held strikes on Dec. 20-23. The union is seeking a 35% improvement which it says is needed to cover the impact of inflation over several years.
\nThe government, which has agreed new pay deals with other healthcare workers, including nurses and senior doctors in recent months,\u00a0has resisted hikes it says would worsen inflation.
\nThe strikes threaten to increase the pressure on the health service where over 7.7 million patients are on waiting lists for procedures and appointments.
\n“This January could be one of the most difficult starts to the year the NHS has ever faced,” NHS National Medical Director Stephen Powis said\u00a0in a statement.
\n“The action will not only have an enormous impact on planned care, but comes on top of a host of seasonal pressures such as covid, flu, and staff absences due to sickness.”
\nJunior doctors are qualified physicians, often with several years of experience, who work under the guidance of senior doctors and represent a large part of the country’s medical community.
\nA spokesman for Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said deals with other healthcare workers’ unions showed that the striking junior doctors were “outliers”.
\n“We have sought to come to a fair resolution – fair for the taxpayer, fair for hardworking doctors and health workers. We have achieved that in the majority of cases … we are willing to have further discussions. But obviously the first thing to do is to stop striking,” he told reporters.
\nThe BMA said a record waiting list and underinvestment over the past decade had undermined the NHS.
\n“As a profession we are exhausted, disenchanted, and questioning whether we want to stay in the health service at all. Add to this years of pay erosion, and it\u2019s no wonder that morale on the frontline has never been lower,” the union said. – Reuters
\n", "content_text": "LONDON\u00a0–\u00a0Junior doctors in England will begin a six-day walkout on Wednesday, the longest strike in the state-run National Health Service’s (NHS) 75-year history which is set to hit patient care during its\u00a0seasonal winter peak in demand.\nLike in other\u00a0key sectors\u00a0over the past year, junior doctors represented by the\u00a0British Medical Association (BMA) have staged\u00a0a series of walkouts\u00a0in demand of better pay in the face of soaring inflation.\nCumulatively, the NHS, which has provided healthcare free at the point of use since it was founded in 1948, cancelled 1.2 million appointments in 2023 due to strikes.\nThe BMA abandoned talks with the government after being offered a pay rise of 8-10%, and held strikes on Dec. 20-23. The union is seeking a 35% improvement which it says is needed to cover the impact of inflation over several years.\nThe government, which has agreed new pay deals with other healthcare workers, including nurses and senior doctors in recent months,\u00a0has resisted hikes it says would worsen inflation.\nThe strikes threaten to increase the pressure on the health service where over 7.7 million patients are on waiting lists for procedures and appointments.\n“This January could be one of the most difficult starts to the year the NHS has ever faced,” NHS National Medical Director Stephen Powis said\u00a0in a statement.\n“The action will not only have an enormous impact on planned care, but comes on top of a host of seasonal pressures such as covid, flu, and staff absences due to sickness.”\nJunior doctors are qualified physicians, often with several years of experience, who work under the guidance of senior doctors and represent a large part of the country’s medical community.\nA spokesman for Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said deals with other healthcare workers’ unions showed that the striking junior doctors were “outliers”.\n“We have sought to come to a fair resolution – fair for the taxpayer, fair for hardworking doctors and health workers. We have achieved that in the majority of cases … we are willing to have further discussions. But obviously the first thing to do is to stop striking,” he told reporters.\nThe BMA said a record waiting list and underinvestment over the past decade had undermined the NHS.\n“As a profession we are exhausted, disenchanted, and questioning whether we want to stay in the health service at all. Add to this years of pay erosion, and it\u2019s no wonder that morale on the frontline has never been lower,” the union said. – Reuters", "date_published": "2024-01-03T11:17:16+08:00", "date_modified": "2024-01-03T11:17:16+08:00", "authors": [ { "name": "BusinessWorld", "url": "https://www.bworldonline.com/author/blexticauldulack/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/bb9711778f8535a5c41d2e047686ad3e?s=512&d=mm&r=g" } ], "author": { "name": "BusinessWorld", "url": "https://www.bworldonline.com/author/blexticauldulack/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/bb9711778f8535a5c41d2e047686ad3e?s=512&d=mm&r=g" }, "image": "https://www.bworldonline.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/doctor-is-going-examine-his-patient.jpg", "tags": [ "doctors", "england", "health services", "Reuters", "strike", "Health", "World" ] }, { "id": "https://www.bworldonline.com/?p=566584", "url": "https://www.bworldonline.com/health/2024/01/03/566584/texas-can-ban-emergency-abortions-despite-federal-guidance-court-rules/", "title": "Texas can ban emergency abortions despite federal guidance, court rules", "content_html": "The US government cannot enforce federal guidance in Texas requiring emergency room doctors to perform abortions if necessary to stabilize emergency room patients, a federal appeals court ruled on Tuesday, siding with the state in a lawsuit accusing President Joe Biden’s administration of overstepping its authority.
\nThe ruling by a unanimous panel of the 5th US Circuit Court of Appeals comes amid a wave of lawsuits\u00a0focusing on when abortions can be provided in states whose abortion bans have exceptions for medical emergencies.
\nThe US Department of Justice declined to comment. The office of Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton and two anti-abortion medical associations that challenged the guidance – the American Association of Pro-Life Obstetricians & Gynecologists and the Christian Medical & Dental Associations – did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
\nThe Biden administration in July 2022 issued guidance stating that the Emergency Medical Treatment and Active Labor Act (EMTALA), a federal law governing emergency rooms, can require abortion when necessary to stabilize a patient with a medical emergency, even in states where it is banned. The guidance came soon after the U.S. Supreme Court\u00a0overturned its landmark Roe v. Wade ruling, which since 1973 had guaranteed a right to abortion nationwide.
\nTexas and the associations immediately sued the administration, saying the guidance interfered with the state’s right to restrict abortion. A lower court judge in August 2022\u00a0agreed, finding that EMTALA was silent as to what a doctor should do when there is a conflict between the health of the mother and the unborn child and that the Texas abortion ban “fills that void” by including narrow exceptions to save the mother’s life or prevent serious bodily injury in some cases.
\nCircuit Judge Kurt Engelhardt, writing for the 5th Circuit panel, agreed, writing that EMTALA also includes a requirement to deliver an unborn child and it was up to doctors to balance the medical needs of the mother and fetus, while complying with any state abortion laws.
\nThe law “does not provide an unqualified right for the pregnant mother to abort her child,” he wrote.
\nThe ruling upheld a lower court order that blocked enforcement of the guidance in Texas and also blocked the administration from enforcing it against members of two anti-abortion medical associations anywhere in the country.
\nThe federal court’s decision comes a month after Texas’s highest state court\u00a0ruled against\u00a0a woman seeking an emergency abortion of her non-viable pregnancy. That court\u00a0is currently considering\u00a0a separate lawsuit by 22 women about the scope of the emergency medical exception to Texas’s abortion ban.
\nA federal judge last year reached the opposite conclusion in a similar lawsuit in Idaho, blocking that state’s abortion ban after finding it conflicted with EMTALA. The 9th US Circuit Court of Appeals is expected to hear the state’s appeal of that ruling later this month. – Reuters
\n", "content_text": "The US government cannot enforce federal guidance in Texas requiring emergency room doctors to perform abortions if necessary to stabilize emergency room patients, a federal appeals court ruled on Tuesday, siding with the state in a lawsuit accusing President Joe Biden’s administration of overstepping its authority.\nThe ruling by a unanimous panel of the 5th US Circuit Court of Appeals comes amid a wave of lawsuits\u00a0focusing on when abortions can be provided in states whose abortion bans have exceptions for medical emergencies.\nThe US Department of Justice declined to comment. The office of Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton and two anti-abortion medical associations that challenged the guidance – the American Association of Pro-Life Obstetricians & Gynecologists and the Christian Medical & Dental Associations – did not immediately respond to requests for comment.\nThe Biden administration in July 2022 issued guidance stating that the Emergency Medical Treatment and Active Labor Act (EMTALA), a federal law governing emergency rooms, can require abortion when necessary to stabilize a patient with a medical emergency, even in states where it is banned. The guidance came soon after the U.S. Supreme Court\u00a0overturned its landmark Roe v. Wade ruling, which since 1973 had guaranteed a right to abortion nationwide.\nTexas and the associations immediately sued the administration, saying the guidance interfered with the state’s right to restrict abortion. A lower court judge in August 2022\u00a0agreed, finding that EMTALA was silent as to what a doctor should do when there is a conflict between the health of the mother and the unborn child and that the Texas abortion ban “fills that void” by including narrow exceptions to save the mother’s life or prevent serious bodily injury in some cases.\nCircuit Judge Kurt Engelhardt, writing for the 5th Circuit panel, agreed, writing that EMTALA also includes a requirement to deliver an unborn child and it was up to doctors to balance the medical needs of the mother and fetus, while complying with any state abortion laws.\nThe law “does not provide an unqualified right for the pregnant mother to abort her child,” he wrote.\nThe ruling upheld a lower court order that blocked enforcement of the guidance in Texas and also blocked the administration from enforcing it against members of two anti-abortion medical associations anywhere in the country.\nThe federal court’s decision comes a month after Texas’s highest state court\u00a0ruled against\u00a0a woman seeking an emergency abortion of her non-viable pregnancy. That court\u00a0is currently considering\u00a0a separate lawsuit by 22 women about the scope of the emergency medical exception to Texas’s abortion ban.\nA federal judge last year reached the opposite conclusion in a similar lawsuit in Idaho, blocking that state’s abortion ban after finding it conflicted with EMTALA. The 9th US Circuit Court of Appeals is expected to hear the state’s appeal of that ruling later this month. – Reuters", "date_published": "2024-01-03T11:15:53+08:00", "date_modified": "2024-01-03T11:15:53+08:00", "authors": [ { "name": "BusinessWorld", "url": "https://www.bworldonline.com/author/blexticauldulack/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/bb9711778f8535a5c41d2e047686ad3e?s=512&d=mm&r=g" } ], "author": { "name": "BusinessWorld", "url": "https://www.bworldonline.com/author/blexticauldulack/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/bb9711778f8535a5c41d2e047686ad3e?s=512&d=mm&r=g" }, "image": "https://www.bworldonline.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/pregnant-woman.jpg", "tags": [ "america", "court rule", "emergency abortion", "texas", "United States", "Health", "World" ] }, { "id": "https://www.bworldonline.com/?p=566572", "url": "https://www.bworldonline.com/health/2024/01/03/566572/us-fda-approvals-bounce-back-in-2023-sparking-hopes-of-a-biotech-recovery/", "title": "US FDA approvals bounce back in 2023, sparking hopes of a biotech recovery", "content_html": "The US Food and Drug Administration approved nearly 50% more novel drugs in 2023 than in 2022, putting it back on pace with historical levels, an improvement analysts and investors said could lead to increased investment in biotech firms.
\nFDA nods for innovative therapies containing an active ingredient or molecule not previously approved, rose to 55 in 2023, up from 37 in 2022 and 51 in 2021. Historical data shows the FDA typically green lights about 45-50 new drugs a year and hit a peak of 59 in 2018.
\nThe agency approved several high-profile therapies such as Eli Lilly’s\u00a0obesity drug Zepbound and Eisai\u00a04523.T and Biogen’s\u00a0Alzheimer’s treatment Leqembi. It also approved five gene therapies in addition to the 55 novel drugs, including a sickle cell disease treatment from Vertex Pharmaceuticals and CRISPR Therapeutics\u00a0using the latter’s innovative gene editing technology.
\n“It is good to see the FDA approvals go up,” said John Stanford, executive director of Incubate, a Washington-based group of life sciences investors. He called the advance of gene editing technology particularly encouraging.
\n“Our scientists can do a lot more, and from that perspective we are excited about what’s coming down the pipeline, not just in 2024, but beyond that,” he said.
\nThe FDA in a statement said, “the number of novel drugs approved varies from year to year, and may be due to a variety of factors.” Those include the complexity of new drugs in development as well as advances in scientific understanding of diseases and disease targets, it said.
\nThe agency did not provide a specific reason for the big drop in approvals in 2022.
\nTD Cowen analyst Ritu Baral said the COVID-19 pandemic was likely a factor. When the pandemic hit, the agency moved from approving drugs at record pace to operating with a remote workforce, which caused disruption and issues such as delayed inspections that affected drug reviews.
\n“We’re back at those peak levels, which hopefully means that the workflow disruptions, staffing and bandwidth issues and, most importantly, communications with developers, have hopefully been improving, Baral said, adding that she expects a similar level of FDA approvals in 2024.
\n\n
INVESTMENT DECLINES
\nInvestment in biotech companies over the past two years has been a fraction of historical levels.
\nAfter 108 initial public offerings (IPOs) in 2021, there were only 18 each in 2022 and in 2023 as of mid-December. A basket of biotech-focused funds tracked by Piper Sandler saw $15.8 billion in capital outflow in 2023, the largest ever going back to 1992, according to the brokerage.
\n“2023 has been a year where the market was selective in the companies able to access capital,” William Blair analysts said in a December note.
\nThey noted that companies developing GLP-1 weight-loss treatments, the same class as Novo Nordisk’s\u00a0NOVOb.DE\u00a0wildly popular Wegovy and Lilly’s Zepbound, have had better access to the IPO market.
\nIndustry analysts also said lingering investor concern about high interest rates and government scrutiny of drugmakers could hamper a full funding recovery.
\n“While we don’t expect capital markets to return to peak 2020-21, we do think that conditions will improve and that the window will open up,” Jefferies analyst Michael Yee said.
\nIncubate’s Stanford said some investors may remain on the sidelines due to increased oversight of deals in the sector, the government’s drug price negotiation plans and the threat that the Biden administration is looking to seize patents of medicines developed with government funding if the prices are deemed to be too high. – Reuters
\n", "content_text": "The US Food and Drug Administration approved nearly 50% more novel drugs in 2023 than in 2022, putting it back on pace with historical levels, an improvement analysts and investors said could lead to increased investment in biotech firms.\nFDA nods for innovative therapies containing an active ingredient or molecule not previously approved, rose to 55 in 2023, up from 37 in 2022 and 51 in 2021. Historical data shows the FDA typically green lights about 45-50 new drugs a year and hit a peak of 59 in 2018.\nThe agency approved several high-profile therapies such as Eli Lilly’s\u00a0obesity drug Zepbound and Eisai\u00a04523.T and Biogen’s\u00a0Alzheimer’s treatment Leqembi. It also approved five gene therapies in addition to the 55 novel drugs, including a sickle cell disease treatment from Vertex Pharmaceuticals and CRISPR Therapeutics\u00a0using the latter’s innovative gene editing technology.\n“It is good to see the FDA approvals go up,” said John Stanford, executive director of Incubate, a Washington-based group of life sciences investors. He called the advance of gene editing technology particularly encouraging.\n“Our scientists can do a lot more, and from that perspective we are excited about what’s coming down the pipeline, not just in 2024, but beyond that,” he said.\nThe FDA in a statement said, “the number of novel drugs approved varies from year to year, and may be due to a variety of factors.” Those include the complexity of new drugs in development as well as advances in scientific understanding of diseases and disease targets, it said.\nThe agency did not provide a specific reason for the big drop in approvals in 2022.\nTD Cowen analyst Ritu Baral said the COVID-19 pandemic was likely a factor. When the pandemic hit, the agency moved from approving drugs at record pace to operating with a remote workforce, which caused disruption and issues such as delayed inspections that affected drug reviews.\n“We’re back at those peak levels, which hopefully means that the workflow disruptions, staffing and bandwidth issues and, most importantly, communications with developers, have hopefully been improving, Baral said, adding that she expects a similar level of FDA approvals in 2024.\n \nINVESTMENT DECLINES\nInvestment in biotech companies over the past two years has been a fraction of historical levels.\nAfter 108 initial public offerings (IPOs) in 2021, there were only 18 each in 2022 and in 2023 as of mid-December. A basket of biotech-focused funds tracked by Piper Sandler saw $15.8 billion in capital outflow in 2023, the largest ever going back to 1992, according to the brokerage.\n“2023 has been a year where the market was selective in the companies able to access capital,” William Blair analysts said in a December note.\nThey noted that companies developing GLP-1 weight-loss treatments, the same class as Novo Nordisk’s\u00a0NOVOb.DE\u00a0wildly popular Wegovy and Lilly’s Zepbound, have had better access to the IPO market.\nIndustry analysts also said lingering investor concern about high interest rates and government scrutiny of drugmakers could hamper a full funding recovery.\n“While we don’t expect capital markets to return to peak 2020-21, we do think that conditions will improve and that the window will open up,” Jefferies analyst Michael Yee said.\nIncubate’s Stanford said some investors may remain on the sidelines due to increased oversight of deals in the sector, the government’s drug price negotiation plans and the threat that the Biden administration is looking to seize patents of medicines developed with government funding if the prices are deemed to be too high. – Reuters", "date_published": "2024-01-03T10:49:27+08:00", "date_modified": "2024-01-03T10:49:27+08:00", "authors": [ { "name": "BusinessWorld", "url": "https://www.bworldonline.com/author/blexticauldulack/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/bb9711778f8535a5c41d2e047686ad3e?s=512&d=mm&r=g" } ], "author": { "name": "BusinessWorld", "url": "https://www.bworldonline.com/author/blexticauldulack/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/bb9711778f8535a5c41d2e047686ad3e?s=512&d=mm&r=g" }, "image": "https://www.bworldonline.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/medicines-pills.jpg", "tags": [ "america", "approvals", "FDA", "medicine", "Reuters", "United States", "Health", "World" ] }, { "id": "https://www.bworldonline.com/?p=565789", "url": "https://www.bworldonline.com/health/2023/12/28/565789/italian-may-regain-use-of-hand-after-nerve-transfer-from-amputated-leg/", "title": "Italian may regain use of hand after nerve transfer from amputated leg", "content_html": "TURIN\u00a0–\u00a0A man may regain the use of his hand, left paralyzed by a severe road accident, thanks to a pioneering nerve transfer operation from his partly amputated leg, doctors in northern Italy said.
\nSurgeons at Turin City Hospital (CTO) transferred part of the man’s sciatic nerve, which controlled the movement of his amputated foot, to his brachial plexus, the network of nerves that connect the spinal cord to the shoulder, arm and hand.
\n“It’s the first time that someone transfers a component of the sciatic nerve to the brachial plexus”, Paolo Titolo, one of the surgeons who performed the operation, said in an interview with Reuters on Wednesday.
\nMarcello Gaviglio, a 55-year-old healthcare worker had to have half his left leg amputated after he was hit by a motor-bike five months ago while travelling to work on his moped.
\nHe suffered serious injuries to his brachial plexus as well as his leg, leaving him unable to use either of his hands.
\nBecause the part of the sciatic nerve that controlled his left foot was no longer needed, it could be transferred to the shoulder area in the operation carried out on Dec. 21, potentially restoring the mobility to one of his hands.
\nBefore it is clear if that is possible, Mr. Gaviglio will have to undergo around 5 months of post-operative care. For now, he is still unable to move the hand at all.
\nNerve transfer surgery is not new, but it has not previously involved moving a nerve that normally controls the foot to an area that controls the hand.
\n“We think this is pioneering surgery because if it works it means that the brain plasticity can control also other parts of the body that we didn’t expect and also opens new fields in neuro studies,” Mr. Titolo said.
\nThe aim is to restore “some grasp function” to the hand, which will then also be able to help the other hand to do things, he added.
\nThe procedure was the result of four years of research and was published in the medical journal Injury.
\nMr. Gaviglio, the patient, said he had given little thought to the pioneering aspect of the surgery, he just felt it was an opportunity he should take advantage of.
\n“I thought about relying on a team of very good doctors and being able to move my hand again a little bit,” he said. – Reuters
\n", "content_text": "TURIN\u00a0–\u00a0A man may regain the use of his hand, left paralyzed by a severe road accident, thanks to a pioneering nerve transfer operation from his partly amputated leg, doctors in northern Italy said.\nSurgeons at Turin City Hospital (CTO) transferred part of the man’s sciatic nerve, which controlled the movement of his amputated foot, to his brachial plexus, the network of nerves that connect the spinal cord to the shoulder, arm and hand.\n“It’s the first time that someone transfers a component of the sciatic nerve to the brachial plexus”, Paolo Titolo, one of the surgeons who performed the operation, said in an interview with Reuters on Wednesday.\nMarcello Gaviglio, a 55-year-old healthcare worker had to have half his left leg amputated after he was hit by a motor-bike five months ago while travelling to work on his moped.\nHe suffered serious injuries to his brachial plexus as well as his leg, leaving him unable to use either of his hands.\nBecause the part of the sciatic nerve that controlled his left foot was no longer needed, it could be transferred to the shoulder area in the operation carried out on Dec. 21, potentially restoring the mobility to one of his hands.\nBefore it is clear if that is possible, Mr. Gaviglio will have to undergo around 5 months of post-operative care. For now, he is still unable to move the hand at all.\nNerve transfer surgery is not new, but it has not previously involved moving a nerve that normally controls the foot to an area that controls the hand.\n“We think this is pioneering surgery because if it works it means that the brain plasticity can control also other parts of the body that we didn’t expect and also opens new fields in neuro studies,” Mr. Titolo said.\nThe aim is to restore “some grasp function” to the hand, which will then also be able to help the other hand to do things, he added.\nThe procedure was the result of four years of research and was published in the medical journal Injury.\nMr. Gaviglio, the patient, said he had given little thought to the pioneering aspect of the surgery, he just felt it was an opportunity he should take advantage of.\n“I thought about relying on a team of very good doctors and being able to move my hand again a little bit,” he said. – Reuters", "date_published": "2023-12-28T11:51:40+08:00", "date_modified": "2023-12-28T11:51:40+08:00", "authors": [ { "name": "BusinessWorld", "url": "https://www.bworldonline.com/author/blexticauldulack/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/bb9711778f8535a5c41d2e047686ad3e?s=512&d=mm&r=g" } ], "author": { "name": "BusinessWorld", "url": "https://www.bworldonline.com/author/blexticauldulack/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/bb9711778f8535a5c41d2e047686ad3e?s=512&d=mm&r=g" }, "image": "https://www.bworldonline.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/hand-4661763_1280.jpg", "tags": [ "hand", "Italy", "paralyzed", "Reuters", "surgery", "Health" ] }, { "id": "https://www.bworldonline.com/?p=564021", "url": "https://www.bworldonline.com/opinion/2023/12/18/564021/uhc-health-for-all/", "title": "UHC: Health for all", "content_html": "Universal Health Coverage Day (UHC Day) is commemorated on Dec. 12 of every year. Spearheaded by the World Health Organization (WHO), the annual observance aims to celebrate the progress towards health for all and raise awareness on the need for strong and resilient health systems in achieving universal health coverage.
\nFor UHC Day 2023, the WHO seeks to revitalize commitments towards accelerating UHC as countries recover from the devastating economic and social impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. The agency noted that countries in the Western Pacific Region have made significant progress on the UHC service coverage index, which measures population coverage of essential health services based on tracer interventions that include reproductive, maternal, child health, infectious diseases, noncommunicable diseases and service capacity and access.
\nThis year\u2019s UHC Day theme is \u201cHealth for All: Time for Action,\u201d emphasizing the need for immediate and tangible steps in creating the world we want. It calls for reflection on a decade of progress, challenges, and opportunities in advancing UHC. The campaign urges leaders to enact policies that guarantee equitable access to essential health services without financial hardship. It will also build on the momentum and outcome from the second United Nations High-Level Meeting on UHC in September 2023 \u2014 a renewed action-oriented political commitment that will refocus political attention and financial investments on accelerating progress.
\nWhile the index increased from 51 to 80 between 2000 to 2019, financial protection in the Region worsened during the same period as more households face catastrophic health expenditures or out-of-pocket payments above what they can afford. In 2000, one in 10 families faced catastrophic health expenditures in the Western Pacific. Today, one in five families cannot afford care. Across and within countries, persisting inequities in service coverage and financial hardship remain, which were further exacerbated by the pandemic, the WHO stated.
\nThe Universal Healthcare Act is the first legislation of its type in the Western Pacific Region. The landmark law automatically enrolls all Filipino citizens in the National Health Insurance Program and prescribes complementary reforms in the health system. When fully implemented, it will give Filipinos access to the full continuum of health services they need, while protecting them from enduring financial hardship as a result.
\nThe biopharmaceutical industry supports the WHO\u2019s call for governments to \u201cprioritize investments in health, and implement effective policies to protect the poorest and most vulnerable\u201d to achieve universal health coverage for all people and reduce catastrophic health spending.
\nThe Pharmaceutical and Healthcare Association of the Philippines (PHAP), representing the research-based pharmaceutical industry in the country, commits to continue working with the government for the full implementation of the UHC Act and the National Integrated Cancer Control Act (NICCA) that both have provisions to make healthcare and medicines more accessible.
\nPHAP recommends that to reduce private individual out-of-pocket spending, there is a need to increase public health spending and embed access to medicine programs at all levels of care. When these are employed by governments, private share in medicine spending is reduced to below 50%. Examples of these countries with reduced private share in medicines are Australia at 47%, Malaysia at 46%, South Korea at 42%, the United Kingdom at 41%, New Zealand at 32%, and Thailand at just 9%.
\nThe implementation of medicine access strategies such as pooled procurement, introduction of outpatient drug benefit packages, and the use of value-based and risk-sharing agreements can be enabled by having increased and dedicated funding for medicines.
\nThe innovative pharmaceutical industry also stands with the government and all key stakeholders in ensuring the full implementation of the UHC Act so that no Filipino is left behind in terms of access to health services and financial protection. As a key member of the UHC2030 Private Sector Constituency (PSC), we are strongly supportive of the PSC statement on private sector commitments drawing from the Action Agenda. The Action Agenda is a set of action-oriented policy recommendations aimed at country leaders to strengthen resilient and equitable health systems, advance universal health coverage and health security, and deliver health for all by 2030.
\nIn line with the UHC2030 PSC statement, the industry is committed to incorporate UHC principles, including to leave no one behind, into our business; deliver innovations that respond to the needs of all people including underserved populations, and make these safe, affordable, accessible, and sustainable. There is also commitment to help strengthen the health workforce, responding to local context, priorities and needs; contribute to efforts to raise the finance available for UHC; and champion and engage in multi-stakeholder policy dialogues that advance UHC.
\n\n
Teodoro B. Padilla is the executive director of Pharmaceutical and Healthcare Association of the Philippines (PHAP). PHAP represents the biopharmaceutical medicines and vaccines industry in the country. Its members are in the forefront of research and development efforts for COVID-19 and other diseases that affect Filipinos.
\n", "content_text": "Universal Health Coverage Day (UHC Day) is commemorated on Dec. 12 of every year. Spearheaded by the World Health Organization (WHO), the annual observance aims to celebrate the progress towards health for all and raise awareness on the need for strong and resilient health systems in achieving universal health coverage.\nFor UHC Day 2023, the WHO seeks to revitalize commitments towards accelerating UHC as countries recover from the devastating economic and social impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. The agency noted that countries in the Western Pacific Region have made significant progress on the UHC service coverage index, which measures population coverage of essential health services based on tracer interventions that include reproductive, maternal, child health, infectious diseases, noncommunicable diseases and service capacity and access.\nThis year\u2019s UHC Day theme is \u201cHealth for All: Time for Action,\u201d emphasizing the need for immediate and tangible steps in creating the world we want. It calls for reflection on a decade of progress, challenges, and opportunities in advancing UHC. The campaign urges leaders to enact policies that guarantee equitable access to essential health services without financial hardship. It will also build on the momentum and outcome from the second United Nations High-Level Meeting on UHC in September 2023 \u2014 a renewed action-oriented political commitment that will refocus political attention and financial investments on accelerating progress.\nWhile the index increased from 51 to 80 between 2000 to 2019, financial protection in the Region worsened during the same period as more households face catastrophic health expenditures or out-of-pocket payments above what they can afford. In 2000, one in 10 families faced catastrophic health expenditures in the Western Pacific. Today, one in five families cannot afford care. Across and within countries, persisting inequities in service coverage and financial hardship remain, which were further exacerbated by the pandemic, the WHO stated.\nThe Universal Healthcare Act is the first legislation of its type in the Western Pacific Region. The landmark law automatically enrolls all Filipino citizens in the National Health Insurance Program and prescribes complementary reforms in the health system. When fully implemented, it will give Filipinos access to the full continuum of health services they need, while protecting them from enduring financial hardship as a result.\nThe biopharmaceutical industry supports the WHO\u2019s call for governments to \u201cprioritize investments in health, and implement effective policies to protect the poorest and most vulnerable\u201d to achieve universal health coverage for all people and reduce catastrophic health spending.\nThe Pharmaceutical and Healthcare Association of the Philippines (PHAP), representing the research-based pharmaceutical industry in the country, commits to continue working with the government for the full implementation of the UHC Act and the National Integrated Cancer Control Act (NICCA) that both have provisions to make healthcare and medicines more accessible.\nPHAP recommends that to reduce private individual out-of-pocket spending, there is a need to increase public health spending and embed access to medicine programs at all levels of care. When these are employed by governments, private share in medicine spending is reduced to below 50%. Examples of these countries with reduced private share in medicines are Australia at 47%, Malaysia at 46%, South Korea at 42%, the United Kingdom at 41%, New Zealand at 32%, and Thailand at just 9%.\nThe implementation of medicine access strategies such as pooled procurement, introduction of outpatient drug benefit packages, and the use of value-based and risk-sharing agreements can be enabled by having increased and dedicated funding for medicines.\nThe innovative pharmaceutical industry also stands with the government and all key stakeholders in ensuring the full implementation of the UHC Act so that no Filipino is left behind in terms of access to health services and financial protection. As a key member of the UHC2030 Private Sector Constituency (PSC), we are strongly supportive of the PSC statement on private sector commitments drawing from the Action Agenda. The Action Agenda is a set of action-oriented policy recommendations aimed at country leaders to strengthen resilient and equitable health systems, advance universal health coverage and health security, and deliver health for all by 2030.\nIn line with the UHC2030 PSC statement, the industry is committed to incorporate UHC principles, including to leave no one behind, into our business; deliver innovations that respond to the needs of all people including underserved populations, and make these safe, affordable, accessible, and sustainable. There is also commitment to help strengthen the health workforce, responding to local context, priorities and needs; contribute to efforts to raise the finance available for UHC; and champion and engage in multi-stakeholder policy dialogues that advance UHC.\n \nTeodoro B. Padilla is the executive director of Pharmaceutical and Healthcare Association of the Philippines (PHAP). PHAP represents the biopharmaceutical medicines and vaccines industry in the country. Its members are in the forefront of research and development efforts for COVID-19 and other diseases that affect Filipinos.", "date_published": "2023-12-18T00:01:53+08:00", "date_modified": "2023-12-17T17:51:31+08:00", "authors": [ { "name": "BusinessWorld", "url": "https://www.bworldonline.com/author/cedadiantityclea/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/eda8ffc51ac7ec8b231b61b4c6a0d14e?s=512&d=mm&r=g" } ], "author": { "name": "BusinessWorld", "url": "https://www.bworldonline.com/author/cedadiantityclea/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/eda8ffc51ac7ec8b231b61b4c6a0d14e?s=512&d=mm&r=g" }, "image": "https://www.bworldonline.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/health-worker.jpg", "tags": [ "Medicine cabinet", "Teodoro B. Padilla", "Health", "Opinion" ] }, { "id": "https://www.bworldonline.com/?p=562628", "url": "https://www.bworldonline.com/opinion/2023/12/11/562628/the-socioeconomic-value-of-adult-immunization/", "title": "The socioeconomic value of adult immunization", "content_html": "In our previous columns, we highlighted life-course immunization as a cost-effective way to improve health, support health system sustainability, and promote economic prosperity. At a global level, effective vaccination may help mitigate health risks such as infectious diseases and antimicrobial resistance (AMR), that both have significant impact on health and wellbeing as well as on the global economy.
\nAs the global population continues to age, prevention of disease becomes more important for easing pressure on health systems and ensuring their sustainability. Similarly, as retirement age increases and people work to older age, immunization across the life course is becoming more relevant to workforce productivity.
\nUnfortunately, a new study by the UK-based Office of Health Economics (OHE) shows that while substantial progress has been made in childhood immunization globally, the value of adult immunization programs often remains overlooked. It also found that access to adult vaccinations is inconsistent across countries, with limited inclusion in routine immunization schedules. The OHE is the world\u2019s oldest independent health economics research organization that works in partnership with universities, government, health systems, and the pharmaceutical industry to research and respond to global health challenges.
\nCommissioned by the International Federation of Pharmaceutical Manufacturers & Associations (IFPMA), the study assessed and synthesized the evidence for the broad, socioeconomic value of adult immunization programs, focusing on influenza, pneumococcal disease, herpes zoster, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) programs in 10 countries.
\nThe OHE researchers conducted a literature review of evidence published in the PubMed database from 2017 to 2023 and supplemented search results using a snowballing approach. They then used a published Value of Vaccines framework to structure their assessment.
\nThe study found that adult immunization is highly effective in preventing diseases, their complications, and associated deaths, particularly in older adults and those with chronic health conditions. Moreover, adult immunization programs potentially produce additional health benefits by protecting unvaccinated individuals.
\nThe study revealed an extensive evidence base showing that adult immunization programs are highly cost-effective and can result in net cost savings to healthcare systems. For example, recent studies in Australia and Germany have highlighted that vaccine programs for influenza and pneumococcal disease not only produce health benefits but also yield financial gains by averting hospital inpatient and emergency care.
\nPrograms to expand uptake can also be very cost-effective, perhaps as result of economies of scale, given the low variable costs compared to fixed costs associated with delivering immunization programs. Evidence from Germany and France, for example, indicates that expanding adult immunization programs for herpes zoster and influenza, respectively, may increase their overall cost-effectiveness.
\nThe study found that adult immunization programs can potentially provide a positive return on investment in the form of both increased tax revenues and productivity, outweighing the costs of the programs to governments many times over.
\nThe burden of vaccine-preventable diseases, and the benefits of adult immunization programs, are particularly concentrated in more socioeconomically disadvantaged sub-populations. The study noted that expanding adult immunization schedules to include younger adults can reduce inequity in the distribution of vaccine-preventable diseases. It also found that adult immunization programs can reduce the likelihood of unnecessary prescribing of antibiotics for respiratory illness, and novel antimicrobial vaccines can help to protect against the progression of AMR.
\nWhile there is growing evidence of the broad societal value of vaccination, the study found many gaps in the recognition of the value of adult immunization. No evidence was identified relating to macroeconomic effects, the enablement value to other interventions, or effects on the quality of life of caregivers.
\nAccording to the study, these gaps can be explained by the methodological challenges involved in collecting and analyzing evidence of broader value, and in part by the \u201cnarrow\u201d decision-making frameworks which are typically used to evaluate immunization programs. Given a lack of transparency and lack of standardized evidence appraisal methods, the evidence which does exist is not consistently or comprehensively recognized in decision-making about adult immunization policy.
\nThe evidence uncovered by the study supports the critical role of optimizing adult immunization programs in addressing major health and societal challenges while aligning with critical global agendas such as the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the WHO Immunization Agenda 2030 (IA2030), and the UN Decade of Healthy Ageing.
\nHowever, the research also clearly shows that many dimensions of the value of adult immunization programs are currently underrepresented in academic literature. Without such evidence, the full value of vaccination programs is likely underestimated by policy- and decision-makers, risking suboptimal investment decisions, the study concluded.
\n\n
Teodoro B. Padilla is the executive director of Pharmaceutical and Healthcare Association of the Philippines (PHAP). PHAP represents the biopharmaceutical medicines and vaccines industry in the country. Its members are in the forefront of research and development efforts for COVID-19 and other diseases that affect Filipinos.
\n", "content_text": "In our previous columns, we highlighted life-course immunization as a cost-effective way to improve health, support health system sustainability, and promote economic prosperity. At a global level, effective vaccination may help mitigate health risks such as infectious diseases and antimicrobial resistance (AMR), that both have significant impact on health and wellbeing as well as on the global economy.\nAs the global population continues to age, prevention of disease becomes more important for easing pressure on health systems and ensuring their sustainability. Similarly, as retirement age increases and people work to older age, immunization across the life course is becoming more relevant to workforce productivity.\nUnfortunately, a new study by the UK-based Office of Health Economics (OHE) shows that while substantial progress has been made in childhood immunization globally, the value of adult immunization programs often remains overlooked. It also found that access to adult vaccinations is inconsistent across countries, with limited inclusion in routine immunization schedules. The OHE is the world\u2019s oldest independent health economics research organization that works in partnership with universities, government, health systems, and the pharmaceutical industry to research and respond to global health challenges.\nCommissioned by the International Federation of Pharmaceutical Manufacturers & Associations (IFPMA), the study assessed and synthesized the evidence for the broad, socioeconomic value of adult immunization programs, focusing on influenza, pneumococcal disease, herpes zoster, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) programs in 10 countries.\nThe OHE researchers conducted a literature review of evidence published in the PubMed database from 2017 to 2023 and supplemented search results using a snowballing approach. They then used a published Value of Vaccines framework to structure their assessment.\nThe study found that adult immunization is highly effective in preventing diseases, their complications, and associated deaths, particularly in older adults and those with chronic health conditions. Moreover, adult immunization programs potentially produce additional health benefits by protecting unvaccinated individuals.\nThe study revealed an extensive evidence base showing that adult immunization programs are highly cost-effective and can result in net cost savings to healthcare systems. For example, recent studies in Australia and Germany have highlighted that vaccine programs for influenza and pneumococcal disease not only produce health benefits but also yield financial gains by averting hospital inpatient and emergency care.\nPrograms to expand uptake can also be very cost-effective, perhaps as result of economies of scale, given the low variable costs compared to fixed costs associated with delivering immunization programs. Evidence from Germany and France, for example, indicates that expanding adult immunization programs for herpes zoster and influenza, respectively, may increase their overall cost-effectiveness.\nThe study found that adult immunization programs can potentially provide a positive return on investment in the form of both increased tax revenues and productivity, outweighing the costs of the programs to governments many times over.\nThe burden of vaccine-preventable diseases, and the benefits of adult immunization programs, are particularly concentrated in more socioeconomically disadvantaged sub-populations. The study noted that expanding adult immunization schedules to include younger adults can reduce inequity in the distribution of vaccine-preventable diseases. It also found that adult immunization programs can reduce the likelihood of unnecessary prescribing of antibiotics for respiratory illness, and novel antimicrobial vaccines can help to protect against the progression of AMR.\nWhile there is growing evidence of the broad societal value of vaccination, the study found many gaps in the recognition of the value of adult immunization. No evidence was identified relating to macroeconomic effects, the enablement value to other interventions, or effects on the quality of life of caregivers.\nAccording to the study, these gaps can be explained by the methodological challenges involved in collecting and analyzing evidence of broader value, and in part by the \u201cnarrow\u201d decision-making frameworks which are typically used to evaluate immunization programs. Given a lack of transparency and lack of standardized evidence appraisal methods, the evidence which does exist is not consistently or comprehensively recognized in decision-making about adult immunization policy.\nThe evidence uncovered by the study supports the critical role of optimizing adult immunization programs in addressing major health and societal challenges while aligning with critical global agendas such as the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the WHO Immunization Agenda 2030 (IA2030), and the UN Decade of Healthy Ageing.\nHowever, the research also clearly shows that many dimensions of the value of adult immunization programs are currently underrepresented in academic literature. Without such evidence, the full value of vaccination programs is likely underestimated by policy- and decision-makers, risking suboptimal investment decisions, the study concluded. \n \nTeodoro B. Padilla is the executive director of Pharmaceutical and Healthcare Association of the Philippines (PHAP). PHAP represents the biopharmaceutical medicines and vaccines industry in the country. Its members are in the forefront of research and development efforts for COVID-19 and other diseases that affect Filipinos.", "date_published": "2023-12-11T00:01:32+08:00", "date_modified": "2023-12-10T19:05:24+08:00", "authors": [ { "name": "BusinessWorld", "url": "https://www.bworldonline.com/author/cedadiantityclea/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/eda8ffc51ac7ec8b231b61b4c6a0d14e?s=512&d=mm&r=g" } ], "author": { "name": "BusinessWorld", "url": "https://www.bworldonline.com/author/cedadiantityclea/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/eda8ffc51ac7ec8b231b61b4c6a0d14e?s=512&d=mm&r=g" }, "image": "https://www.bworldonline.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/vaccination.jpg", "tags": [ "Medicine cabinet", "Teodoro B. Padilla", "Health", "Opinion" ] }, { "id": "https://www.bworldonline.com/?p=561152", "url": "https://www.bworldonline.com/opinion/2023/12/04/561152/injecting-hope/", "title": "Injecting hope", "content_html": "The COVID-19 pandemic has had an unprecedented impact on healthcare services, particularly immunization programs. Recently, the World Health Organization and United Nations Children\u2019s Fund released their joint report revealing the largest sustained decline in childhood vaccinations in approximately 30 years.
\nThis unprecedented decline in immunization coverage was due to many factors including increased misinformation, and even disinformation, during the COVID-19 pandemic.
\nThe Philippines was among several middle-income countries that recorded the highest numbers of children who missed out on one or more doses of diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis (DTP) routine immunization in 2021. The DTP vaccination is a marker for immunization coverage within and across countries. From a high of 87% in 2014, the country\u2019s immunization coverage among children dipped to 68% in 2019, and by 2022 was down to 62.9%. This is way below the national target coverage for routine immunization among children of 95%.
\nApart from getting back on track to ensure more children are protected from preventable diseases, there is an urgent need to transition to \u201cvaccination programs for all ages and all groups.\u201d A life-course approach to immunization (LCI) is critical for future pandemic preparedness and health security, by providing additional protection against waning immunity and stemming the rise in mortality from vaccine-preventable diseases during adulthood.
\nThis is why World Immunization Week, celebrated under this year\u2019s theme of \u201cThe Big Catch-Up,\u201d highlighted the collective action needed to promote the use of vaccines to protect people of all ages against diseases.
\nIn support of The Big Catch-Up and in recognition of the vital role of media in delivering accurate public health information, the Philippine Press Institute (PPI), in partnership with the Pharmaceutical and Healthcare Association of the Philippines (PHAP) and member Pfizer Philippines, organized a seminar-workshop for journalists and patient organizations. Aptly titled \u201cInjecting Hope,\u201d the seminar-workshop was held in partnership with the Philippine Medical Association (PMA), Philippine Foundation for Vaccination (PFV), and Philippine Alliance for Patient Organizations (PAPO).
\nThe seminar-workshop featured a distinguished panel of resource speakers from both the government and private sector that included infectious disease specialists, vaccine experts, policymakers, and patient leaders. It aimed to emphasize the need for urgent action to implement catch-up vaccination and promote life-course immunization to ensure the protection of people of all ages; and capacitate journalists and patient advocates to counter misinformation and boost vaccine confidence. It also sought to link journalists and patient leaders with government and medical experts as sources of credible information and highlight a whole-of-society approach to vaccination, to generate medically verified stories as reliable information resources for the public.
\nAmong the speakers were Dr. Janis Bunoan Macazo, Department of Health (DoH) Program Manager for the National Program for Immunization; Undersecretary Odilon Luis Pasaraba, Undersecretary for Project Development Management of the Department of Interior and Local Government; and Dr. Mark Lawrence Tirao, Medical Officer of the Baguio City Health Services Office.
\nAlso on the panel were Dr. Benito Atienza, immediate Past President of the PMA; Dr. Lourdes Carolina I. Dumlao, President of the Philippine Society of Geriatrics and Gerontology; Dr. Rontgene Solante, Chairman of Adult Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine, San Lazaro Hospital; and Dr. Artur Dessi Roman, Secretary of the Philippine Society for Microbiology and Infectious Diseases.
\nThe second day of the seminar also had Fatima \u201cGirlie\u201d Lorenzo, Board Member of the PAPO; Dr. Lulu Bravo, Executive Director of the PFV; Rep. Ray Reyes of the Anakalusugan Party-list and vice-chairperson of the House Committee on Health, and Dr. Lani Buendia, Medical Officer V of the Quezon City National Immunization Program Medical Coordinator.
\nAlso important to the forum were Undersecretary Enrique A. Tayag, head of the Field Implementation and Coordination Team, North & Central Luzon of the DoH; and Dr. Minerva Calimag, President of the PMA.
\nPPI Chairman Rolando Estabillo, Seminar Director Joyce Panares, Executive Director Ariel Sebellino, and Chito Maniago of Pfizer also delivered powerful messages, emphasizing the role of accurate reportage in helping the people make informed health decisions.
\nTo recognize and honor the dedication of journalists, PHAP is working with PPI to confer a joint health award based on the proceedings of the Injecting Hope seminar-workshop. Through this award, it aims to encourage national and community journalists to write more stories about the value of life-course immunization. PHAP also recognizes the contributions of patient leaders in disseminating accurate health information and helping Filipino patients make informed health decisions.
\nThrough their lessons from the Injecting Hope seminar-workshop, it hoped that journalists and patient leaders can help empower more Filipinos to get the recommended vaccines and, in the process, help save lives.
\n\n
Teodoro B. Padilla is the executive director of Pharmaceutical and Healthcare Association of the Philippines (PHAP). PHAP represents the biopharmaceutical medicines and vaccines industry in the country. Its members are in the forefront of research and development efforts for COVID-19 and other diseases that\u00a0 affect Filipinos.
\n", "content_text": "The COVID-19 pandemic has had an unprecedented impact on healthcare services, particularly immunization programs. Recently, the World Health Organization and United Nations Children\u2019s Fund released their joint report revealing the largest sustained decline in childhood vaccinations in approximately 30 years.\nThis unprecedented decline in immunization coverage was due to many factors including increased misinformation, and even disinformation, during the COVID-19 pandemic.\nThe Philippines was among several middle-income countries that recorded the highest numbers of children who missed out on one or more doses of diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis (DTP) routine immunization in 2021. The DTP vaccination is a marker for immunization coverage within and across countries. From a high of 87% in 2014, the country\u2019s immunization coverage among children dipped to 68% in 2019, and by 2022 was down to 62.9%. This is way below the national target coverage for routine immunization among children of 95%.\nApart from getting back on track to ensure more children are protected from preventable diseases, there is an urgent need to transition to \u201cvaccination programs for all ages and all groups.\u201d A life-course approach to immunization (LCI) is critical for future pandemic preparedness and health security, by providing additional protection against waning immunity and stemming the rise in mortality from vaccine-preventable diseases during adulthood.\nThis is why World Immunization Week, celebrated under this year\u2019s theme of \u201cThe Big Catch-Up,\u201d highlighted the collective action needed to promote the use of vaccines to protect people of all ages against diseases.\nIn support of The Big Catch-Up and in recognition of the vital role of media in delivering accurate public health information, the Philippine Press Institute (PPI), in partnership with the Pharmaceutical and Healthcare Association of the Philippines (PHAP) and member Pfizer Philippines, organized a seminar-workshop for journalists and patient organizations. Aptly titled \u201cInjecting Hope,\u201d the seminar-workshop was held in partnership with the Philippine Medical Association (PMA), Philippine Foundation for Vaccination (PFV), and Philippine Alliance for Patient Organizations (PAPO).\nThe seminar-workshop featured a distinguished panel of resource speakers from both the government and private sector that included infectious disease specialists, vaccine experts, policymakers, and patient leaders. It aimed to emphasize the need for urgent action to implement catch-up vaccination and promote life-course immunization to ensure the protection of people of all ages; and capacitate journalists and patient advocates to counter misinformation and boost vaccine confidence. It also sought to link journalists and patient leaders with government and medical experts as sources of credible information and highlight a whole-of-society approach to vaccination, to generate medically verified stories as reliable information resources for the public.\nAmong the speakers were Dr. Janis Bunoan Macazo, Department of Health (DoH) Program Manager for the National Program for Immunization; Undersecretary Odilon Luis Pasaraba, Undersecretary for Project Development Management of the Department of Interior and Local Government; and Dr. Mark Lawrence Tirao, Medical Officer of the Baguio City Health Services Office.\nAlso on the panel were Dr. Benito Atienza, immediate Past President of the PMA; Dr. Lourdes Carolina I. Dumlao, President of the Philippine Society of Geriatrics and Gerontology; Dr. Rontgene Solante, Chairman of Adult Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine, San Lazaro Hospital; and Dr. Artur Dessi Roman, Secretary of the Philippine Society for Microbiology and Infectious Diseases.\nThe second day of the seminar also had Fatima \u201cGirlie\u201d Lorenzo, Board Member of the PAPO; Dr. Lulu Bravo, Executive Director of the PFV; Rep. Ray Reyes of the Anakalusugan Party-list and vice-chairperson of the House Committee on Health, and Dr. Lani Buendia, Medical Officer V of the Quezon City National Immunization Program Medical Coordinator.\nAlso important to the forum were Undersecretary Enrique A. Tayag, head of the Field Implementation and Coordination Team, North & Central Luzon of the DoH; and Dr. Minerva Calimag, President of the PMA.\nPPI Chairman Rolando Estabillo, Seminar Director Joyce Panares, Executive Director Ariel Sebellino, and Chito Maniago of Pfizer also delivered powerful messages, emphasizing the role of accurate reportage in helping the people make informed health decisions.\nTo recognize and honor the dedication of journalists, PHAP is working with PPI to confer a joint health award based on the proceedings of the Injecting Hope seminar-workshop. Through this award, it aims to encourage national and community journalists to write more stories about the value of life-course immunization. PHAP also recognizes the contributions of patient leaders in disseminating accurate health information and helping Filipino patients make informed health decisions.\nThrough their lessons from the Injecting Hope seminar-workshop, it hoped that journalists and patient leaders can help empower more Filipinos to get the recommended vaccines and, in the process, help save lives.\n \nTeodoro B. Padilla is the executive director of Pharmaceutical and Healthcare Association of the Philippines (PHAP). PHAP represents the biopharmaceutical medicines and vaccines industry in the country. Its members are in the forefront of research and development efforts for COVID-19 and other diseases that\u00a0 affect Filipinos.", "date_published": "2023-12-04T00:01:16+08:00", "date_modified": "2023-12-03T18:02:04+08:00", "authors": [ { "name": "BusinessWorld", "url": "https://www.bworldonline.com/author/cedadiantityclea/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/eda8ffc51ac7ec8b231b61b4c6a0d14e?s=512&d=mm&r=g" } ], "author": { "name": "BusinessWorld", "url": "https://www.bworldonline.com/author/cedadiantityclea/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/eda8ffc51ac7ec8b231b61b4c6a0d14e?s=512&d=mm&r=g" }, "image": "https://www.bworldonline.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/baby-vaccination.jpg", "tags": [ "Medicine cabinet", "Teodoro B. Padilla", "Health", "Opinion" ] }, { "id": "https://www.bworldonline.com/?p=559800", "url": "https://www.bworldonline.com/opinion/2023/11/27/559800/primary-healthcare-lessons-from-the-covid-19-pandemic/", "title": "Primary healthcare: Lessons from the COVID-19 pandemic", "content_html": "Together, Primary Health Care (PHC) and resilient health systems form the cornerstone of Universal Health Coverage (UHC). They are what enable UHC to be inclusive, to ensure it leaves no one behind.
\nPHC is the package of essential health services \u2014 ranging from promotion and prevention to treatment, rehabilitation, and palliative care. A person receives these services across their life course, often beginning before birth and continuing through illness, injury, work, childbirth, aging, and the end of life. PHC is the frontline of a resilient health system, one which is able to prepare for, withstand the stress of, and respond to the public health consequences of disasters and emergencies.
\nThe COVID-19 pandemic strained healthcare systems around the world, including that of the Philippines, but it also taught the global healthcare community priceless lessons.
\nThe study \u201cPhilippines: a primary health care case study in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic\u201d examines key aspects of PHC in the country to inform future policy and practice, incorporating lessons learned during the COVID-19 pandemic between January 2020 and July 2022. Published last August, it is part of a collection of case studies in the Western Pacific Region commissioned and overseen by the Alliance for Health Policy and Systems Research, a hosted partnership based at the World Health Organization (WHO) headquarters in Geneva, in collaboration with the WHO Regional Office for the Western Pacific (WPRO) in Manila.
\nThe case study noted that the Philippines suffers from a triple burden of disease, from communicable diseases, noncommunicable diseases (NCDs), as well as diseases and conditions arising from rapid industrialization and urbanization. With the devolution of the country\u2019s health system, health care management and implementation are now the responsibility of local government units (LGUs), with the Department of Health (DoH) steering national PHC directives and programs.
\nAlthough devolution has allowed LGUs to innovate around models of care to better reach marginalized communities, the case study pointed out that the country\u2019s health system remains fragmented as exemplified by the limited referral and coordination channels among levels of governance and service delivery. The non-profit portion of the private sector helps close service delivery gaps for PHC through partnerships with nongovernmental organizations (NGOs), technical assistance from the academic community, and community-owned projects and patient groups, but these mechanisms often limit individual participation.
\nThe case study noted that the COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated challenges to the full implementation of the Universal Health Care (UHC) Act, including a scarcity of health care workers, especially in rural areas, and variable health financing schemes resulting in increased out-of-pocket (OOP) expenditure. It recommended strengthening PHC to address health workforce and financing gaps, as well as harnessing empowered local structures.
\nThe case study highlighted how strong local mechanisms, many of which were created during the COVID-19 pandemic, enabled PHC service delivery despite the fragmentation of the health system and limited resources. These mechanisms include ordinances for the implementation of national health programs, increased buy-in from local leaders for PHC, multisectoral collaboration for health, continual grassroots feedback from patients, and innovations around monitoring and quality assurance of service delivery.
\nThe case study recommended PHC-oriented research which could enable further innovation at national and local levels, including to support utilization of digital technologies. For example, there may be opportunities to scale PHC innovations such as remote consultations and diversified models of care.
\nThe COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the need for public-private collaboration, as observed in the recently launched publication The Power of Innovation: Contributions of the Philippine Pharmaceutical Industry.
\nDuring the pandemic, public and private partnerships were crucial in developing, scaling up, and distributing important health technologies. The same collaborative mindset and practices can be applied to enable faster regulatory processes, a more efficient supply chain, and ultimately provide greater access to diagnostics, vaccines, and medicines for Filipinos.
\nFurthermore, public-private collaborations could be facilitated in health systems strengthening. During the pandemic, the industry closely collaborated with the government in monitoring the supply of needed medicines, and even chartered flights to make these life-saving innovations available to Filipino patients amidst global demand and strict lockdowns.
\nWith this, health system building blocks \u2014 from logistics monitoring, efficient referral networks, healthcare funding, governance, medicines and massive information campaigns \u2014 needed to be in place at the height of the pandemic. Accelerating the rollout of UHC and pertinent laws like the Cancer Control Act would aid in strengthening local health systems so that they may better respond to the healthcare needs of Filipinos.
\nThe innovative biopharmaceutical industry fully supports the efforts of the health department and other stakeholders in strengthening PHC in the country and fully implementing the UHC Act.
\nWe will continue to play our indispensable role in developing and delivering health innovations to support and strengthen PHC and contribute to building resilient health systems..
\n\n
Teodoro B. Padilla is the executive director of Pharmaceutical and Healthcare Association of the Philippines (PHAP). PHAP represents the biopharmaceutical medicines and vaccines industry in the country. Its members are in the forefront of research and development efforts for COVID-19 and other diseases that\u00a0 affect Filipinos.
\n", "content_text": "Together, Primary Health Care (PHC) and resilient health systems form the cornerstone of Universal Health Coverage (UHC). They are what enable UHC to be inclusive, to ensure it leaves no one behind.\nPHC is the package of essential health services \u2014 ranging from promotion and prevention to treatment, rehabilitation, and palliative care. A person receives these services across their life course, often beginning before birth and continuing through illness, injury, work, childbirth, aging, and the end of life. PHC is the frontline of a resilient health system, one which is able to prepare for, withstand the stress of, and respond to the public health consequences of disasters and emergencies.\nThe COVID-19 pandemic strained healthcare systems around the world, including that of the Philippines, but it also taught the global healthcare community priceless lessons.\nThe study \u201cPhilippines: a primary health care case study in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic\u201d examines key aspects of PHC in the country to inform future policy and practice, incorporating lessons learned during the COVID-19 pandemic between January 2020 and July 2022. Published last August, it is part of a collection of case studies in the Western Pacific Region commissioned and overseen by the Alliance for Health Policy and Systems Research, a hosted partnership based at the World Health Organization (WHO) headquarters in Geneva, in collaboration with the WHO Regional Office for the Western Pacific (WPRO) in Manila.\nThe case study noted that the Philippines suffers from a triple burden of disease, from communicable diseases, noncommunicable diseases (NCDs), as well as diseases and conditions arising from rapid industrialization and urbanization. With the devolution of the country\u2019s health system, health care management and implementation are now the responsibility of local government units (LGUs), with the Department of Health (DoH) steering national PHC directives and programs.\nAlthough devolution has allowed LGUs to innovate around models of care to better reach marginalized communities, the case study pointed out that the country\u2019s health system remains fragmented as exemplified by the limited referral and coordination channels among levels of governance and service delivery. The non-profit portion of the private sector helps close service delivery gaps for PHC through partnerships with nongovernmental organizations (NGOs), technical assistance from the academic community, and community-owned projects and patient groups, but these mechanisms often limit individual participation.\nThe case study noted that the COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated challenges to the full implementation of the Universal Health Care (UHC) Act, including a scarcity of health care workers, especially in rural areas, and variable health financing schemes resulting in increased out-of-pocket (OOP) expenditure. It recommended strengthening PHC to address health workforce and financing gaps, as well as harnessing empowered local structures.\nThe case study highlighted how strong local mechanisms, many of which were created during the COVID-19 pandemic, enabled PHC service delivery despite the fragmentation of the health system and limited resources. These mechanisms include ordinances for the implementation of national health programs, increased buy-in from local leaders for PHC, multisectoral collaboration for health, continual grassroots feedback from patients, and innovations around monitoring and quality assurance of service delivery.\nThe case study recommended PHC-oriented research which could enable further innovation at national and local levels, including to support utilization of digital technologies. For example, there may be opportunities to scale PHC innovations such as remote consultations and diversified models of care.\nThe COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the need for public-private collaboration, as observed in the recently launched publication The Power of Innovation: Contributions of the Philippine Pharmaceutical Industry.\nDuring the pandemic, public and private partnerships were crucial in developing, scaling up, and distributing important health technologies. The same collaborative mindset and practices can be applied to enable faster regulatory processes, a more efficient supply chain, and ultimately provide greater access to diagnostics, vaccines, and medicines for Filipinos.\nFurthermore, public-private collaborations could be facilitated in health systems strengthening. During the pandemic, the industry closely collaborated with the government in monitoring the supply of needed medicines, and even chartered flights to make these life-saving innovations available to Filipino patients amidst global demand and strict lockdowns.\nWith this, health system building blocks \u2014 from logistics monitoring, efficient referral networks, healthcare funding, governance, medicines and massive information campaigns \u2014 needed to be in place at the height of the pandemic. Accelerating the rollout of UHC and pertinent laws like the Cancer Control Act would aid in strengthening local health systems so that they may better respond to the healthcare needs of Filipinos.\nThe innovative biopharmaceutical industry fully supports the efforts of the health department and other stakeholders in strengthening PHC in the country and fully implementing the UHC Act.\nWe will continue to play our indispensable role in developing and delivering health innovations to support and strengthen PHC and contribute to building resilient health systems..\n \nTeodoro B. Padilla is the executive director of Pharmaceutical and Healthcare Association of the Philippines (PHAP). PHAP represents the biopharmaceutical medicines and vaccines industry in the country. Its members are in the forefront of research and development efforts for COVID-19 and other diseases that\u00a0 affect Filipinos.", "date_published": "2023-11-27T00:01:24+08:00", "date_modified": "2023-11-26T18:14:06+08:00", "authors": [ { "name": "BusinessWorld", "url": "https://www.bworldonline.com/author/cedadiantityclea/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/eda8ffc51ac7ec8b231b61b4c6a0d14e?s=512&d=mm&r=g" } ], "author": { "name": "BusinessWorld", "url": "https://www.bworldonline.com/author/cedadiantityclea/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/eda8ffc51ac7ec8b231b61b4c6a0d14e?s=512&d=mm&r=g" }, "image": "https://www.bworldonline.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/woman-facial-mask-.jpg", "tags": [ "Medicine cabinet", "Teodoro B. Padilla", "Health", "Opinion" ] }, { "id": "https://www.bworldonline.com/?p=559532", "url": "https://www.bworldonline.com/health/2023/11/24/559532/china-says-no-unusual-pathogens-found-after-who-queries-respiratory-outbreaks/", "title": "China says no unusual pathogens found after WHO queries respiratory outbreaks", "content_html": "Chinese health authorities have not detected any\u00a0unusual\u00a0or novel\u00a0pathogens\u00a0and provided the requested data on an increase in\u00a0respiratory\u00a0illnesses and reported\u00a0clusters of pneumonia\u00a0in children, the World Health Organization (WHO) said on Thursday.
\nThe\u00a0WHO\u00a0had asked\u00a0China\u00a0for more information on Wednesday\u00a0after\u00a0groups including the Program for Monitoring Emerging Diseases (ProMED) reported clusters of undiagnosed pneumonia in children in north\u00a0China.
\nAs per the rule,\u00a0China\u00a0responded to the\u00a0WHO\u00a0within 24 hours. The\u00a0WHO\u00a0had sought epidemiologic and clinical information as well as laboratory results through the International Health Regulations mechanism.
\nThe data suggests the increase is linked to the lifting of COVID-19 restrictions along with the circulation of known\u00a0pathogens\u00a0like mycoplasma pneumoniae, a common bacterial infection that typically affects younger children and which has circulated since May.
\nInfluenza,\u00a0respiratory\u00a0syncytial virus (RSV) and adenovirus have been in circulation since October.
\nThe agency does not advise against travel and trade as they have been monitoring the situation with authorities.
\nNo\u00a0unusual\u00a0pathogens\u00a0have been detected in the capital of Beijing and the northeastern province of Liaoning.
\nChinese authorities from the National Health Commission held a press conference on Nov. 13 to report an increase in incidence of\u00a0respiratory\u00a0disease.
\nBoth\u00a0China\u00a0and the\u00a0WHO\u00a0have faced questions about the\u00a0transparency of reporting\u00a0on the earliest COVID-19 cases that emerged in the central Chinese city of Wuhan in late 2019.
\nThe U.N. health agency had also asked\u00a0China\u00a0for further information about trends in the circulation of known\u00a0pathogens\u00a0and the burden on healthcare systems. The\u00a0WHO\u00a0said it was in contact with clinicians and scientists through its existing technical partnerships and networks in\u00a0China.
\nWHO\u00a0China\u00a0said it was “routine” to request information on increases in\u00a0respiratory\u00a0illnesses and reported clusters of pneumonia in children from member states, such as\u00a0China.
\nThe global agency decided to issue a statement on\u00a0China\u00a0to share available information, as it received a number of\u00a0queries\u00a0about it from media,\u00a0WHO\u00a0China\u00a0said in an emailed statement.
\nThe ProMED alert was based on a report by FTV News in Taiwan that came out on Tuesday.
\nUndiagnosed pneumonia was not mentioned at last week’s press conference, according to a transcript, but one speaker said everyone felt like there had been an increase in\u00a0respiratory\u00a0illnesses this year compared with three years ago.
\nThe speaker said that global monitoring for mycoplasma pneumoniae had been at a low over the past three years and\u00a0outbreaks\u00a0were cyclical, occurring every three to seven years.
\n\n
‘SEASONAL SURGE’
\nThe rise in\u00a0respiratory\u00a0illnesses comes as\u00a0China\u00a0braces for its first full winter season since it had lifted strict COVID-19 restrictions in December. Many other countries saw similar increases in\u00a0respiratory\u00a0diseases\u00a0after\u00a0easing pandemic measures.
\n“It is just a relatively large seasonal surge, perhaps partly due to chance and partly because there’s a bit of ‘immunity debt’ from the lesser winter surges in the last three years,” said Ben Cowling, an epidemiologist at Hong Kong University.
\nChina‘s National Health Commission did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
\nOn Thursday, it published an interview with the state media agency Xinhua in which it advised parents what to do and mentioned that big hospitals were receiving a large number of patients and waiting times were long. It did not comment on the\u00a0WHO\u00a0notice.
\nSince mid-October, the\u00a0WHO\u00a0said northern\u00a0China\u00a0had reported an increase in influenza-like illness compared with the same period in the previous three years.
\nIt said\u00a0China\u00a0had systems in place to capture information on trends in illness incidence and to report that data to platforms such as the Global Influenza Surveillance and Response System.
\nIn recent days, media in cities such as Xian in the northwest have posted videos of hospitals crowded with parents and children awaiting checks.
\nSome social media users have posted photos of children doing homework while receiving intravenous drips in hospital.
\nThe\u00a0WHO\u00a0said that while it was seeking additional information, it recommended that people in\u00a0China\u00a0follow measures to reduce the risk of\u00a0respiratory\u00a0illness.
\nMeasures included vaccination, keeping distance from sick people, staying at home when ill, getting tested and medical care as needed, wearing masks as appropriate, ensuring good ventilation, and regular hand-washing, it said. – Reuters
\n\n", "content_text": "Chinese health authorities have not detected any\u00a0unusual\u00a0or novel\u00a0pathogens\u00a0and provided the requested data on an increase in\u00a0respiratory\u00a0illnesses and reported\u00a0clusters of pneumonia\u00a0in children, the World Health Organization (WHO) said on Thursday.\nThe\u00a0WHO\u00a0had asked\u00a0China\u00a0for more information on Wednesday\u00a0after\u00a0groups including the Program for Monitoring Emerging Diseases (ProMED) reported clusters of undiagnosed pneumonia in children in north\u00a0China.\nAs per the rule,\u00a0China\u00a0responded to the\u00a0WHO\u00a0within 24 hours. The\u00a0WHO\u00a0had sought epidemiologic and clinical information as well as laboratory results through the International Health Regulations mechanism.\nThe data suggests the increase is linked to the lifting of COVID-19 restrictions along with the circulation of known\u00a0pathogens\u00a0like mycoplasma pneumoniae, a common bacterial infection that typically affects younger children and which has circulated since May.\nInfluenza,\u00a0respiratory\u00a0syncytial virus (RSV) and adenovirus have been in circulation since October.\nThe agency does not advise against travel and trade as they have been monitoring the situation with authorities.\nNo\u00a0unusual\u00a0pathogens\u00a0have been detected in the capital of Beijing and the northeastern province of Liaoning.\nChinese authorities from the National Health Commission held a press conference on Nov. 13 to report an increase in incidence of\u00a0respiratory\u00a0disease.\nBoth\u00a0China\u00a0and the\u00a0WHO\u00a0have faced questions about the\u00a0transparency of reporting\u00a0on the earliest COVID-19 cases that emerged in the central Chinese city of Wuhan in late 2019.\nThe U.N. health agency had also asked\u00a0China\u00a0for further information about trends in the circulation of known\u00a0pathogens\u00a0and the burden on healthcare systems. The\u00a0WHO\u00a0said it was in contact with clinicians and scientists through its existing technical partnerships and networks in\u00a0China.\nWHO\u00a0China\u00a0said it was “routine” to request information on increases in\u00a0respiratory\u00a0illnesses and reported clusters of pneumonia in children from member states, such as\u00a0China.\nThe global agency decided to issue a statement on\u00a0China\u00a0to share available information, as it received a number of\u00a0queries\u00a0about it from media,\u00a0WHO\u00a0China\u00a0said in an emailed statement.\nThe ProMED alert was based on a report by FTV News in Taiwan that came out on Tuesday.\nUndiagnosed pneumonia was not mentioned at last week’s press conference, according to a transcript, but one speaker said everyone felt like there had been an increase in\u00a0respiratory\u00a0illnesses this year compared with three years ago.\nThe speaker said that global monitoring for mycoplasma pneumoniae had been at a low over the past three years and\u00a0outbreaks\u00a0were cyclical, occurring every three to seven years.\n \n‘SEASONAL SURGE’\nThe rise in\u00a0respiratory\u00a0illnesses comes as\u00a0China\u00a0braces for its first full winter season since it had lifted strict COVID-19 restrictions in December. Many other countries saw similar increases in\u00a0respiratory\u00a0diseases\u00a0after\u00a0easing pandemic measures.\n“It is just a relatively large seasonal surge, perhaps partly due to chance and partly because there’s a bit of ‘immunity debt’ from the lesser winter surges in the last three years,” said Ben Cowling, an epidemiologist at Hong Kong University.\nChina‘s National Health Commission did not immediately respond to a request for comment.\nOn Thursday, it published an interview with the state media agency Xinhua in which it advised parents what to do and mentioned that big hospitals were receiving a large number of patients and waiting times were long. It did not comment on the\u00a0WHO\u00a0notice.\nSince mid-October, the\u00a0WHO\u00a0said northern\u00a0China\u00a0had reported an increase in influenza-like illness compared with the same period in the previous three years.\nIt said\u00a0China\u00a0had systems in place to capture information on trends in illness incidence and to report that data to platforms such as the Global Influenza Surveillance and Response System.\nIn recent days, media in cities such as Xian in the northwest have posted videos of hospitals crowded with parents and children awaiting checks.\nSome social media users have posted photos of children doing homework while receiving intravenous drips in hospital.\nThe\u00a0WHO\u00a0said that while it was seeking additional information, it recommended that people in\u00a0China\u00a0follow measures to reduce the risk of\u00a0respiratory\u00a0illness.\nMeasures included vaccination, keeping distance from sick people, staying at home when ill, getting tested and medical care as needed, wearing masks as appropriate, ensuring good ventilation, and regular hand-washing, it said. – Reuters\n ", "date_published": "2023-11-24T09:54:17+08:00", "date_modified": "2023-11-24T09:54:17+08:00", "authors": [ { "name": "BusinessWorld", "url": "https://www.bworldonline.com/author/blexticauldulack/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/bb9711778f8535a5c41d2e047686ad3e?s=512&d=mm&r=g" } ], "author": { "name": "BusinessWorld", "url": "https://www.bworldonline.com/author/blexticauldulack/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/bb9711778f8535a5c41d2e047686ad3e?s=512&d=mm&r=g" }, "image": "https://www.bworldonline.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/virus-4952102_1280.jpg", "tags": [ "China", "Health", "pathogens", "Reuters", "WHO", "WORLD Health Organization", "World" ] }, { "id": "https://www.bworldonline.com/?p=559271", "url": "https://www.bworldonline.com/health/2023/11/23/559271/who-asks-china-for-details-on-respiratory-illness-outbreaks/", "title": "WHO asks China for details on respiratory illness outbreaks", "content_html": "
The World Health Organization (WHO) on Wednesday officially requested that\u00a0China\u00a0provide detailed information on an increase in\u00a0respiratory\u00a0illnesses and reported clusters of pneumonia in children.
\nChinese authorities from the National Health Commission held a press conference on Nov. 13 to report an increase in incidence of\u00a0respiratory\u00a0diseases in the country, the\u00a0WHO\u00a0said in a statement.
\nThe global health agency said Chinese authorities attributed the increase to the lifting of COVID-19 restrictions and the circulation of known pathogens such as influenza, mycoplasma pneumoniae (a common bacterial infection which typically affects younger children),\u00a0respiratory\u00a0syncytial virus, and the virus that causes COVID-19.
\nChinese authorities stressed the need for enhanced disease surveillance in healthcare facilities and community settings, as well as strengthening the capacity of the health system to manage patients.
\nBoth\u00a0China\u00a0and the\u00a0WHO\u00a0have faced questions about the transparency of reporting on the earliest COVID-19 cases which emerged in the city of Wuhan in late 2019 and early 2020.
\nOn Wednesday,\u00a0WHO\u00a0said groups including the Program for Monitoring Emerging Diseases reported clusters of undiagnosed pneumonia in children in northern\u00a0China.\u00a0WHO\u00a0said it is unclear if these are associated with the overall increase in\u00a0respiratory\u00a0infections previously reported by Chinese authorities, or separate events.
\nThe health agency said it has requested additional epidemiologic and clinical information, as well as laboratory results from these reported\u00a0outbreaks\u00a0among children, through the International Health Regulations mechanism.
\nIt has also asked\u00a0China\u00a0for further information about trends in the circulation of known pathogens and the current burden on health care systems.\u00a0WHO\u00a0said it is in contact with clinicians and scientists through its existing technical partnerships and networks in\u00a0China.
\nSince mid-October,\u00a0WHO\u00a0said northern\u00a0China\u00a0has reported an increase in influenza-like\u00a0illness\u00a0compared to the same period in the previous three years. It said the country has systems in place to capture information on trends in\u00a0illness\u00a0incidence and to report that data to platforms such as the Global Influenza Surveillance and Response System.
\nWHO\u00a0said that while it seeks additional information, it recommends that people in\u00a0China\u00a0follow measures to reduce the risk of\u00a0respiratory\u00a0illness, including vaccination; keeping distance from people\u00a0who\u00a0are ill; staying home when ill; getting tested and medical care as needed; wearing masks\u00a0as appropriate; ensuring good ventilation; and regular hand-washing. – Reuters
\n", "content_text": "The World Health Organization (WHO) on Wednesday officially requested that\u00a0China\u00a0provide detailed information on an increase in\u00a0respiratory\u00a0illnesses and reported clusters of pneumonia in children.\nChinese authorities from the National Health Commission held a press conference on Nov. 13 to report an increase in incidence of\u00a0respiratory\u00a0diseases in the country, the\u00a0WHO\u00a0said in a statement.\nThe global health agency said Chinese authorities attributed the increase to the lifting of COVID-19 restrictions and the circulation of known pathogens such as influenza, mycoplasma pneumoniae (a common bacterial infection which typically affects younger children),\u00a0respiratory\u00a0syncytial virus, and the virus that causes COVID-19.\nChinese authorities stressed the need for enhanced disease surveillance in healthcare facilities and community settings, as well as strengthening the capacity of the health system to manage patients.\nBoth\u00a0China\u00a0and the\u00a0WHO\u00a0have faced questions about the transparency of reporting on the earliest COVID-19 cases which emerged in the city of Wuhan in late 2019 and early 2020.\nOn Wednesday,\u00a0WHO\u00a0said groups including the Program for Monitoring Emerging Diseases reported clusters of undiagnosed pneumonia in children in northern\u00a0China.\u00a0WHO\u00a0said it is unclear if these are associated with the overall increase in\u00a0respiratory\u00a0infections previously reported by Chinese authorities, or separate events.\nThe health agency said it has requested additional epidemiologic and clinical information, as well as laboratory results from these reported\u00a0outbreaks\u00a0among children, through the International Health Regulations mechanism.\nIt has also asked\u00a0China\u00a0for further information about trends in the circulation of known pathogens and the current burden on health care systems.\u00a0WHO\u00a0said it is in contact with clinicians and scientists through its existing technical partnerships and networks in\u00a0China.\nSince mid-October,\u00a0WHO\u00a0said northern\u00a0China\u00a0has reported an increase in influenza-like\u00a0illness\u00a0compared to the same period in the previous three years. It said the country has systems in place to capture information on trends in\u00a0illness\u00a0incidence and to report that data to platforms such as the Global Influenza Surveillance and Response System.\nWHO\u00a0said that while it seeks additional information, it recommends that people in\u00a0China\u00a0follow measures to reduce the risk of\u00a0respiratory\u00a0illness, including vaccination; keeping distance from people\u00a0who\u00a0are ill; staying home when ill; getting tested and medical care as needed; wearing masks\u00a0as appropriate; ensuring good ventilation; and regular hand-washing. – Reuters", "date_published": "2023-11-23T12:12:39+08:00", "date_modified": "2023-11-23T12:12:39+08:00", "authors": [ { "name": "BusinessWorld", "url": "https://www.bworldonline.com/author/blexticauldulack/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/bb9711778f8535a5c41d2e047686ad3e?s=512&d=mm&r=g" } ], "author": { "name": "BusinessWorld", "url": "https://www.bworldonline.com/author/blexticauldulack/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/bb9711778f8535a5c41d2e047686ad3e?s=512&d=mm&r=g" }, "image": "https://www.bworldonline.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/cough.jpg", "tags": [ "China", "COVID-19", "outbreak", "respiratory illness", "Reuters", "WHO", "WORLD Health Organization", "Health", "World" ] }, { "id": "https://www.bworldonline.com/?p=558386", "url": "https://www.bworldonline.com/opinion/2023/11/20/558386/fight-the-fakes/", "title": "Fight the fakes", "content_html": "An estimated one in 10 medical products in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) is substandard or falsified, a fact that must be revisited as the country observes the National Consciousness Week Against Counterfeit Medicines.
\nSubstandard medicines are authorized medical products that fail to meet either their quality standards or specifications, or both. Falsified medicines are medical products that deliberately or fraudulently misrepresent their identity, composition, or source.
\nSubstandard and falsified medical products may cause harm to patients and fail to treat the diseases for which they were intended, as well as contribute to antimicrobial resistance and drug-resistant infections. Moreover, these illicit products lead to loss of confidence in medicines, healthcare providers, and health systems.
\nAccording to the World Health Organization (WHO), falsified medical products may contain no active ingredients, the wrong active ingredients, or the wrong amount of the correct active ingredient. They also commonly contain corn starch, potato starch, or chalk.
\nSome substandard and falsified medical products are toxic in nature with either fatal levels of the wrong active ingredient or other toxic chemicals. Substandard and falsified medical products are often produced in very poor and unhygienic conditions by unqualified personnel, and contain unknown impurities and are sometimes contaminated with bacteria.
\nThe WHO has received reports of substandard and falsified medical products from all main therapeutic categories, including medicines, vaccines, and in vitro diagnostics. Among the most commonly reported are anti-malarials and antibiotics. Both generic and innovator medicines can be falsified, ranging from very expensive products for cancer to very inexpensive products for treatment of pain. They can be found in illegal street markets, via unregulated websites, all the way through to pharmacies, clinics, and hospitals, the WHO stated.
\nA United Nations study on transnational crime published in 2019 found that the Philippines had the highest incidence of falsified medicines among Southeast Asian countries from 2013 to 2017.
\nThe WHO notes that some falsified medical products are almost visually identical to the genuine product and very difficult to detect.
\nHowever, the general public can take steps to identify fake medicines. Examine the packaging for condition, spelling mistakes, or grammatical errors. Check the manufacture and expiry dates and ensure any details on the outer packaging match the dates shown on the inner packaging. Ensure the medicine looks correct, is not discolored, degraded or has an unusual smell. Discuss with a pharmacist, doctor or other healthcare professional as soon as possible if one suspects the product is not working properly or if one has suffered an adverse reaction. Report suspicious medical products to the Philippine Food and Drug Administration (FDA) through their eReport online reporting facility at www.fda.gov.ph/ereport or call (02) 8809-5596.
\nThe Philippine FDA cautions the public not to buy pharmaceutical products from establishments or online stores operating without the necessary government permits. The agency urges consumers to purchase medicine and other health products only from government-licensed pharmacies that have the appropriate FDA marketing authorizations.
\nThe International Federation of Pharmaceutical Manufacturers & Associations (IFPMA) believes that the counterfeit medicines trade is a complex global health challenge which requires an integrated, multi-stakeholder approach.
\nStrong coordination is necessary to ensure that all aspects of this global challenge are adequately addressed. Tackling falsified medicines requires strengthening legislative frameworks and regulatory systems, collecting data, implementing effective technologies, and raising awareness. An effective response must engage a variety of stakeholders, including patients, health professionals, public and private organizations, pharmaceutical manufacturers, distributors, wholesalers, retailers, and national regulatory and enforcement agencies.
\nPublic awareness is vital to inform patients and the global population about the risk posed by falsified medicines. The IFPMA is a founding member of the Fight the Fakes Alliance, which raises awareness of the dangers of falsified and substandard medicines and gives a voice to people personally affected by them as well as those working to stop this crime.
\nThe Pharmaceutical and Healthcare Association of the Philippines (PHAP) is a member of the Coalition for Safe Medicines, a multi-stakeholder alliance convened by the Philippine FDA to bolster the country\u2019s campaign against fake medicines through public awareness and advocacy campaigns, research and policy development, and other pertinent activities to promote patient safety at all levels.
\n\n
Teodoro B. Padilla is the executive director of Pharmaceutical and Healthcare Association of the Philippines (PHAP). PHAP represents the biopharmaceutical medicines and vaccines industry in the country. Its members are in the forefront of research and development efforts for COVID-19 and other diseases that\u00a0 affect Filipinos.
\n", "content_text": "An estimated one in 10 medical products in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) is substandard or falsified, a fact that must be revisited as the country observes the National Consciousness Week Against Counterfeit Medicines.\nSubstandard medicines are authorized medical products that fail to meet either their quality standards or specifications, or both. Falsified medicines are medical products that deliberately or fraudulently misrepresent their identity, composition, or source.\nSubstandard and falsified medical products may cause harm to patients and fail to treat the diseases for which they were intended, as well as contribute to antimicrobial resistance and drug-resistant infections. Moreover, these illicit products lead to loss of confidence in medicines, healthcare providers, and health systems.\nAccording to the World Health Organization (WHO), falsified medical products may contain no active ingredients, the wrong active ingredients, or the wrong amount of the correct active ingredient. They also commonly contain corn starch, potato starch, or chalk.\nSome substandard and falsified medical products are toxic in nature with either fatal levels of the wrong active ingredient or other toxic chemicals. Substandard and falsified medical products are often produced in very poor and unhygienic conditions by unqualified personnel, and contain unknown impurities and are sometimes contaminated with bacteria.\nThe WHO has received reports of substandard and falsified medical products from all main therapeutic categories, including medicines, vaccines, and in vitro diagnostics. Among the most commonly reported are anti-malarials and antibiotics. Both generic and innovator medicines can be falsified, ranging from very expensive products for cancer to very inexpensive products for treatment of pain. They can be found in illegal street markets, via unregulated websites, all the way through to pharmacies, clinics, and hospitals, the WHO stated.\nA United Nations study on transnational crime published in 2019 found that the Philippines had the highest incidence of falsified medicines among Southeast Asian countries from 2013 to 2017.\nThe WHO notes that some falsified medical products are almost visually identical to the genuine product and very difficult to detect.\nHowever, the general public can take steps to identify fake medicines. Examine the packaging for condition, spelling mistakes, or grammatical errors. Check the manufacture and expiry dates and ensure any details on the outer packaging match the dates shown on the inner packaging. Ensure the medicine looks correct, is not discolored, degraded or has an unusual smell. Discuss with a pharmacist, doctor or other healthcare professional as soon as possible if one suspects the product is not working properly or if one has suffered an adverse reaction. Report suspicious medical products to the Philippine Food and Drug Administration (FDA) through their eReport online reporting facility at www.fda.gov.ph/ereport or call (02) 8809-5596.\nThe Philippine FDA cautions the public not to buy pharmaceutical products from establishments or online stores operating without the necessary government permits. The agency urges consumers to purchase medicine and other health products only from government-licensed pharmacies that have the appropriate FDA marketing authorizations.\nThe International Federation of Pharmaceutical Manufacturers & Associations (IFPMA) believes that the counterfeit medicines trade is a complex global health challenge which requires an integrated, multi-stakeholder approach. \nStrong coordination is necessary to ensure that all aspects of this global challenge are adequately addressed. Tackling falsified medicines requires strengthening legislative frameworks and regulatory systems, collecting data, implementing effective technologies, and raising awareness. An effective response must engage a variety of stakeholders, including patients, health professionals, public and private organizations, pharmaceutical manufacturers, distributors, wholesalers, retailers, and national regulatory and enforcement agencies.\nPublic awareness is vital to inform patients and the global population about the risk posed by falsified medicines. The IFPMA is a founding member of the Fight the Fakes Alliance, which raises awareness of the dangers of falsified and substandard medicines and gives a voice to people personally affected by them as well as those working to stop this crime. \nThe Pharmaceutical and Healthcare Association of the Philippines (PHAP) is a member of the Coalition for Safe Medicines, a multi-stakeholder alliance convened by the Philippine FDA to bolster the country\u2019s campaign against fake medicines through public awareness and advocacy campaigns, research and policy development, and other pertinent activities to promote patient safety at all levels. \n \nTeodoro B. Padilla is the executive director of Pharmaceutical and Healthcare Association of the Philippines (PHAP). PHAP represents the biopharmaceutical medicines and vaccines industry in the country. Its members are in the forefront of research and development efforts for COVID-19 and other diseases that\u00a0 affect Filipinos.", "date_published": "2023-11-20T00:01:57+08:00", "date_modified": "2023-11-19T17:42:07+08:00", "authors": [ { "name": "BusinessWorld", "url": "https://www.bworldonline.com/author/cedadiantityclea/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/eda8ffc51ac7ec8b231b61b4c6a0d14e?s=512&d=mm&r=g" } ], "author": { "name": "BusinessWorld", "url": "https://www.bworldonline.com/author/cedadiantityclea/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/eda8ffc51ac7ec8b231b61b4c6a0d14e?s=512&d=mm&r=g" }, "image": "https://www.bworldonline.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/medical-drugs.jpg", "tags": [ "Medicine cabinet", "Teodoro B. Padilla", "Health", "Opinion" ] }, { "id": "https://www.bworldonline.com/?p=556958", "url": "https://www.bworldonline.com/opinion/2023/11/13/556958/lung-cancer-what-you-need-to-know/", "title": "Lung cancer: What you need to know", "content_html": "November is Lung Cancer Awareness Month. Lung cancer is the second most common type of cancer in the Philippines after breast cancer, according to the Healthy Pilipinas website of the Department of Health.
\nLung cancer begins in the lungs and may spread to lymph nodes or other organs in the body, such as the brain. Cancer from other organs may also spread to the lungs. Common symptoms of lung cancer include coughing that gets worse or doesn\u2019t go away, chest pain, shortness of breath, wheezing, coughing up blood, feeling very tired all the time, and weight loss with no known cause.
\nCigarette smoking is the number one risk factor for lung cancer. People who smoke cigarettes are 15 to 30 times more likely to get lung cancer or die from lung cancer than people who do not smoke, warns the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Even smoking a few cigarettes a day or smoking occasionally increases the risk of lung cancer. The more years a person smokes and the more cigarettes smoked each day, the higher the risk.
\nSecondhand smoke (smoke from other people\u2019s cigarettes, pipes, or cigars) also causes lung cancer. Living in areas with higher levels of air pollution may increase the risk of getting lung cancer. Individuals whose parents, brothers or sisters, or children have had lung cancer are at risk of developing the disease. This could be true because they also smoke, they live or work in the same place where they are exposed to radon and other substances that can cause lung cancer, or because of an inherited genetic mutation, explains the CDC.
\nThe most important thing you can do to prevent lung cancer is to not start smoking, or to quit if you smoke. Also, avoid secondhand smoke.
\nThe only recommended screening test for lung cancer is low-dose CT scan (LDCT). The US Preventive Services Task Force recommends yearly lung cancer screening with LDCT for people who have a 20 pack-year or more smoking history; those who smoke now or have quit within the past 15 years; and those who are between 50 and 80 years old. A pack-year is smoking an average of one pack of cigarettes per day for one year. For example, a person could have a 20 pack-year history by smoking one pack a day for 20 years or two packs a day for 10 years.
\nThe American Cancer Society (ACS) said that there are two main types of lung cancer. The first is non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). About 80% to 85% of lung cancers are NSCLC, and the main subtypes are adenocarcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and large cell carcinoma.
\nThe second type is small cell lung cancer (SCLC). It is sometimes called oat cell cancer. This type of lung cancer tends to grow and spread faster than NSCLC, added the ACS. In most people with SCLC, the cancer has already spread beyond the lungs at the time it is diagnosed.
\nLung cancer treatment includes surgery (operation to cut out the cancer), chemotherapy (using special medicines to shrink or kill the cancer), radiation therapy (using high-energy rays to kill the cancer), targeted therapy (using special medicines to block the growth and spread of cancer cells). Another option is immunotherapy which is the use of medicines to help a person\u2019s own immune system to recognize and destroy cancer cells more effectively.
\nIn May 2022, the Union for International Cancer Control together with close to 30 partners, including the biopharmaceutical industry, launched the Access to Oncology Medicines (ATOM) Coalition. The coalition is a global partnership with a shared goal to increase access to quality-assured essential cancer medicines in low- and lower middle-income countries, as well as increase the capacity for high-quality diagnosis and treatment.
\nThe International Federation of Pharmaceutical Manufacturers and Associations noted that the level of precision and tailoring in new treatments is on the rise.
\nIn order to treat a specific tumor, for example, a sample will be taken from the patient. It will then be profiled and then manufactured, effectively tailoring a treatment unique to that patient.
\nThe era of personalized medicine has indeed began where a one-size-fits-all treatment is no longer the rule. It is a period that must be harnessed and supported by healthcare systems that put patients at the center of care.
\n\n
Teodoro B. Padilla is the executive director of Pharmaceutical and Healthcare Association of the Philippines (PHAP). PHAP represents the biopharmaceutical medicines and vaccines industry in the country. Its members are in the forefront of research and development efforts for COVID-19 and other diseases that affect Filipinos.
\n", "content_text": "November is Lung Cancer Awareness Month. Lung cancer is the second most common type of cancer in the Philippines after breast cancer, according to the Healthy Pilipinas website of the Department of Health.\nLung cancer begins in the lungs and may spread to lymph nodes or other organs in the body, such as the brain. Cancer from other organs may also spread to the lungs. Common symptoms of lung cancer include coughing that gets worse or doesn\u2019t go away, chest pain, shortness of breath, wheezing, coughing up blood, feeling very tired all the time, and weight loss with no known cause.\nCigarette smoking is the number one risk factor for lung cancer. People who smoke cigarettes are 15 to 30 times more likely to get lung cancer or die from lung cancer than people who do not smoke, warns the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Even smoking a few cigarettes a day or smoking occasionally increases the risk of lung cancer. The more years a person smokes and the more cigarettes smoked each day, the higher the risk.\nSecondhand smoke (smoke from other people\u2019s cigarettes, pipes, or cigars) also causes lung cancer. Living in areas with higher levels of air pollution may increase the risk of getting lung cancer. Individuals whose parents, brothers or sisters, or children have had lung cancer are at risk of developing the disease. This could be true because they also smoke, they live or work in the same place where they are exposed to radon and other substances that can cause lung cancer, or because of an inherited genetic mutation, explains the CDC.\nThe most important thing you can do to prevent lung cancer is to not start smoking, or to quit if you smoke. Also, avoid secondhand smoke.\nThe only recommended screening test for lung cancer is low-dose CT scan (LDCT). The US Preventive Services Task Force recommends yearly lung cancer screening with LDCT for people who have a 20 pack-year or more smoking history; those who smoke now or have quit within the past 15 years; and those who are between 50 and 80 years old. A pack-year is smoking an average of one pack of cigarettes per day for one year. For example, a person could have a 20 pack-year history by smoking one pack a day for 20 years or two packs a day for 10 years.\nThe American Cancer Society (ACS) said that there are two main types of lung cancer. The first is non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). About 80% to 85% of lung cancers are NSCLC, and the main subtypes are adenocarcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and large cell carcinoma.\nThe second type is small cell lung cancer (SCLC). It is sometimes called oat cell cancer. This type of lung cancer tends to grow and spread faster than NSCLC, added the ACS. In most people with SCLC, the cancer has already spread beyond the lungs at the time it is diagnosed.\nLung cancer treatment includes surgery (operation to cut out the cancer), chemotherapy (using special medicines to shrink or kill the cancer), radiation therapy (using high-energy rays to kill the cancer), targeted therapy (using special medicines to block the growth and spread of cancer cells). Another option is immunotherapy which is the use of medicines to help a person\u2019s own immune system to recognize and destroy cancer cells more effectively.\nIn May 2022, the Union for International Cancer Control together with close to 30 partners, including the biopharmaceutical industry, launched the Access to Oncology Medicines (ATOM) Coalition. The coalition is a global partnership with a shared goal to increase access to quality-assured essential cancer medicines in low- and lower middle-income countries, as well as increase the capacity for high-quality diagnosis and treatment.\nThe International Federation of Pharmaceutical Manufacturers and Associations noted that the level of precision and tailoring in new treatments is on the rise.\nIn order to treat a specific tumor, for example, a sample will be taken from the patient. It will then be profiled and then manufactured, effectively tailoring a treatment unique to that patient.\nThe era of personalized medicine has indeed began where a one-size-fits-all treatment is no longer the rule. It is a period that must be harnessed and supported by healthcare systems that put patients at the center of care.\n \nTeodoro B. Padilla is the executive director of Pharmaceutical and Healthcare Association of the Philippines (PHAP). PHAP represents the biopharmaceutical medicines and vaccines industry in the country. Its members are in the forefront of research and development efforts for COVID-19 and other diseases that affect Filipinos.", "date_published": "2023-11-13T00:01:19+08:00", "date_modified": "2023-11-12T16:47:24+08:00", "authors": [ { "name": "BusinessWorld", "url": "https://www.bworldonline.com/author/cedadiantityclea/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/eda8ffc51ac7ec8b231b61b4c6a0d14e?s=512&d=mm&r=g" } ], "author": { "name": "BusinessWorld", "url": "https://www.bworldonline.com/author/cedadiantityclea/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/eda8ffc51ac7ec8b231b61b4c6a0d14e?s=512&d=mm&r=g" }, "image": "https://www.bworldonline.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/lungs.jpg", "tags": [ "Medicine cabinet", "Teodoro B. Padilla", "Health", "Opinion" ] }, { "id": "https://www.bworldonline.com/?p=555632", "url": "https://www.bworldonline.com/health/2023/11/06/555632/eu-proposal-may-accelerate-pharma-innovation-decline-industry-group-says/", "title": "EU proposal may accelerate pharma innovation decline, industry group says", "content_html": "BRUSSELS\u00a0–\u00a0A\u00a0major pharmaceutical rules overhaul, proposed by the European Commission in April, could see Europe’s share in global research and development contract by a third to 21% by 2040 translating\u00a0to 2 billion euros\u00a0($2.15 billion) per year in lost investment, industry group EFPIA said on Monday.
\nThe European Federation of Pharmaceutical\u00a0Industries and\u00a0Associations (EFPIA) says the Commission has not conducted a competitiveness impact assessment and if the new rules become law, they would accelerate the negative innovation trend in the EU and hit small and medium-sized\u00a0enterprises the\u00a0hardest.
\n“Any changes to our incentives system would equally affect\u00a0EU-based\u00a0and\u00a0foreign-based\u00a0companies which bring medicines to the EU and, therefore, it would not put EU firms at a disadvantage,” an EU Commission spokesperson said.
\nMedication was the single biggest contributor to the EU\u2019s trade surplus, with 235 billion euro ($252.13 billion) worth of exports in 2021.
\nThe EFPIA said small biotech companies have already\u00a0moved to the United States and China.
\nThe Commission has proposed shortening the time a new medicine remains patented in a bid to reduce the cost of medicines for its citizens with a faster shift to cheaper generics.
\nThe Commission said its proposal would reduce new medicine approval times to 180 days from 400 days. It also includes boosts\u00a0for small and medium-sized enterprises\u00a0such a longer period to get data protection in all 27 member states as well as fee reductions or waivers schemes and favorable regulation for rare disease medicines.
\nLars Fruergaard Jorgensen, CEO of Novo Nordisk\u00a0NOVOb.CO, said\u00a0that the reduction would not allow a pharmaceutical company to recoup the investment in development as well as the cost of marketing.
\n“If\u00a0you\u00a0chop off, one or two or three years of exclusivity, it\u2019s the peak sales that you take away. When you launch a product, you have a negative profit contribution because you invest more\u00a0in\u00a0marketing, sales…it’s really easy the last few years that you recoup your investment,” Jorgensen said.
\nNovo Nordisk, a Danish firm, has become the Europe’s most valuable listed company since it launched game-changing weight loss and diabetes drugs, Wegovy and Ozempic. Jorgensen added that Novo Nordisk has already invested more in its Boston presence.
\n“Everyone, going forward, will start conducting trials in the U.S….In some cases, they (the medicines) are not going to developed in Europe,” Jorgensen said, adding that the U.S. offers a major market after one approval process versus country-by-country in the EU.
\nGermany, Belgium and France would be the hardest hit by the\u00a0proposed rules, the EFPIA said citing research by Dolon that it commissioned. – Reuters
\n", "content_text": "BRUSSELS\u00a0–\u00a0A\u00a0major pharmaceutical rules overhaul, proposed by the European Commission in April, could see Europe’s share in global research and development contract by a third to 21% by 2040 translating\u00a0to 2 billion euros\u00a0($2.15 billion) per year in lost investment, industry group EFPIA said on Monday.\nThe European Federation of Pharmaceutical\u00a0Industries and\u00a0Associations (EFPIA) says the Commission has not conducted a competitiveness impact assessment and if the new rules become law, they would accelerate the negative innovation trend in the EU and hit small and medium-sized\u00a0enterprises the\u00a0hardest.\n“Any changes to our incentives system would equally affect\u00a0EU-based\u00a0and\u00a0foreign-based\u00a0companies which bring medicines to the EU and, therefore, it would not put EU firms at a disadvantage,” an EU Commission spokesperson said.\nMedication was the single biggest contributor to the EU\u2019s trade surplus, with 235 billion euro ($252.13 billion) worth of exports in 2021.\nThe EFPIA said small biotech companies have already\u00a0moved to the United States and China.\nThe Commission has proposed shortening the time a new medicine remains patented in a bid to reduce the cost of medicines for its citizens with a faster shift to cheaper generics.\nThe Commission said its proposal would reduce new medicine approval times to 180 days from 400 days. It also includes boosts\u00a0for small and medium-sized enterprises\u00a0such a longer period to get data protection in all 27 member states as well as fee reductions or waivers schemes and favorable regulation for rare disease medicines.\nLars Fruergaard Jorgensen, CEO of Novo Nordisk\u00a0NOVOb.CO, said\u00a0that the reduction would not allow a pharmaceutical company to recoup the investment in development as well as the cost of marketing.\n“If\u00a0you\u00a0chop off, one or two or three years of exclusivity, it\u2019s the peak sales that you take away. When you launch a product, you have a negative profit contribution because you invest more\u00a0in\u00a0marketing, sales…it’s really easy the last few years that you recoup your investment,” Jorgensen said.\nNovo Nordisk, a Danish firm, has become the Europe’s most valuable listed company since it launched game-changing weight loss and diabetes drugs, Wegovy and Ozempic. Jorgensen added that Novo Nordisk has already invested more in its Boston presence.\n“Everyone, going forward, will start conducting trials in the U.S….In some cases, they (the medicines) are not going to developed in Europe,” Jorgensen said, adding that the U.S. offers a major market after one approval process versus country-by-country in the EU.\nGermany, Belgium and France would be the hardest hit by the\u00a0proposed rules, the EFPIA said citing research by Dolon that it commissioned. – Reuters", "date_published": "2023-11-06T12:07:25+08:00", "date_modified": "2023-11-06T12:07:25+08:00", "authors": [ { "name": "BusinessWorld", "url": "https://www.bworldonline.com/author/blexticauldulack/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/bb9711778f8535a5c41d2e047686ad3e?s=512&d=mm&r=g" } ], "author": { "name": "BusinessWorld", "url": "https://www.bworldonline.com/author/blexticauldulack/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/bb9711778f8535a5c41d2e047686ad3e?s=512&d=mm&r=g" }, "image": "https://www.bworldonline.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/European-Union-flags.jpg", "tags": [ "European Union", "pharmaceuticals", "Reuters", "Health", "World" ] }, { "id": "https://www.bworldonline.com/?p=555452", "url": "https://www.bworldonline.com/opinion/2023/11/06/555452/improving-psoriasis/", "title": "Improving psoriasis", "content_html": "Around 2 million Filipinos are living with psoriasis, according to patient advocacy group Psoriasis Philippines (PsorPhil). Psoriasis is a chronic, non-communicable, painful, disfiguring, and disabling disease for which there is no cure and with great negative impact on patients\u2019 quality of life. Psoriasis commonly affects the skin and nails. Red papules and plaques, usually covered with white or silver scales, develop on the skin. Skin lesions cause itching, stinging, and pain.
\nUp to a third of patients with psoriasis have, or will develop, psoriatic arthritis, a condition in which the joints are also affected, causing debilitating symptoms including pain, stiffness, and irreversible joint damage. Psoriasis is also associated with other serious health conditions, such as diabetes, heart disease, and depression.
\nWorld Psoriasis Day is celebrated in October of every year to raise awareness and call for action in support of people living with psoriatic disease. This year\u2019s theme is \u201cAccess for All,\u201d underscoring the message that people with psoriatic disease must have access to the right treatment at the right time.
\n\u201cToday the treatments for psoriatic disease are better than they have ever been, and research into holistic care is advancing every day. Now we must ensure that good care is reaching the right people,\u201d said the International Federation of Psoriasis Associations (IFPA), a global NGO uniting national and regional psoriasis patient associations around the world that leads the annual celebration of World Psoriasis Day in over 70 countries.
\nThe IFPA urged advocates to leverage the political declaration on Universal Health Coverage (UHC) to improve access to medicines and treatments for psoriatic disease. The first High-level meeting on UHC was held in September 2019 during the General Assembly of the United Nations, where United Nations Member States unanimously approved the political declaration on UHC.
\nThe declaration encourages governments to take action against noncommunicable diseases (NCDs), specifically mentioning cardiovascular diseases and diabetes that are life-threatening psoriasis-comorbidities. Treating psoriasis is an effective measure to address cardiovascular diseases, as evidence shows that systemic therapies and biologic therapies are associated with a reduction in risk for cardiovascular events.
\nMental health conditions are increasing the burden of NCDs, including psoriasis. Moreover, evidence shows that there is a link between inflammation and depression, as well as on the benefits of reducing inflammation to improve mental health. An integrated approach to psoriasis care should also include mental health interventions, and proper management of psoriasis will also help achieving the set targets for mental health. Treatment for psoriasis should be provided by public and private facilities, at least the ones included in the World Health Organization Model List of Essential Medicines. Coverage of treatments should progressively expand as resources become available.
\nMany countries struggle with the lack of dermatologists and family doctors, or their uneven distribution within the territory. The political declaration pushes governments to address these two issues by training more healthcare professionals and creating incentives for them to work in underserved areas. Primary healthcare should be strengthened and adequately financed, as it offers numerous benefits in the management of psoriasis.
\nIn November 2021, the House of Representatives Committee on Health approved House Bill (HB) No. 9821 otherwise known as the National Psoriasis Care Act. HB 9821 seeks to establish a National Psoriasis Care and Control Program (NPCCP) that would serve as the framework for all psoriasis-related activities of the government. The NPCCP aims to improve the quality of life and lessen the impact of psoriasis on patients; prevent and control exacerbations of psoriasis in patients that lead to more serious illnesses; provide timely access to optimal treatment and care for all psoriasis patients; make quality treatment and care more affordable and accessible; and support the recovery and reintegration to society of psoriasis patients, among others.
\nWhen enacted into law, the proposed \u201cNational Psoriasis Care Act\u201d would create a National Psoriasis Care and Control Council under the Department of Health to serve as the policy making, as well as the planning and coordinating body on psoriasis control. A counterpart bill was filed in September 2022, which is currently being deliberated at the Senate Committee on Health and Demography.
\n\n
Teodoro B. Padilla is the executive director of Pharmaceutical and Healthcare Association of the Philippines (PHAP). PHAP represents the biopharmaceutical medicines and vaccines industry in the country. Its members are in the forefront of research and development efforts for COVID-19 and other diseases that affect Filipinos.
\n", "content_text": "Around 2 million Filipinos are living with psoriasis, according to patient advocacy group Psoriasis Philippines (PsorPhil). Psoriasis is a chronic, non-communicable, painful, disfiguring, and disabling disease for which there is no cure and with great negative impact on patients\u2019 quality of life. Psoriasis commonly affects the skin and nails. Red papules and plaques, usually covered with white or silver scales, develop on the skin. Skin lesions cause itching, stinging, and pain.\nUp to a third of patients with psoriasis have, or will develop, psoriatic arthritis, a condition in which the joints are also affected, causing debilitating symptoms including pain, stiffness, and irreversible joint damage. Psoriasis is also associated with other serious health conditions, such as diabetes, heart disease, and depression.\nWorld Psoriasis Day is celebrated in October of every year to raise awareness and call for action in support of people living with psoriatic disease. This year\u2019s theme is \u201cAccess for All,\u201d underscoring the message that people with psoriatic disease must have access to the right treatment at the right time.\n\u201cToday the treatments for psoriatic disease are better than they have ever been, and research into holistic care is advancing every day. Now we must ensure that good care is reaching the right people,\u201d said the International Federation of Psoriasis Associations (IFPA), a global NGO uniting national and regional psoriasis patient associations around the world that leads the annual celebration of World Psoriasis Day in over 70 countries.\nThe IFPA urged advocates to leverage the political declaration on Universal Health Coverage (UHC) to improve access to medicines and treatments for psoriatic disease. The first High-level meeting on UHC was held in September 2019 during the General Assembly of the United Nations, where United Nations Member States unanimously approved the political declaration on UHC.\nThe declaration encourages governments to take action against noncommunicable diseases (NCDs), specifically mentioning cardiovascular diseases and diabetes that are life-threatening psoriasis-comorbidities. Treating psoriasis is an effective measure to address cardiovascular diseases, as evidence shows that systemic therapies and biologic therapies are associated with a reduction in risk for cardiovascular events.\nMental health conditions are increasing the burden of NCDs, including psoriasis. Moreover, evidence shows that there is a link between inflammation and depression, as well as on the benefits of reducing inflammation to improve mental health. An integrated approach to psoriasis care should also include mental health interventions, and proper management of psoriasis will also help achieving the set targets for mental health. Treatment for psoriasis should be provided by public and private facilities, at least the ones included in the World Health Organization Model List of Essential Medicines. Coverage of treatments should progressively expand as resources become available.\nMany countries struggle with the lack of dermatologists and family doctors, or their uneven distribution within the territory. The political declaration pushes governments to address these two issues by training more healthcare professionals and creating incentives for them to work in underserved areas. Primary healthcare should be strengthened and adequately financed, as it offers numerous benefits in the management of psoriasis.\nIn November 2021, the House of Representatives Committee on Health approved House Bill (HB) No. 9821 otherwise known as the National Psoriasis Care Act. HB 9821 seeks to establish a National Psoriasis Care and Control Program (NPCCP) that would serve as the framework for all psoriasis-related activities of the government. The NPCCP aims to improve the quality of life and lessen the impact of psoriasis on patients; prevent and control exacerbations of psoriasis in patients that lead to more serious illnesses; provide timely access to optimal treatment and care for all psoriasis patients; make quality treatment and care more affordable and accessible; and support the recovery and reintegration to society of psoriasis patients, among others.\nWhen enacted into law, the proposed \u201cNational Psoriasis Care Act\u201d would create a National Psoriasis Care and Control Council under the Department of Health to serve as the policy making, as well as the planning and coordinating body on psoriasis control. A counterpart bill was filed in September 2022, which is currently being deliberated at the Senate Committee on Health and Demography. \n \nTeodoro B. Padilla is the executive director of Pharmaceutical and Healthcare Association of the Philippines (PHAP). PHAP represents the biopharmaceutical medicines and vaccines industry in the country. Its members are in the forefront of research and development efforts for COVID-19 and other diseases that affect Filipinos.", "date_published": "2023-11-06T00:01:53+08:00", "date_modified": "2023-11-05T17:12:50+08:00", "authors": [ { "name": "BusinessWorld", "url": "https://www.bworldonline.com/author/cedadiantityclea/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/eda8ffc51ac7ec8b231b61b4c6a0d14e?s=512&d=mm&r=g" } ], "author": { "name": "BusinessWorld", "url": "https://www.bworldonline.com/author/cedadiantityclea/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/eda8ffc51ac7ec8b231b61b4c6a0d14e?s=512&d=mm&r=g" }, "image": "https://www.bworldonline.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/psoriasis-skin-disease.jpg", "tags": [ "Medicine cabinet", "Teodoro B. Padilla", "Health", "Opinion" ] }, { "id": "https://www.bworldonline.com/?p=554890", "url": "https://www.bworldonline.com/world/2023/11/01/554890/bayer-ordered-to-pay-332-mln-in-roundup-cancer-trial/", "title": "Bayer ordered to pay $332 mln in Roundup cancer trial", "content_html": "A California jury on Tuesday found Bayer\u00a0liable in a case brought by a man who claimed his cancer was due to exposure to the company’s Roundup weed killer, and ordered it to pay $332 million in damages.
\nThe verdict includes $7 million in compensatory damages and $325 million in punitive damages awarded to plaintiff Mike Dennis, who was diagnosed at age 51 with a form of non-Hodgkin lymphoma, according to a spokesperson for the company.
\nThe punitive damage award is almost certain to be reduced sharply, as the US Supreme Court has found that punitive damages should be less than 10 times the compensatory damages in virtually all cases.
\nThe jury sided with Bayer on two of four legal claims in the case, the spokesperson said, finding that while the company had failed to warn of Roundup’s risks, it had not been negligent and the product was not defectively designed.
\nThe company said in a statement that it has “strong arguments on appeal to get this unfounded verdict overturned and the unconstitutionally excessive damage award eliminated or reduced, given that there were significant and reversible legal and evidentiary errors made during this trial.“
\nA lawyer for Dennis did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
\nThis marks the third trial loss for Bayer this month, after being hit by a\u00a0$175 million\u00a0verdict and a\u00a0$1.25 million\u00a0verdict in two separate Roundup trials. Before that, it had won nine consecutive trials over similar claims.
\nRoundup-related lawsuits have dogged Bayer since it acquired the brand as part of its $63 billion purchase of Monsanto in 2018. The company settled most Roundup claims against it in 2020\u00a0for up to $10.9 billion, but still faces close to 40,000 Roundup-related cases. – Reuters
\n", "content_text": "A California jury on Tuesday found Bayer\u00a0liable in a case brought by a man who claimed his cancer was due to exposure to the company’s Roundup weed killer, and ordered it to pay $332 million in damages.\nThe verdict includes $7 million in compensatory damages and $325 million in punitive damages awarded to plaintiff Mike Dennis, who was diagnosed at age 51 with a form of non-Hodgkin lymphoma, according to a spokesperson for the company.\nThe punitive damage award is almost certain to be reduced sharply, as the US Supreme Court has found that punitive damages should be less than 10 times the compensatory damages in virtually all cases.\nThe jury sided with Bayer on two of four legal claims in the case, the spokesperson said, finding that while the company had failed to warn of Roundup’s risks, it had not been negligent and the product was not defectively designed.\nThe company said in a statement that it has “strong arguments on appeal to get this unfounded verdict overturned and the unconstitutionally excessive damage award eliminated or reduced, given that there were significant and reversible legal and evidentiary errors made during this trial.“\nA lawyer for Dennis did not immediately respond to a request for comment.\nThis marks the third trial loss for Bayer this month, after being hit by a\u00a0$175 million\u00a0verdict and a\u00a0$1.25 million\u00a0verdict in two separate Roundup trials. Before that, it had won nine consecutive trials over similar claims.\nRoundup-related lawsuits have dogged Bayer since it acquired the brand as part of its $63 billion purchase of Monsanto in 2018. The company settled most Roundup claims against it in 2020\u00a0for up to $10.9 billion, but still faces close to 40,000 Roundup-related cases. – Reuters", "date_published": "2023-11-01T10:58:43+08:00", "date_modified": "2023-11-01T10:58:43+08:00", "authors": [ { "name": "BusinessWorld", "url": "https://www.bworldonline.com/author/blexticauldulack/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/bb9711778f8535a5c41d2e047686ad3e?s=512&d=mm&r=g" } ], "author": { "name": "BusinessWorld", "url": "https://www.bworldonline.com/author/blexticauldulack/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/bb9711778f8535a5c41d2e047686ad3e?s=512&d=mm&r=g" }, "image": "https://www.bworldonline.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/Bayer.jpg", "tags": [ "america", "Bayer", "california", "cancer", "Reuters", "roundup", "United States", "Health", "World" ] }, { "id": "https://www.bworldonline.com/?p=554270", "url": "https://www.bworldonline.com/opinion/2023/10/30/554270/catching-breast-cancer-early/", "title": "Catching breast cancer early", "content_html": "Women can take steps to lower their risk of breast cancer, the most common cancer in women in the Philippines. A discussion of these steps is most fitting as the world celebrates Breast Cancer Awareness Month, held in October every year, to promote screening and prevention of the disease.
\nAmong the \u201cwhats\u201d one can do to lower one\u2019s risk include maintaining a healthy weight; being physically active; not drinking alcohol or drinking it in moderation; and breastfeeding their children.
\nMore than half (53%) of breast cancer cases in the country are diagnosed in their advanced stages, while only 2% to 3% of cases are diagnosed in Stage I. Promoting health literacy and implementing an organized nationwide breast cancer screening program are among the key steps needed to catch breast cancer cases early and increase the chance of successful treatment.
\nAdult women of all ages are encouraged to perform breast self-examination (BSE) at least once a month. The ICANSERVE Foundation in partnership with Novartis has developed a series of animated videos in Tagalog and Cebuano on how to do BSE, which are available for free on the Foundation\u2019s YouTube channel.
\nWarning signs of breast cancer that women should look out for include a new lump in the breast or underarm (armpit); thickening or swelling of part of the breast; irritation or dimpling of breast skin; redness or flaky skin in the nipple area or the breast; pulling in of the nipple or pain in the nipple area; nipple discharge other than breast milk, including blood; any change in the size or the shape of the breast; and pain in any area of the breast.
\nThe Philippine Obstetrical and Gynecological Society recommends a clinical breast examination (CBE) performed by a healthcare professional every one to three years for women 25-39 years old, and annually for women 40 years old and older.
\nThe most important screening test for breast cancer is a mammogram (x-ray of the breast). Mammograms are the best way to find breast cancer early, when it is easier to treat and before it is big enough to feel or cause symptoms. Regular mammograms can find breast cancer early, sometimes up to three years before it can be felt. Having regular mammograms can lower the risk of dying from breast cancer, according to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
\nThe United States Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) recommends that women who are 50 to 74 years old and are at average risk for breast cancer get a mammogram every two years. Women who are 40 to 49 years old should talk to their doctor or other healthcare provider about when to start and how often to get a mammogram.
\nRegular screening for breast cancer is particularly important for high-risk women. These include women who are older than age 50; started menstrual periods before age 12 and started menopause after age 55; have dense breasts (more connective tissue than fatty tissue), which can sometimes make it hard to see tumors on a mammogram; have personal history of breast cancer or certain non-cancerous breast diseases; have family history of breast or ovarian cancer; and had radiation therapy to the chest or breasts.
\nWhen fully implemented, the Universal Health Care (UHC) Act and National Integrated Cancer Control Act (NICCA) provide enabling platforms to promote early diagnosis by operationalizing an organized nationwide screening and broadening access to treatment. High out-of-pocket costs of care, a major access barrier, can be addressed by NICCA-mandated financial support mechanisms such as the Cancer Assistance Fund (CAF), Cancer and Supportive-Palliative Medicines Access Program (CSPMAP), and Medical Assistance to Indigent Patients (MAIP) Program.
\nOn health literacy, the \u201cThink Pink: Health Reporting on Breast Cancer in the Philippines\u201d workshop series held recently aimed to raise awareness and enhance reporting about the disease. The workshop gathered more than 50 journalists from across the country in a discussion with medical experts and the breast cancer community. Their stories, being generated as an offshoot of the workshop series, put spotlight on the need for early detection as well as hope even for patients diagnosed in their advanced stages.
\n\n
Teodoro B. Padilla is the executive director of Pharmaceutical and Healthcare Association of the Philippines (PHAP).\u00a0 PHAP represents the biopharmaceutical medicines and vaccines industry in the country. Its members are in the forefront of research and development efforts for COVID-19 and other diseases that affect Filipinos.
\n", "content_text": "Women can take steps to lower their risk of breast cancer, the most common cancer in women in the Philippines. A discussion of these steps is most fitting as the world celebrates Breast Cancer Awareness Month, held in October every year, to promote screening and prevention of the disease.\nAmong the \u201cwhats\u201d one can do to lower one\u2019s risk include maintaining a healthy weight; being physically active; not drinking alcohol or drinking it in moderation; and breastfeeding their children.\nMore than half (53%) of breast cancer cases in the country are diagnosed in their advanced stages, while only 2% to 3% of cases are diagnosed in Stage I. Promoting health literacy and implementing an organized nationwide breast cancer screening program are among the key steps needed to catch breast cancer cases early and increase the chance of successful treatment.\nAdult women of all ages are encouraged to perform breast self-examination (BSE) at least once a month. The ICANSERVE Foundation in partnership with Novartis has developed a series of animated videos in Tagalog and Cebuano on how to do BSE, which are available for free on the Foundation\u2019s YouTube channel.\nWarning signs of breast cancer that women should look out for include a new lump in the breast or underarm (armpit); thickening or swelling of part of the breast; irritation or dimpling of breast skin; redness or flaky skin in the nipple area or the breast; pulling in of the nipple or pain in the nipple area; nipple discharge other than breast milk, including blood; any change in the size or the shape of the breast; and pain in any area of the breast.\nThe Philippine Obstetrical and Gynecological Society recommends a clinical breast examination (CBE) performed by a healthcare professional every one to three years for women 25-39 years old, and annually for women 40 years old and older.\nThe most important screening test for breast cancer is a mammogram (x-ray of the breast). Mammograms are the best way to find breast cancer early, when it is easier to treat and before it is big enough to feel or cause symptoms. Regular mammograms can find breast cancer early, sometimes up to three years before it can be felt. Having regular mammograms can lower the risk of dying from breast cancer, according to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).\nThe United States Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) recommends that women who are 50 to 74 years old and are at average risk for breast cancer get a mammogram every two years. Women who are 40 to 49 years old should talk to their doctor or other healthcare provider about when to start and how often to get a mammogram.\nRegular screening for breast cancer is particularly important for high-risk women. These include women who are older than age 50; started menstrual periods before age 12 and started menopause after age 55; have dense breasts (more connective tissue than fatty tissue), which can sometimes make it hard to see tumors on a mammogram; have personal history of breast cancer or certain non-cancerous breast diseases; have family history of breast or ovarian cancer; and had radiation therapy to the chest or breasts.\nWhen fully implemented, the Universal Health Care (UHC) Act and National Integrated Cancer Control Act (NICCA) provide enabling platforms to promote early diagnosis by operationalizing an organized nationwide screening and broadening access to treatment. High out-of-pocket costs of care, a major access barrier, can be addressed by NICCA-mandated financial support mechanisms such as the Cancer Assistance Fund (CAF), Cancer and Supportive-Palliative Medicines Access Program (CSPMAP), and Medical Assistance to Indigent Patients (MAIP) Program.\nOn health literacy, the \u201cThink Pink: Health Reporting on Breast Cancer in the Philippines\u201d workshop series held recently aimed to raise awareness and enhance reporting about the disease. The workshop gathered more than 50 journalists from across the country in a discussion with medical experts and the breast cancer community. Their stories, being generated as an offshoot of the workshop series, put spotlight on the need for early detection as well as hope even for patients diagnosed in their advanced stages. \n \nTeodoro B. Padilla is the executive director of Pharmaceutical and Healthcare Association of the Philippines (PHAP).\u00a0 PHAP represents the biopharmaceutical medicines and vaccines industry in the country. Its members are in the forefront of research and development efforts for COVID-19 and other diseases that affect Filipinos.", "date_published": "2023-10-30T00:01:07+08:00", "date_modified": "2023-10-29T18:03:31+08:00", "authors": [ { "name": "BusinessWorld", "url": "https://www.bworldonline.com/author/cedadiantityclea/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/eda8ffc51ac7ec8b231b61b4c6a0d14e?s=512&d=mm&r=g" } ], "author": { "name": "BusinessWorld", "url": "https://www.bworldonline.com/author/cedadiantityclea/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/eda8ffc51ac7ec8b231b61b4c6a0d14e?s=512&d=mm&r=g" }, "image": "https://www.bworldonline.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/white-awareness-ribbon-two-hands-with-stethoscope-pink-background.jpg", "tags": [ "Medicine cabinet", "Teodoro B. Padilla", "Health", "Opinion" ] }, { "id": "https://www.bworldonline.com/?p=553577", "url": "https://www.bworldonline.com/health/2023/10/25/553577/japans-top-court-set-to-rule-on-sterilization-requirement-for-gender-change/", "title": "Japan\u2019s top court set to rule on sterilization requirement for gender change", "content_html": "TOKYO\u00a0–\u00a0Japan’s\u00a0top\u00a0court\u00a0is\u00a0set\u00a0to\u00a0rule\u00a0on Wednesday on the validity of a legal clause that requires people who want to legally\u00a0change\u00a0their\u00a0gender\u00a0to undergo sterilization surgery.
\nSeveral international bodies including the European\u00a0Court\u00a0of Human Rights, the World Professional Association for Transgender\u00a0Health and United Nations experts and have said such\u00a0requirements are discriminatory and infringe upon human rights.
\nHowever, some local lawmakers and women’s rights groups in socially conservative Japan say a ruling that challenges the law would sow confusion and undermine women’s rights.
\nJapan’s\u00a0Supreme\u00a0Court\u00a0threw out a similar legal challenge in 2019. However, a local family\u00a0court\u00a0last week\u00a0ruled in favor of a man who requested having his\u00a0gender\u00a0legally\u00a0changed without surgery in what rights groups called a landmark case.
\n“For anyone, having their\u00a0gender\u00a0legally recognized is an extremely fundamental human right, so being required to undergo sterilization to enjoy that right is a significant violation of human rights,” said Kanae Doi, Japan Director at Human Rights Watch.
\nJapan’s\u00a0existing law states people who want to\u00a0change\u00a0gender\u00a0must present a diagnosis of\u00a0gender\u00a0dysphoria and meet five\u00a0requirements.
\nThose\u00a0requirements are: being at least 18 years of age; not being married; not having underage children; having genital organs that resemble those of the opposite\u00a0gender; and having no reproductive glands or ones that have permanently lost their function.
\nThe case before the\u00a0Court‘s 15 justices on Wednesday was brought by an unnamed plaintiff, who has been identified only as a transgender\u00a0woman under the age of 50.
\nHer lawyers have said that the\u00a0requirements violate their client’s constitutional right to pursue happiness and live without discrimination, and pose significant physical pain and financial burden to transgender\u00a0people, according to local media reports.
\nWhile many countries have moved to repeal laws requiring mandatory sterilization to legally\u00a0change\u00a0gender, transgender\u00a0rights remain a controversial\u00a0topic in Japan.
\nA petition organized by seven pro-surgery\u00a0requirement\u00a0groups collected more than 20,000 signatures as of Tuesday.
\nProtect the Definition of Women, a group that supports upholding the surgery\u00a0requirement, submitted a separate petition to the Supreme\u00a0Court\u00a0last week, saying that dropping the\u00a0requirement\u00a0would “significantly violate women’s rights and dignity”.
\nLast month, a group of lawmakers from the ruling Liberal Democratic Party also issued a statement saying any ruling that deemed the law unconstitutional would sow confusion. – Reuters
\n", "content_text": "TOKYO\u00a0–\u00a0Japan’s\u00a0top\u00a0court\u00a0is\u00a0set\u00a0to\u00a0rule\u00a0on Wednesday on the validity of a legal clause that requires people who want to legally\u00a0change\u00a0their\u00a0gender\u00a0to undergo sterilization surgery.\nSeveral international bodies including the European\u00a0Court\u00a0of Human Rights, the World Professional Association for Transgender\u00a0Health and United Nations experts and have said such\u00a0requirements are discriminatory and infringe upon human rights.\nHowever, some local lawmakers and women’s rights groups in socially conservative Japan say a ruling that challenges the law would sow confusion and undermine women’s rights.\nJapan’s\u00a0Supreme\u00a0Court\u00a0threw out a similar legal challenge in 2019. However, a local family\u00a0court\u00a0last week\u00a0ruled in favor of a man who requested having his\u00a0gender\u00a0legally\u00a0changed without surgery in what rights groups called a landmark case.\n“For anyone, having their\u00a0gender\u00a0legally recognized is an extremely fundamental human right, so being required to undergo sterilization to enjoy that right is a significant violation of human rights,” said Kanae Doi, Japan Director at Human Rights Watch.\nJapan’s\u00a0existing law states people who want to\u00a0change\u00a0gender\u00a0must present a diagnosis of\u00a0gender\u00a0dysphoria and meet five\u00a0requirements.\nThose\u00a0requirements are: being at least 18 years of age; not being married; not having underage children; having genital organs that resemble those of the opposite\u00a0gender; and having no reproductive glands or ones that have permanently lost their function.\nThe case before the\u00a0Court‘s 15 justices on Wednesday was brought by an unnamed plaintiff, who has been identified only as a transgender\u00a0woman under the age of 50.\nHer lawyers have said that the\u00a0requirements violate their client’s constitutional right to pursue happiness and live without discrimination, and pose significant physical pain and financial burden to transgender\u00a0people, according to local media reports.\nWhile many countries have moved to repeal laws requiring mandatory sterilization to legally\u00a0change\u00a0gender, transgender\u00a0rights remain a controversial\u00a0topic in Japan.\nA petition organized by seven pro-surgery\u00a0requirement\u00a0groups collected more than 20,000 signatures as of Tuesday.\nProtect the Definition of Women, a group that supports upholding the surgery\u00a0requirement, submitted a separate petition to the Supreme\u00a0Court\u00a0last week, saying that dropping the\u00a0requirement\u00a0would “significantly violate women’s rights and dignity”.\nLast month, a group of lawmakers from the ruling Liberal Democratic Party also issued a statement saying any ruling that deemed the law unconstitutional would sow confusion. – Reuters", "date_published": "2023-10-25T12:42:15+08:00", "date_modified": "2023-10-25T12:42:15+08:00", "authors": [ { "name": "BusinessWorld", "url": "https://www.bworldonline.com/author/blexticauldulack/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/bb9711778f8535a5c41d2e047686ad3e?s=512&d=mm&r=g" } ], "author": { "name": "BusinessWorld", "url": "https://www.bworldonline.com/author/blexticauldulack/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/bb9711778f8535a5c41d2e047686ad3e?s=512&d=mm&r=g" }, "image": "https://www.bworldonline.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/world-default.jpg", "tags": [ "gender change", "Japan", "legal clause", "Reuters", "sterilization", "Health", "World" ] }, { "id": "https://www.bworldonline.com/?p=552949", "url": "https://www.bworldonline.com/opinion/2023/10/23/552949/health-education/", "title": "Health education", "content_html": "Every second week of October, the country observes Health Education Week as per Proclamation 255, in recognition of the idea that the strength of a nation depends to a large extent upon the health of its people.
\nHealth education is a social science that aims to promote health and prevent disease through voluntary behavioral change activities. By increasing knowledge and influencing attitudes, health education empowers individuals to care for their overall wellbeing. Health literacy \u2014 the ability of individuals to understand, critically appraise and use information related to their health \u2014 is an important component of education and a key competence students need to acquire in school, according to the World Health Organization (WHO).
\nAddressing the health literacy of children and adolescents in schools will help not only to strengthen their learning, but also improve their health and wellbeing and lifelong learning across the life-course by enabling them to address and solve health issues, the WHO explained.
\nIt pointed out that health literacy learning in schools should be accessible for all. It should also be relevant and learnable for all. Health literacy must also meet complex demands in a variety of contexts and across multiple areas of life. It needs to likewise benefit individuals and societies. Moreover, it must involve taking a critical stance, requiring creativity and reflective practice. Finally, it needs to contribute to core values, human rights, and sustainable development.
\nSchool-based health education is important because behaviors and experiences in one\u2019s youth set the stage for adult health, said the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). It helps adolescents acquire functional health knowledge, and strengthens attitudes, beliefs, and practice skills needed to adopt and maintain healthy behaviors throughout their lives.
\nSchools can play a critical role in reducing adolescent health risks through the delivery of effective health education. Providing health education as early as possible can help youth to develop positive wellbeing, academic success, and healthy outcomes into adulthood.
\nThe CDC recommended that the health education curriculum of schools include five key aspects. First, it needs a set of intended learning outcomes or objectives that directly relate to students\u2019 acquisition of health-related knowledge, attitudes, and skills. Second, a planned progression of developmentally appropriate lessons or learning experiences that lead to achieving health objectives. Third, continuity between lessons or learning experiences that clearly reinforce the adoption and maintenance of specific health-enhancing behaviors. Fourth, content or materials that correspond with the sequence of learning events and help teachers and students meet the learning objectives. Finally, assessment strategies\u00a0 to determine if students have achieved the desired learning.
\nEarlier, the Department of Education (DepEd) launched Oplan Kalusugan (OK) sa DepEd, a convergence of the agency\u2019s six flagship school health and nutrition programs, namely the School-Based Feeding Program complemented by other nutrition support programs; Medical, Dental, and Nursing Services, including the School Dental Health Care Program; the Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) in Schools Program; Adolescent Reproductive Health; the National Drug Education Program supported by comprehensive tobacco control; and the School Mental Health Program.
\nTake for example, mental health. One study calculated that, worldwide, about one in eight people struggle with a mental health disorder, said a 2023 Watchtower issue on Mental Health. In 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic resulted in an increase in anxiety and major depressive disorders of about 26% and 28% respectively.
\nGood mental health is a state of well-being where one feels good and can function well, the said issue added. It further noted that knowing basic facts about mental health can help one better face concerns and issues relating to the condition.
\nFor example, it pointed out that a mental disorder is not the result of personal weakness. It is a medical condition that causes significant distress and disrupts a person\u2019s thinking, emotional control, and behavior. It can often upset a person\u2019s ability to relate to others and to handle the daily demands of life. Mental disorders can likewise affect people of any age, culture, race, tribe, religion, educational background, or income level.
\nHealth education can also help individuals and communities manage an infodemic, or having too much information including false or misleading information in digital and physical environments. The WHO said that increased spread of health-related misinformation in a health emergency is accelerated by easy access to online content, especially on smartphones.
\nAn infodemic causes confusion and risk-taking behaviors that can harm health. It also leads to mistrust in health authorities and undermines the public health response. An infodemic can intensify or lengthen outbreaks when people are unsure about what they need to do to protect their health and the health of people around them, the WHO added.
\nHealth education is at the center of infodemic management. The WHO said that involves listening to community concerns and questions, promoting understanding of risk and health expert advice, building resilience to misinformation, and engaging and empowering communities to take positive action.
\n\n
Teodoro B. Padilla is the executive director of Pharmaceutical and Healthcare Association of the Philippines (PHAP). PHAP represents the biopharmaceutical medicines and vaccines industry in the country. Its members are in the forefront of research and development efforts for COVID-19 and other diseases that affect Filipinos.
\n", "content_text": "Every second week of October, the country observes Health Education Week as per Proclamation 255, in recognition of the idea that the strength of a nation depends to a large extent upon the health of its people.\nHealth education is a social science that aims to promote health and prevent disease through voluntary behavioral change activities. By increasing knowledge and influencing attitudes, health education empowers individuals to care for their overall wellbeing. Health literacy \u2014 the ability of individuals to understand, critically appraise and use information related to their health \u2014 is an important component of education and a key competence students need to acquire in school, according to the World Health Organization (WHO).\nAddressing the health literacy of children and adolescents in schools will help not only to strengthen their learning, but also improve their health and wellbeing and lifelong learning across the life-course by enabling them to address and solve health issues, the WHO explained.\nIt pointed out that health literacy learning in schools should be accessible for all. It should also be relevant and learnable for all. Health literacy must also meet complex demands in a variety of contexts and across multiple areas of life. It needs to likewise benefit individuals and societies. Moreover, it must involve taking a critical stance, requiring creativity and reflective practice. Finally, it needs to contribute to core values, human rights, and sustainable development.\nSchool-based health education is important because behaviors and experiences in one\u2019s youth set the stage for adult health, said the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). It helps adolescents acquire functional health knowledge, and strengthens attitudes, beliefs, and practice skills needed to adopt and maintain healthy behaviors throughout their lives.\nSchools can play a critical role in reducing adolescent health risks through the delivery of effective health education. Providing health education as early as possible can help youth to develop positive wellbeing, academic success, and healthy outcomes into adulthood.\nThe CDC recommended that the health education curriculum of schools include five key aspects. First, it needs a set of intended learning outcomes or objectives that directly relate to students\u2019 acquisition of health-related knowledge, attitudes, and skills. Second, a planned progression of developmentally appropriate lessons or learning experiences that lead to achieving health objectives. Third, continuity between lessons or learning experiences that clearly reinforce the adoption and maintenance of specific health-enhancing behaviors. Fourth, content or materials that correspond with the sequence of learning events and help teachers and students meet the learning objectives. Finally, assessment strategies\u00a0 to determine if students have achieved the desired learning.\nEarlier, the Department of Education (DepEd) launched Oplan Kalusugan (OK) sa DepEd, a convergence of the agency\u2019s six flagship school health and nutrition programs, namely the School-Based Feeding Program complemented by other nutrition support programs; Medical, Dental, and Nursing Services, including the School Dental Health Care Program; the Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) in Schools Program; Adolescent Reproductive Health; the National Drug Education Program supported by comprehensive tobacco control; and the School Mental Health Program.\nTake for example, mental health. One study calculated that, worldwide, about one in eight people struggle with a mental health disorder, said a 2023 Watchtower issue on Mental Health. In 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic resulted in an increase in anxiety and major depressive disorders of about 26% and 28% respectively.\nGood mental health is a state of well-being where one feels good and can function well, the said issue added. It further noted that knowing basic facts about mental health can help one better face concerns and issues relating to the condition.\nFor example, it pointed out that a mental disorder is not the result of personal weakness. It is a medical condition that causes significant distress and disrupts a person\u2019s thinking, emotional control, and behavior. It can often upset a person\u2019s ability to relate to others and to handle the daily demands of life. Mental disorders can likewise affect people of any age, culture, race, tribe, religion, educational background, or income level.\nHealth education can also help individuals and communities manage an infodemic, or having too much information including false or misleading information in digital and physical environments. The WHO said that increased spread of health-related misinformation in a health emergency is accelerated by easy access to online content, especially on smartphones.\nAn infodemic causes confusion and risk-taking behaviors that can harm health. It also leads to mistrust in health authorities and undermines the public health response. An infodemic can intensify or lengthen outbreaks when people are unsure about what they need to do to protect their health and the health of people around them, the WHO added.\nHealth education is at the center of infodemic management. The WHO said that involves listening to community concerns and questions, promoting understanding of risk and health expert advice, building resilience to misinformation, and engaging and empowering communities to take positive action.\n \nTeodoro B. Padilla is the executive director of Pharmaceutical and Healthcare Association of the Philippines (PHAP). PHAP represents the biopharmaceutical medicines and vaccines industry in the country. Its members are in the forefront of research and development efforts for COVID-19 and other diseases that affect Filipinos.", "date_published": "2023-10-23T00:01:23+08:00", "date_modified": "2023-10-22T17:30:27+08:00", "authors": [ { "name": "BusinessWorld", "url": "https://www.bworldonline.com/author/cedadiantityclea/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/eda8ffc51ac7ec8b231b61b4c6a0d14e?s=512&d=mm&r=g" } ], "author": { "name": "BusinessWorld", "url": "https://www.bworldonline.com/author/cedadiantityclea/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/eda8ffc51ac7ec8b231b61b4c6a0d14e?s=512&d=mm&r=g" }, "image": "https://www.bworldonline.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Med.jpg", "tags": [ "Medicine cabinet", "Teodoro B. Padilla", "Health", "Opinion" ] }, { "id": "https://www.bworldonline.com/?p=551755", "url": "https://www.bworldonline.com/health/2023/10/16/551755/deadly-indonesian-cough-syrup-was-almost-pure-toxin-court-papers-show/", "title": "Deadly Indonesian cough syrup was almost pure toxin, court papers show", "content_html": "JAKARTA\u00a0–\u00a0An Indonesian drugmaker whose cough syrup is among products linked to the deaths of more than 200 children last year used ingredients with toxin concentrations of up to 99% in 70 batches of medicine, prosecutors said in a court filing.
\nThe accusations against drugmaker Afi Farma were made in a court in Kediri, in the province of East Java, where the company is based, and Reuters is the first to report the charge that it used highly toxic ingredients.
\nThe criminal case comes as\u00a0efforts grow worldwide\u00a0to tighten oversight of drug supply chains after a wave of poisonings linked to contaminated cough syrups that killed dozens more children in countries such as Gambia and Uzbekistan.
\nTwo batches of propylene glycol, a key base for syrupy medicines that Afi Farma received from October 2021 to February 2022 and used in its cough medicine, contained instead as much as 96% to 99% of a toxic substance, ethylene glycol (EG), a charge sheet in the case showed, in an undated court filing.
\nWhen asked who had carried out the testing and how, prosecutor Ikhsan Nasrulloh told Reuters it was done by police last year.
\nA lawyer for Afi Farma, Reza Wendra Prayogo, told Reuters no accusation of intentional poisoning had been proved against the company, adding that Indonesia’s drug regulator, BPOM, did not require drugmakers to do a rigorous testing of ingredients.
\nHe said a 2018 BPOM regulation allowed drugmakers to use tests done by raw material suppliers, requiring them only to run “identification tests” that do not stipulate toxicity testing.
\nBPOM did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
\nAfi Farma is one of four companies Indonesian police have charged in an investigation into the supply of tainted cough syrups, with a court case set to be heard on Oct 18.
\nThe World Health Organization (WHO) says the\u00a0safe limit\u00a0for the known toxins EG and diethylene glycol (DEG) is no more than 0.10%, based on global standards.
\nIndonesia’s health ministry also adopted that limit in its 2020 guidelines on drug standards.
\nEG is employed in making antifreeze and de-icing solutions for cars, among other uses. If swallowed, it may cause acute kidney injury.
\nBoth EG and DEG can be substituted for propylene glycol by unscrupulous producers as they cost less than half the price, several drug experts told Reuters.
\nAfi Farma’s licence to make drugs was revoked late last year and its products taken off the shelves for violating rules on manufacturing.
\nFour company officials, including the chief executive and the quality control manager, have been arrested and charged with negligence for “consciously” not testing the ingredients, despite having the means and responsibility to do so, the charge sheet shows.
\nInstead they relied on certificates provided by its supplier regarding product quality and safety. Now prosecutors are seeking jail terms of up to nine years for the officials, according to the charge sheet.
\nAfi Farma denied the accusation through its lawyer.
\nDomestic drug regulator BPOM has previously said several parties in the drug supply chain had exploited a gap in the safety rules and drugmakers did not run sufficient checks on raw ingredients used.
\nThe contaminations have sparked criminal investigations, lawsuits and a surge in regulatory scrutiny worldwide.
\nLast month Reuters\u00a0reported that some Indian drugmakers involved could not prove they had bought pharmaceutical grade ingredients or tested their medicines for the toxins. – Reuters
\n", "content_text": "JAKARTA\u00a0–\u00a0An Indonesian drugmaker whose cough syrup is among products linked to the deaths of more than 200 children last year used ingredients with toxin concentrations of up to 99% in 70 batches of medicine, prosecutors said in a court filing.\nThe accusations against drugmaker Afi Farma were made in a court in Kediri, in the province of East Java, where the company is based, and Reuters is the first to report the charge that it used highly toxic ingredients.\nThe criminal case comes as\u00a0efforts grow worldwide\u00a0to tighten oversight of drug supply chains after a wave of poisonings linked to contaminated cough syrups that killed dozens more children in countries such as Gambia and Uzbekistan.\nTwo batches of propylene glycol, a key base for syrupy medicines that Afi Farma received from October 2021 to February 2022 and used in its cough medicine, contained instead as much as 96% to 99% of a toxic substance, ethylene glycol (EG), a charge sheet in the case showed, in an undated court filing.\nWhen asked who had carried out the testing and how, prosecutor Ikhsan Nasrulloh told Reuters it was done by police last year.\nA lawyer for Afi Farma, Reza Wendra Prayogo, told Reuters no accusation of intentional poisoning had been proved against the company, adding that Indonesia’s drug regulator, BPOM, did not require drugmakers to do a rigorous testing of ingredients.\nHe said a 2018 BPOM regulation allowed drugmakers to use tests done by raw material suppliers, requiring them only to run “identification tests” that do not stipulate toxicity testing.\nBPOM did not immediately respond to a request for comment.\nAfi Farma is one of four companies Indonesian police have charged in an investigation into the supply of tainted cough syrups, with a court case set to be heard on Oct 18.\nThe World Health Organization (WHO) says the\u00a0safe limit\u00a0for the known toxins EG and diethylene glycol (DEG) is no more than 0.10%, based on global standards.\nIndonesia’s health ministry also adopted that limit in its 2020 guidelines on drug standards.\nEG is employed in making antifreeze and de-icing solutions for cars, among other uses. If swallowed, it may cause acute kidney injury.\nBoth EG and DEG can be substituted for propylene glycol by unscrupulous producers as they cost less than half the price, several drug experts told Reuters.\nAfi Farma’s licence to make drugs was revoked late last year and its products taken off the shelves for violating rules on manufacturing.\nFour company officials, including the chief executive and the quality control manager, have been arrested and charged with negligence for “consciously” not testing the ingredients, despite having the means and responsibility to do so, the charge sheet shows.\nInstead they relied on certificates provided by its supplier regarding product quality and safety. Now prosecutors are seeking jail terms of up to nine years for the officials, according to the charge sheet.\nAfi Farma denied the accusation through its lawyer.\nDomestic drug regulator BPOM has previously said several parties in the drug supply chain had exploited a gap in the safety rules and drugmakers did not run sufficient checks on raw ingredients used.\nThe contaminations have sparked criminal investigations, lawsuits and a surge in regulatory scrutiny worldwide.\nLast month Reuters\u00a0reported that some Indian drugmakers involved could not prove they had bought pharmaceutical grade ingredients or tested their medicines for the toxins. – Reuters", "date_published": "2023-10-16T12:21:55+08:00", "date_modified": "2023-10-16T12:21:55+08:00", "authors": [ { "name": "BusinessWorld", "url": "https://www.bworldonline.com/author/blexticauldulack/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/bb9711778f8535a5c41d2e047686ad3e?s=512&d=mm&r=g" } ], "author": { "name": "BusinessWorld", "url": "https://www.bworldonline.com/author/blexticauldulack/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/bb9711778f8535a5c41d2e047686ad3e?s=512&d=mm&r=g" }, "image": "https://www.bworldonline.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/cough-syrup-2557629_1280.jpg", "tags": [ "cough syrup", "indonesia", "Reuters", "toxins", "Health", "World" ] }, { "id": "https://www.bworldonline.com/?p=551609", "url": "https://www.bworldonline.com/opinion/2023/10/16/551609/when-disaster-strikes/", "title": "When disaster strikes", "content_html": "In 2022, the Philippines was ranked the most disaster-prone country in the world. The World Risk Index (WRI) 2022 report gave the country an index score of 46.86, the highest among the top 10 most disaster-prone countries because of high risk, exposure, and vulnerability.
\nTrailing the Philippines were India and Indonesia, which both had an index score of 42.31. The other countries in the Top 10 list were Colombia (38.37), Mexico (37.55), Myanmar (35.49), Mozambique (34.37), China (28.70), Bangladesh (27.90), and Pakistan (26.75).
\nThe WRI indicates the disaster risk from extreme natural events and negative climate change impacts for 193 countries in the world. It is calculated per country as the geometric mean of exposure and vulnerability. Exposure represents the extent to which populations are exposed to and burdened by the impacts of earthquakes, tsunamis, coastal and riverine floodings, cyclones, droughts, and sea level rise. Vulnerability maps the societal domain and is composed of susceptibility, coping, and adaptation.
\nAn average of 20 typhoons enter the Philippines annually, with the most intense coming between July and October, each with the potential to cause floods and landslides. Another factor that increases the country\u2019s vulnerability and risk is its location in the \u201cring of fire\u201d and typhoon belt in the Pacific Ocean, where many earthquakes and volcanic eruptions occur, according to PreventionWeb, the global knowledge sharing platform for disaster risk reduction and resilience.
\nThe Awake! magazine with the cover \u201cWhen Disaster Strikes: Steps That Can Save Lives,\u201d also emphasizes that no one is immune to disaster. Preparation is the most important key to survival. It said that the first thing to do is to prepare mentally wherein one recognizes the fact that disasters happen and that everyone is potentially at risk.
\nUNICEF also recommends that every household prepare an emergency plan that includes specific steps.
\nFirst is to identify safe routes from your home to the nearest evacuation site. Second, make a list of emergency hotlines and contact details of relatives and friends that you may call in case of emergency; give each family member a copy. Third, explain the possible emergency scenarios in your area to your children. Give each family member a specific responsibility and agree on when your emergency plan should be periodically reviewed. Fourth, practice and memorize the family protocols for a fire, typhoon, flood, earthquake, volcanic eruption, landslide, tsunami, and storm surge. And finally, agree on a meeting place in the event that your family gets separated during an emergency.
\nThe Department of Health (DoH) urges every household to prepare \u201cgo bags\u201d containing first aid kit, food, bottled water, medicines, clothes, survival kit, IDs, and other important documents. The go bag should enable a person to survive for at least three days before rescuers arrive.
\nThe first aid kit includes medicated strips, sterile gauze, micropore tape, povidone-iodine, rubbing alcohol, ointment for wound care, mefenamic acid, paracetamol, and maintenance medications. The survival kit consists of flashlight or penlight, matches or lighter (placed in zip lock bag), rope or string, fishhook and line, and whistle among others.
\nConcerning food, it is recommended to pack long shelf-life food items such as canned goods, cup noodles, biscuits, crackers, cookies, and cereals. The go bag should include a 1.5-liter bottle of drinking water, instant coffee, tea, plates and utensils, and plastic bags. Essential toiletries include toothbrush, toothpaste, mouthwash; sanitary napkins; bath soap, shampoo, conditioner; hand sanitizer and rubbing alcohol; insect repellant; and sunblock.
\nThe go bag should also include safety goggles, dust mask, N95 mask, surgical gloves, raincoat, poncho, small transistor radio, batteries, power bank, charger, extension cord, lightweight shoes and slippers, jacket/cold weather clothes, blankets, sleeping bag, and change of clothes for three days. Also, bring cash, ATM card or passbook, government-issued IDs such as passports as well as emergency contact information, birth and marriage certificates, property and insurance documents, and medical records.
\nBeing an expert in emergency management, Lt. Commander Ferdinand \u201cDino\u201d Juan, Philippine Navy, (GSC) (Reserve), said that it would help to have an extra go bag in the workplace and in one\u2019s vehicle.
\nDuring a disaster, meanwhile, the Awake! issue added that it is important to act quickly. For instance, if there is a fire, one must stay close to the floor, and move quickly to the nearest exit. Smoke makes it hard to see, and most fire deaths are caused by smoke inhalation.
\nIn a flood, stay out of flooded buildings. One must avoid wading in or driving through water, as floodwater may contain sewage and conceal dangers, including debris, open manholes, and downed power lines. It must also be remembered that even two feet of moving water can carry a car away. Most deaths in a flood result when people try to drive through moving water.
\nFinally, if the authorities order an evacuation, leave immediately!
\n\n
Teodoro B. Padilla is the executive director of Pharmaceutical and Healthcare Association of the Philippines (PHAP). PHAP represents the biopharmaceutical medicines and vaccines industry in the country. Its members are in the forefront of research and development efforts for COVID-19 and other diseases that affect Filipinos.
\n", "content_text": "In 2022, the Philippines was ranked the most disaster-prone country in the world. The World Risk Index (WRI) 2022 report gave the country an index score of 46.86, the highest among the top 10 most disaster-prone countries because of high risk, exposure, and vulnerability.\nTrailing the Philippines were India and Indonesia, which both had an index score of 42.31. The other countries in the Top 10 list were Colombia (38.37), Mexico (37.55), Myanmar (35.49), Mozambique (34.37), China (28.70), Bangladesh (27.90), and Pakistan (26.75).\nThe WRI indicates the disaster risk from extreme natural events and negative climate change impacts for 193 countries in the world. It is calculated per country as the geometric mean of exposure and vulnerability. Exposure represents the extent to which populations are exposed to and burdened by the impacts of earthquakes, tsunamis, coastal and riverine floodings, cyclones, droughts, and sea level rise. Vulnerability maps the societal domain and is composed of susceptibility, coping, and adaptation.\nAn average of 20 typhoons enter the Philippines annually, with the most intense coming between July and October, each with the potential to cause floods and landslides. Another factor that increases the country\u2019s vulnerability and risk is its location in the \u201cring of fire\u201d and typhoon belt in the Pacific Ocean, where many earthquakes and volcanic eruptions occur, according to PreventionWeb, the global knowledge sharing platform for disaster risk reduction and resilience.\nThe Awake! magazine with the cover \u201cWhen Disaster Strikes: Steps That Can Save Lives,\u201d also emphasizes that no one is immune to disaster. Preparation is the most important key to survival. It said that the first thing to do is to prepare mentally wherein one recognizes the fact that disasters happen and that everyone is potentially at risk.\nUNICEF also recommends that every household prepare an emergency plan that includes specific steps.\nFirst is to identify safe routes from your home to the nearest evacuation site. Second, make a list of emergency hotlines and contact details of relatives and friends that you may call in case of emergency; give each family member a copy. Third, explain the possible emergency scenarios in your area to your children. Give each family member a specific responsibility and agree on when your emergency plan should be periodically reviewed. Fourth, practice and memorize the family protocols for a fire, typhoon, flood, earthquake, volcanic eruption, landslide, tsunami, and storm surge. And finally, agree on a meeting place in the event that your family gets separated during an emergency.\nThe Department of Health (DoH) urges every household to prepare \u201cgo bags\u201d containing first aid kit, food, bottled water, medicines, clothes, survival kit, IDs, and other important documents. The go bag should enable a person to survive for at least three days before rescuers arrive.\nThe first aid kit includes medicated strips, sterile gauze, micropore tape, povidone-iodine, rubbing alcohol, ointment for wound care, mefenamic acid, paracetamol, and maintenance medications. The survival kit consists of flashlight or penlight, matches or lighter (placed in zip lock bag), rope or string, fishhook and line, and whistle among others.\nConcerning food, it is recommended to pack long shelf-life food items such as canned goods, cup noodles, biscuits, crackers, cookies, and cereals. The go bag should include a 1.5-liter bottle of drinking water, instant coffee, tea, plates and utensils, and plastic bags. Essential toiletries include toothbrush, toothpaste, mouthwash; sanitary napkins; bath soap, shampoo, conditioner; hand sanitizer and rubbing alcohol; insect repellant; and sunblock.\nThe go bag should also include safety goggles, dust mask, N95 mask, surgical gloves, raincoat, poncho, small transistor radio, batteries, power bank, charger, extension cord, lightweight shoes and slippers, jacket/cold weather clothes, blankets, sleeping bag, and change of clothes for three days. Also, bring cash, ATM card or passbook, government-issued IDs such as passports as well as emergency contact information, birth and marriage certificates, property and insurance documents, and medical records.\nBeing an expert in emergency management, Lt. Commander Ferdinand \u201cDino\u201d Juan, Philippine Navy, (GSC) (Reserve), said that it would help to have an extra go bag in the workplace and in one\u2019s vehicle.\nDuring a disaster, meanwhile, the Awake! issue added that it is important to act quickly. For instance, if there is a fire, one must stay close to the floor, and move quickly to the nearest exit. Smoke makes it hard to see, and most fire deaths are caused by smoke inhalation.\nIn a flood, stay out of flooded buildings. One must avoid wading in or driving through water, as floodwater may contain sewage and conceal dangers, including debris, open manholes, and downed power lines. It must also be remembered that even two feet of moving water can carry a car away. Most deaths in a flood result when people try to drive through moving water.\nFinally, if the authorities order an evacuation, leave immediately!\n \nTeodoro B. Padilla is the executive director of Pharmaceutical and Healthcare Association of the Philippines (PHAP). PHAP represents the biopharmaceutical medicines and vaccines industry in the country. Its members are in the forefront of research and development efforts for COVID-19 and other diseases that affect Filipinos.", "date_published": "2023-10-16T00:01:32+08:00", "date_modified": "2023-10-15T17:36:06+08:00", "authors": [ { "name": "BusinessWorld", "url": "https://www.bworldonline.com/author/cedadiantityclea/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/eda8ffc51ac7ec8b231b61b4c6a0d14e?s=512&d=mm&r=g" } ], "author": { "name": "BusinessWorld", "url": "https://www.bworldonline.com/author/cedadiantityclea/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/eda8ffc51ac7ec8b231b61b4c6a0d14e?s=512&d=mm&r=g" }, "image": "https://www.bworldonline.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/flood-rain.jpg", "tags": [ "Medicine cabinet", "Teodoro B. Padilla", "Health", "Opinion" ] }, { "id": "https://www.bworldonline.com/?p=550316", "url": "https://www.bworldonline.com/opinion/2023/10/09/550316/vaccination-to-prevent-meningitis/", "title": "Vaccination to prevent meningitis", "content_html": "Meningitis is a serious infection of the meninges, which are the membranes covering the brain and spinal cord. It is a devastating disease and remains a major public health challenge, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). The disease can be caused by many different pathogens including bacteria, fungi, or viruses, but the highest global burden is seen with bacterial meningitis.
\nBacterial meningitis can cause epidemics, lead to death within 24 hours, and leave one in five patients with lifelong after-effects including hearing loss; seizures; limb weakness; difficulties with vision, speech, language, memory, and communication; as well as scarring and limb amputations after sepsis.
\nCases of meningitis in the country and deaths due to the disease increased slightly this year, revealed Dr. Jo Janette de la Calzada, pediatric neurologist and vice-president of the Cebu Neuroscience Society. She cited Department of Health (DoH) data showing 2,324 reported cases of meningitis from Jan. 1 to Aug. 12, 2022 compared to 2,574 cases for the same period this year (which is an 11% increase). There were 168 deaths due to meningitis in 2022 compared to 218 this year (a 30% increase). The incidence rate of meningitis was 2.11 per 100,000 population in 2022 compared to 2.33 this year.
\nThe bacteria that cause meningitis are transmitted from person-to-person through droplets of respiratory or throat secretions from carriers. Close and prolonged contact \u2014 such as kissing, sneezing or coughing on someone, or living in close quarters with an infected person, facilitates the spread of the disease.
\n\u201cWe are coming out of the COVID-19 pandemic, so people are going out and interacting and exposing ourselves to microbes. This is the reason why the numbers are rising,\u201d Dr. De la Calzada said during the recent webinar, \u201cIsang Pilipinas Laban Sa Meningitis, Handa Ka Na Ba?\u201d (One Philippines in the fight against meningitis, are you ready?).
\nOrganized by the Philippine Foundation of Vaccination (PFV), the DoH, and the Pharmaceutical and Healthcare Association of the Philippines (PHAP) with member MSD, the webinar was held in observance of World Meningitis Day on Oct. 5 with the aim of increasing awareness on meningitis as a vaccine-preventable disease.
\nThe most common symptoms of meningitis are a stiff neck, high fever, sensitivity to light, confusion, headaches, and vomiting.
\nHowever, Dr. Dela Calzada pointed out that babies may exhibit different symptoms. These include no wet diapers for 12 hours (due to dehydration); a tense, bulging fontanelle; poor appetite and vomiting; an unusual cry or moaning; sleeping more than usual; pale, blotchy skin; spots or rashes; convulsions or seizures; rapid breathing or grunting; fever, cold hands and feet; and irritability (the baby does not want to be touched). Individuals with these symptoms should be brought to the nearest hospital immediately, and the appropriate antibiotic treatment of bacterial meningitis must be started as soon as possible.
\nMany cases of and deaths from meningitis are vaccine preventable. Vaccines offer the best protection against common types of bacterial meningitis. They can prevent meningitis caused by meningococcus, pneumococcus, and haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib).
\nVaccines reduce the incidence of both antibiotic-resistant and antibiotic-susceptible meningitis infections, thereby also decreasing antibiotic administration and consequently reducing treatment costs and antibiotic-related adverse effects, according to Dr. Marimel Pagcatipunan, chairperson of the Immunization Committee, Pediatric Infectious Disease Society of the Philippines (PIDSP).
\nWhile investing in the development of new antibiotics is important, vaccines can be an additional tool in addressing antimicrobial resistance. Vaccination against a bacterial infection can reduce transmission of drug-resistant and susceptible strains in vaccinated populations and, indirectly, in unvaccinated populations through herd immunity.
\nDr. Pagcatipunan cited the introduction of pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV) for children in the US which resulted in an 84% reduction in invasive disease caused by the drug-resistant bacteria Streptococcus pneumoniae as specifically targeted by the vaccine in children under two years of age.
\nShe also cited the childhood pneumococcal vaccination program implemented in England and Wales from 2000 to 2016 which reduced the incidence of IPD, including pneumococcal meningitis, across all age groups through a combination of direct and herd protection. Over 700 cases of pneumococcal meningitis were estimated to have been prevented during the first decade of the program.
\nProgress in defeating meningitis lags that for other vaccine-preventable diseases. This is why the WHO has developed a global plan to dramatically improve meningitis prevention, diagnosis and treatment, disease monitoring, health advocacy, support and aftercare. Turning the WHO\u2019s Global Road Map to Defeat Meningitis by 2030 into reality could save more than 200,000 lives annually and significantly reduce disabilities caused by vaccine-preventable meningitis.
\n\n
Teodoro B. Padilla is the executive director of Pharmaceutical and Healthcare Association of the Philippines (PHAP). PHAP represents the biopharmaceutical medicines and vaccines industry in the country. Its members are in the forefront of research and development efforts for COVID-19 and other diseases that affect Filipinos.
\n", "content_text": "Meningitis is a serious infection of the meninges, which are the membranes covering the brain and spinal cord. It is a devastating disease and remains a major public health challenge, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). The disease can be caused by many different pathogens including bacteria, fungi, or viruses, but the highest global burden is seen with bacterial meningitis.\nBacterial meningitis can cause epidemics, lead to death within 24 hours, and leave one in five patients with lifelong after-effects including hearing loss; seizures; limb weakness; difficulties with vision, speech, language, memory, and communication; as well as scarring and limb amputations after sepsis.\nCases of meningitis in the country and deaths due to the disease increased slightly this year, revealed Dr. Jo Janette de la Calzada, pediatric neurologist and vice-president of the Cebu Neuroscience Society. She cited Department of Health (DoH) data showing 2,324 reported cases of meningitis from Jan. 1 to Aug. 12, 2022 compared to 2,574 cases for the same period this year (which is an 11% increase). There were 168 deaths due to meningitis in 2022 compared to 218 this year (a 30% increase). The incidence rate of meningitis was 2.11 per 100,000 population in 2022 compared to 2.33 this year.\nThe bacteria that cause meningitis are transmitted from person-to-person through droplets of respiratory or throat secretions from carriers. Close and prolonged contact \u2014 such as kissing, sneezing or coughing on someone, or living in close quarters with an infected person, facilitates the spread of the disease.\n\u201cWe are coming out of the COVID-19 pandemic, so people are going out and interacting and exposing ourselves to microbes. This is the reason why the numbers are rising,\u201d Dr. De la Calzada said during the recent webinar, \u201cIsang Pilipinas Laban Sa Meningitis, Handa Ka Na Ba?\u201d (One Philippines in the fight against meningitis, are you ready?).\nOrganized by the Philippine Foundation of Vaccination (PFV), the DoH, and the Pharmaceutical and Healthcare Association of the Philippines (PHAP) with member MSD, the webinar was held in observance of World Meningitis Day on Oct. 5 with the aim of increasing awareness on meningitis as a vaccine-preventable disease.\nThe most common symptoms of meningitis are a stiff neck, high fever, sensitivity to light, confusion, headaches, and vomiting.\nHowever, Dr. Dela Calzada pointed out that babies may exhibit different symptoms. These include no wet diapers for 12 hours (due to dehydration); a tense, bulging fontanelle; poor appetite and vomiting; an unusual cry or moaning; sleeping more than usual; pale, blotchy skin; spots or rashes; convulsions or seizures; rapid breathing or grunting; fever, cold hands and feet; and irritability (the baby does not want to be touched). Individuals with these symptoms should be brought to the nearest hospital immediately, and the appropriate antibiotic treatment of bacterial meningitis must be started as soon as possible.\nMany cases of and deaths from meningitis are vaccine preventable. Vaccines offer the best protection against common types of bacterial meningitis. They can prevent meningitis caused by meningococcus, pneumococcus, and haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib).\nVaccines reduce the incidence of both antibiotic-resistant and antibiotic-susceptible meningitis infections, thereby also decreasing antibiotic administration and consequently reducing treatment costs and antibiotic-related adverse effects, according to Dr. Marimel Pagcatipunan, chairperson of the Immunization Committee, Pediatric Infectious Disease Society of the Philippines (PIDSP).\nWhile investing in the development of new antibiotics is important, vaccines can be an additional tool in addressing antimicrobial resistance. Vaccination against a bacterial infection can reduce transmission of drug-resistant and susceptible strains in vaccinated populations and, indirectly, in unvaccinated populations through herd immunity.\nDr. Pagcatipunan cited the introduction of pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV) for children in the US which resulted in an 84% reduction in invasive disease caused by the drug-resistant bacteria Streptococcus pneumoniae as specifically targeted by the vaccine in children under two years of age.\nShe also cited the childhood pneumococcal vaccination program implemented in England and Wales from 2000 to 2016 which reduced the incidence of IPD, including pneumococcal meningitis, across all age groups through a combination of direct and herd protection. Over 700 cases of pneumococcal meningitis were estimated to have been prevented during the first decade of the program.\nProgress in defeating meningitis lags that for other vaccine-preventable diseases. This is why the WHO has developed a global plan to dramatically improve meningitis prevention, diagnosis and treatment, disease monitoring, health advocacy, support and aftercare. Turning the WHO\u2019s Global Road Map to Defeat Meningitis by 2030 into reality could save more than 200,000 lives annually and significantly reduce disabilities caused by vaccine-preventable meningitis.\n \nTeodoro B. Padilla is the executive director of Pharmaceutical and Healthcare Association of the Philippines (PHAP). PHAP represents the biopharmaceutical medicines and vaccines industry in the country. Its members are in the forefront of research and development efforts for COVID-19 and other diseases that affect Filipinos.", "date_published": "2023-10-09T00:01:10+08:00", "date_modified": "2023-10-08T17:22:23+08:00", "authors": [ { "name": "BusinessWorld", "url": "https://www.bworldonline.com/author/cedadiantityclea/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/eda8ffc51ac7ec8b231b61b4c6a0d14e?s=512&d=mm&r=g" } ], "author": { "name": "BusinessWorld", "url": "https://www.bworldonline.com/author/cedadiantityclea/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/eda8ffc51ac7ec8b231b61b4c6a0d14e?s=512&d=mm&r=g" }, "image": "https://www.bworldonline.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/vaccine.jpg", "tags": [ "Medicine cabinet", "Teodoro B. Padilla", "Health", "Opinion" ] }, { "id": "https://www.bworldonline.com/?p=548928", "url": "https://www.bworldonline.com/opinion/2023/10/02/548928/protecting-the-heart/", "title": "Protecting the heart", "content_html": "Heart disease was the leading cause of death in the country in 2022, data from the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) show. It is common knowledge now that an unhealthy diet, physical inactivity, smoking, and excessive alcohol intake can damage the heart and lead to heart disease. A less well-known fact is certain bacteria, viruses, and (less commonly) fungi can cause infections that can damage or inflame the heart.
\nThe parts of the heart most often damaged by infection include the heart muscle (myocardium), valves, inner lining (endocardium), and outer membrane or sac (pericardium). There are three main types of infection that can affect the heart: bacterial endocarditis (an infection of the lining of the heart valves), myocarditis (an inflammation of the heart muscle), and pericarditis (an inflammation of the pericardium).
\nWhile rare for most people, heart infections are more common for those who are older than 65 and have had heart surgery, among others. Individuals with a history of the following are also at higher risk for a heart infection: long-term catheter use; heart attack; an implanted heart device, heart valve disease or heart valve surgery; dental health problems; radiation therapy; a suppressed immune system; and injectable drug use.
\nCommon symptoms of heart infection include chest pain; fatigue; fever; fluid buildup (edema) in the legs, ankles, feet or abdomen; joint pain or body aches; night sweats; rapid heartbeat or pounding heartbeat (heart palpitations); and shortness of breath. Individuals who experience any of these symptoms should immediately consult a doctor.
\nAmong the ways one can lower an individual\u2019s risk for heart infection are avoiding contact with people with viral infections; getting recommended vaccines, including for COVID-19 (initial doses and boosters) and the flu (annual shots are recommended); not engaging in substance abuse; reducing exposure to tick-infested areas and bird droppings; scheduling regular dental care; taking prescribed antibiotics before medical and dental procedures, especially if one has had heart valve repair and unrepaired congenital heart disease; and washing hands regularly.
\nIt is important to reiterate that individuals with heart conditions are at increased risk of developing severe COVID-19. Moreover, people with heart disease and those who have had a stroke are at risk of developing serious complications from flu. Studies have shown that for people with heart disease, influenza is associated with an increase in heart attacks and stroke. As such, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) strongly recommends that people with heart conditions be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and the flu. Another jab that the CDC recommends people with heart disease get is the pneumococcal vaccine, which protects against pneumococcal diseases such as pneumonia, meningitis, and bloodstream infections. Pneumococcal pneumonia is a serious complication that can cause death.
\nImmunization across the life course is a cost-effective way to improve health, support health system sustainability, and promote economic advancement. The life-course approach to immunization recognizes the role of immunization as a strategy to prevent disease and maximize health over one\u2019s entire life, regardless of an individual\u2019s age. A life-course approach requires that immunization schedules and access to vaccination respond to an individual\u2019s stage in life, their lifestyle, and specific vulnerabilities/risks to infectious diseases that they may face.
\nIn 2010, the global health community declared a \u201cDecade of Vaccines\u201d and experts developed the World Health Organization (WHO) Global Vaccine Action Plan 2011\u20132020 (GVAP), that includes a focus on establishing a life-course approach to immunization. The WHO is continuing to develop and invest in the importance of a life-course approach to health by establishing a \u201cUniversal Health Coverage and the Life Course\u201d division and highlighting the benefits of a life-course approach in its 13th General Program of Work for 2019-2023.
\nWhile vaccines are highly effective in disease prevention, the average global immunization uptake is still far from WHO target rates, especially amongst the Association of Southeast Asian Nation (ASEAN) member countries, reported the paper published by EU-ASEAN Business Council, Western Pacific Pharmaceutical Forum, Sanofi, and KPMG. In highlighting the value of immunization and urging more countries to ramp up their nationwide immunization efforts, the WHO endorsed an immunization agenda for 2030 (IA2030) with the view of a \u201cworld where everyone, everywhere, at every age, fully benefits from vaccines to improve health and well-being.\u201d It is an agenda fully aligned with the country\u2019s direction to promote heathy settings through preventive, primary care.
\n\n
Teodoro B. Padilla is the executive director of Pharmaceutical and Healthcare Association of the Philippines (PHAP).\u00a0 PHAP represents the biopharmaceutical medicines and vaccines industry in the country. Its members are in the forefront of research and development efforts for COVID-19 and other diseases that affect Filipinos.
\n", "content_text": "Heart disease was the leading cause of death in the country in 2022, data from the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) show. It is common knowledge now that an unhealthy diet, physical inactivity, smoking, and excessive alcohol intake can damage the heart and lead to heart disease. A less well-known fact is certain bacteria, viruses, and (less commonly) fungi can cause infections that can damage or inflame the heart.\nThe parts of the heart most often damaged by infection include the heart muscle (myocardium), valves, inner lining (endocardium), and outer membrane or sac (pericardium). There are three main types of infection that can affect the heart: bacterial endocarditis (an infection of the lining of the heart valves), myocarditis (an inflammation of the heart muscle), and pericarditis (an inflammation of the pericardium).\nWhile rare for most people, heart infections are more common for those who are older than 65 and have had heart surgery, among others. Individuals with a history of the following are also at higher risk for a heart infection: long-term catheter use; heart attack; an implanted heart device, heart valve disease or heart valve surgery; dental health problems; radiation therapy; a suppressed immune system; and injectable drug use.\nCommon symptoms of heart infection include chest pain; fatigue; fever; fluid buildup (edema) in the legs, ankles, feet or abdomen; joint pain or body aches; night sweats; rapid heartbeat or pounding heartbeat (heart palpitations); and shortness of breath. Individuals who experience any of these symptoms should immediately consult a doctor.\nAmong the ways one can lower an individual\u2019s risk for heart infection are avoiding contact with people with viral infections; getting recommended vaccines, including for COVID-19 (initial doses and boosters) and the flu (annual shots are recommended); not engaging in substance abuse; reducing exposure to tick-infested areas and bird droppings; scheduling regular dental care; taking prescribed antibiotics before medical and dental procedures, especially if one has had heart valve repair and unrepaired congenital heart disease; and washing hands regularly.\nIt is important to reiterate that individuals with heart conditions are at increased risk of developing severe COVID-19. Moreover, people with heart disease and those who have had a stroke are at risk of developing serious complications from flu. Studies have shown that for people with heart disease, influenza is associated with an increase in heart attacks and stroke. As such, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) strongly recommends that people with heart conditions be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and the flu. Another jab that the CDC recommends people with heart disease get is the pneumococcal vaccine, which protects against pneumococcal diseases such as pneumonia, meningitis, and bloodstream infections. Pneumococcal pneumonia is a serious complication that can cause death.\nImmunization across the life course is a cost-effective way to improve health, support health system sustainability, and promote economic advancement. The life-course approach to immunization recognizes the role of immunization as a strategy to prevent disease and maximize health over one\u2019s entire life, regardless of an individual\u2019s age. A life-course approach requires that immunization schedules and access to vaccination respond to an individual\u2019s stage in life, their lifestyle, and specific vulnerabilities/risks to infectious diseases that they may face.\nIn 2010, the global health community declared a \u201cDecade of Vaccines\u201d and experts developed the World Health Organization (WHO) Global Vaccine Action Plan 2011\u20132020 (GVAP), that includes a focus on establishing a life-course approach to immunization. The WHO is continuing to develop and invest in the importance of a life-course approach to health by establishing a \u201cUniversal Health Coverage and the Life Course\u201d division and highlighting the benefits of a life-course approach in its 13th General Program of Work for 2019-2023.\nWhile vaccines are highly effective in disease prevention, the average global immunization uptake is still far from WHO target rates, especially amongst the Association of Southeast Asian Nation (ASEAN) member countries, reported the paper published by EU-ASEAN Business Council, Western Pacific Pharmaceutical Forum, Sanofi, and KPMG. In highlighting the value of immunization and urging more countries to ramp up their nationwide immunization efforts, the WHO endorsed an immunization agenda for 2030 (IA2030) with the view of a \u201cworld where everyone, everywhere, at every age, fully benefits from vaccines to improve health and well-being.\u201d It is an agenda fully aligned with the country\u2019s direction to promote heathy settings through preventive, primary care. \n \nTeodoro B. Padilla is the executive director of Pharmaceutical and Healthcare Association of the Philippines (PHAP).\u00a0 PHAP represents the biopharmaceutical medicines and vaccines industry in the country. Its members are in the forefront of research and development efforts for COVID-19 and other diseases that affect Filipinos.", "date_published": "2023-10-02T00:01:19+08:00", "date_modified": "2023-10-01T17:31:58+08:00", "authors": [ { "name": "BusinessWorld", "url": "https://www.bworldonline.com/author/cedadiantityclea/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/eda8ffc51ac7ec8b231b61b4c6a0d14e?s=512&d=mm&r=g" } ], "author": { "name": "BusinessWorld", "url": "https://www.bworldonline.com/author/cedadiantityclea/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/eda8ffc51ac7ec8b231b61b4c6a0d14e?s=512&d=mm&r=g" }, "image": "https://www.bworldonline.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/heart-signage.jpg", "tags": [ "Medicine cabinet", "Teodoro B. Padilla", "Health", "Opinion" ] }, { "id": "https://www.bworldonline.com/?p=547381", "url": "https://www.bworldonline.com/opinion/2023/09/25/547381/vog-and-health/", "title": "Vog and health", "content_html": "More than 200 people fell ill from Taal\u2019s volcanic smog or vog, prompting the Department of Health (DoH) to put the medical community under \u201cwhite alert\u201d in Calabarzon.
\nOver the weekend, Civil Defense Administrator and National Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council Executive Director Undersecretary Ariel Nepomuceno said that there had been at least 263 health consultations due to the vog.
\nVolcanic fumes, like vog, can be hazardous to health and can be life threatening. While it is colorless, vog comes with a visible haze and pungent odor similar to fireworks or a burning match.
\nVolcanic gas emissions can pose environmental and health risks to nearby communities, said the United States Geological Survey (USGS). It is easy to understand why. Like urban, industrial, and other pollution sources, vog contains toxic contaminants, mostly sulfur dioxide (SO2) and acid particles. It explained that vog is comprised of gas and an aerosol of tiny particles and acidic droplets created when SO2 and other gases emitted from a volcano chemically interact with sunlight and atmospheric oxygen, moisture, and dust.
\nParticularly problematic is the PM2.5 \u2014 particulate matter less than 2.5 micrometers in diameter which can settle deeply in the lungs when inhaled \u2014 which in vog is mainly composed of acid and neutral sulfate particles. These particles, that are also found in vehicle exhaust and smoke from fires, are smaller than the width of a human hair, noted the USGS. Meanwhile, SO2 can irritate the skin and the tissues and mucous membranes of the eyes, nose, and throat.
\nWhile sensitivity to vog varies, individuals with pre-existing medical conditions are expected to be at highest risk, depending on the amount of emissions, their distance away from the eruptive vent, and wind direction from day to day. Also with increased sensitivity are children, pregnant women, and the elderly.
\nAs classes were suspended in Metro Manila due to haze, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said that meteorological conditions resulted in smog formation, and not vog, in the National Capital Region. Even so, smog also brings with it a number of health hazards. \u201cThis (smog) occurs when very small particles get trapped close to the surface due to the presence of a thermal inversion, high humidity, and calm wind conditions. These floating minute particles in the air could be from smoke, pollutants, or volcanic aerosols,\u201d the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology, better known as Phivolcs, said as it explained that the haze the NCR suffered from was not vog.
\nDEALING WITH VOG
\nThe International Volcanic Health Hazard Network (IVHHN), an umbrella organization for all research and dissemination of information on volcanic health hazards and impacts, provided guidance on how to prepare for and take protective actions to reduce the impact of vog on individuals.
In preparing for vog, the IVHHN said that it is important to understand the hazard. It is helpful to be familiar with air monitoring sources as well as SO2 and PM2.5 advisory codes/levels. Learning about wind conditions is also key to predicting if and when one might be affected by vog. Since vog can cause illness or exacerbate an existing one, it is important to keep medications handy such as those for asthma or other respiratory conditions. The group added that one can assume that asthma could get worse during periods of high vog, therefore, seek medical assistance as necessary if an individual is having asthma symptoms or other conditions when exposed to vog.
\nThe IVHHN added that it is important not to smoke and to avoid second-hand smoke. Those exposed to vog must also stay hydrated to help loosen congestion. It added that warm or hot liquids may help some people. In managing congestion or irritation, over-the-counter nasal sprays or eye drops can help to reduce symptoms. If symptoms don\u2019t improve, it is advisable to seek immediate medical care.
\nOther ways by which one could care for themselves and their family is by wearing N95-type particle-filtering respirators/masks as needed. But the IVHHN also said that children should not use N95 masks because they are sized for adults.
\nAlso, outdoor exercise or exertion increases one\u2019s chances of being affected by SO2 gas and/or PM2.5. So, staying indoors is the prudent action. The group said that, if possible, people should stay indoors and close all outside doors and windows when there is vog. (At the same time, there is a need to beware of becoming overheated.) Additionally, when staying indoors, eliminate other sources of pollutants such as smoking, candles, or incense. Even if the house is not well-sealed, the IVHHN said it may still offer some protection. If a room can be closed up, an appropriate air-cleaning device can help reduce the levels of vog.
\nHowever, one may consider moving to indoor areas that are better-sealed. An individual may consider temporarily relocating, if necessary. To minimize air infiltration while inside the vehicle, temporarily close the windows and vents, and turn the fan and air conditioner off.
\nFinally, staying updated on information coming from the government and official sources is crucial.
\n\u201cWe also remind the public to heed the advisories of the Department of Health (DoH) as well as the warnings being issued by the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology for the safety of everyone. Phivolcs and the DoH have been issuing warnings on the health hazards posed by the volcanic smog. We are amplifying these advisories and warnings for public awareness,\u201d said Undersecretary Nepomuceno.
\nTeodoro B. Padilla is the executive director of Pharmaceutical and Healthcare Association of the Philippines (PHAP). PHAP represents the biopharmaceutical medicines and vaccines industry in the country. Its members are in the forefront of research and development efforts for COVID-19 and other diseases that affect Filipinos.
\n\n
Teodoro B. Padilla is the executive director of Pharmaceutical and Healthcare Association of the Philippines (PHAP).\u00a0 PHAP represents the biopharmaceutical medicines and vaccines industry in the country. Its members are in the forefront of research and development efforts for COVID-19 and other diseases that affect Filipinos.
\n", "content_text": "More than 200 people fell ill from Taal\u2019s volcanic smog or vog, prompting the Department of Health (DoH) to put the medical community under \u201cwhite alert\u201d in Calabarzon.\nOver the weekend, Civil Defense Administrator and National Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council Executive Director Undersecretary Ariel Nepomuceno said that there had been at least 263 health consultations due to the vog.\nVolcanic fumes, like vog, can be hazardous to health and can be life threatening. While it is colorless, vog comes with a visible haze and pungent odor similar to fireworks or a burning match.\nVolcanic gas emissions can pose environmental and health risks to nearby communities, said the United States Geological Survey (USGS). It is easy to understand why. Like urban, industrial, and other pollution sources, vog contains toxic contaminants, mostly sulfur dioxide (SO2) and acid particles. It explained that vog is comprised of gas and an aerosol of tiny particles and acidic droplets created when SO2 and other gases emitted from a volcano chemically interact with sunlight and atmospheric oxygen, moisture, and dust. \nParticularly problematic is the PM2.5 \u2014 particulate matter less than 2.5 micrometers in diameter which can settle deeply in the lungs when inhaled \u2014 which in vog is mainly composed of acid and neutral sulfate particles. These particles, that are also found in vehicle exhaust and smoke from fires, are smaller than the width of a human hair, noted the USGS. Meanwhile, SO2 can irritate the skin and the tissues and mucous membranes of the eyes, nose, and throat.\nWhile sensitivity to vog varies, individuals with pre-existing medical conditions are expected to be at highest risk, depending on the amount of emissions, their distance away from the eruptive vent, and wind direction from day to day. Also with increased sensitivity are children, pregnant women, and the elderly.\nAs classes were suspended in Metro Manila due to haze, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said that meteorological conditions resulted in smog formation, and not vog, in the National Capital Region. Even so, smog also brings with it a number of health hazards. \u201cThis (smog) occurs when very small particles get trapped close to the surface due to the presence of a thermal inversion, high humidity, and calm wind conditions. These floating minute particles in the air could be from smoke, pollutants, or volcanic aerosols,\u201d the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology, better known as Phivolcs, said as it explained that the haze the NCR suffered from was not vog.\nDEALING WITH VOG\nThe International Volcanic Health Hazard Network (IVHHN), an umbrella organization for all research and dissemination of information on volcanic health hazards and impacts, provided guidance on how to prepare for and take protective actions to reduce the impact of vog on individuals.\nIn preparing for vog, the IVHHN said that it is important to understand the hazard. It is helpful to be familiar with air monitoring sources as well as SO2 and PM2.5 advisory codes/levels. Learning about wind conditions is also key to predicting if and when one might be affected by vog. Since vog can cause illness or exacerbate an existing one, it is important to keep medications handy such as those for asthma or other respiratory conditions. The group added that one can assume that asthma could get worse during periods of high vog, therefore, seek medical assistance as necessary if an individual is having asthma symptoms or other conditions when exposed to vog.\nThe IVHHN added that it is important not to smoke and to avoid second-hand smoke. Those exposed to vog must also stay hydrated to help loosen congestion. It added that warm or hot liquids may help some people. In managing congestion or irritation, over-the-counter nasal sprays or eye drops can help to reduce symptoms. If symptoms don\u2019t improve, it is advisable to seek immediate medical care.\nOther ways by which one could care for themselves and their family is by wearing N95-type particle-filtering respirators/masks as needed. But the IVHHN also said that children should not use N95 masks because they are sized for adults.\nAlso, outdoor exercise or exertion increases one\u2019s chances of being affected by SO2 gas and/or PM2.5. So, staying indoors is the prudent action. The group said that, if possible, people should stay indoors and close all outside doors and windows when there is vog. (At the same time, there is a need to beware of becoming overheated.) Additionally, when staying indoors, eliminate other sources of pollutants such as smoking, candles, or incense. Even if the house is not well-sealed, the IVHHN said it may still offer some protection. If a room can be closed up, an appropriate air-cleaning device can help reduce the levels of vog.\nHowever, one may consider moving to indoor areas that are better-sealed. An individual may consider temporarily relocating, if necessary. To minimize air infiltration while inside the vehicle, temporarily close the windows and vents, and turn the fan and air conditioner off.\nFinally, staying updated on information coming from the government and official sources is crucial.\n\u201cWe also remind the public to heed the advisories of the Department of Health (DoH) as well as the warnings being issued by the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology for the safety of everyone. Phivolcs and the DoH have been issuing warnings on the health hazards posed by the volcanic smog. We are amplifying these advisories and warnings for public awareness,\u201d said Undersecretary Nepomuceno.\nTeodoro B. Padilla is the executive director of Pharmaceutical and Healthcare Association of the Philippines (PHAP). PHAP represents the biopharmaceutical medicines and vaccines industry in the country. Its members are in the forefront of research and development efforts for COVID-19 and other diseases that affect Filipinos.\n \nTeodoro B. Padilla is the executive director of Pharmaceutical and Healthcare Association of the Philippines (PHAP).\u00a0 PHAP represents the biopharmaceutical medicines and vaccines industry in the country. Its members are in the forefront of research and development efforts for COVID-19 and other diseases that affect Filipinos.", "date_published": "2023-09-25T00:01:38+08:00", "date_modified": "2023-09-24T17:30:12+08:00", "authors": [ { "name": "BusinessWorld", "url": "https://www.bworldonline.com/author/cedadiantityclea/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/eda8ffc51ac7ec8b231b61b4c6a0d14e?s=512&d=mm&r=g" } ], "author": { "name": "BusinessWorld", "url": "https://www.bworldonline.com/author/cedadiantityclea/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/eda8ffc51ac7ec8b231b61b4c6a0d14e?s=512&d=mm&r=g" }, "image": "https://www.bworldonline.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/tourist-face-masks.jpg", "tags": [ "Medicine cabinet", "Teodoro B. Padilla", "Health", "Opinion" ] }, { "id": "https://www.bworldonline.com/?p=547236", "url": "https://www.bworldonline.com/health/2023/09/22/547236/philippines-approves-gsk-anti-shingles-vaccine/", "title": "Philippines approves GSK anti-shingles vaccine", "content_html": "The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved a vaccine for the prevention of shingles, a viral infection caused by the same virus that causes chickenpox, biopharmaceutical company GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) announced on Thursday.
\nThe GSK shingles vaccine is administered intramuscularly in two doses and is intended for the prevention of shingles in adults aged 50 and above, as well as those aged 18 and above with immunocompromised conditions, according to the company.
\n“Shingles is a disease that can cause excruciating pain and is caused by the reactivation of the varicella-zoster virus,” Giovell P. Barangan, GSK Philippines medical director, said in an e-mailed statement.
\n“As people age, the cells in the immune system lose the ability to mount a strong and effective response to infection, increasing the risk of developing shingles,” GSK Philippines said, citing a study from the British Journal of General Practice.
\nA paper from the BMC Public Health journal noted that shingles typically presents as an unbearably painful, isolated rash and can also lead to long-lasting nerve pain called post-herpetic neuralgia.
\nA study on the long-term protection provided by the vaccine, published in the Infectious Diseases journal, showed that the vaccine maintains an 89% efficacy rate at 9.6 years post-vaccination, one month after the second dose.
\nThe vaccine was initially approved in the United States and Canada in 2017 for shingles prevention among those aged 50 and older, and it has since been adopted by over 40 other countries.
\nIn December 2022, the FDA issued a public health warning against the unauthorized sale of the Shingrix shingles vaccine from GSK Philippines, which was under evaluation at the time.
\nThe Quezon City government allocated P20 million to fund its free shingles vaccine program for senior citizens in 2018, using Zostavax, according to the Philippine News Agency.
\nHowever, the sale and use of Zostavax in the United States were discontinued as of November 2020, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
\nThe Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices has noted that GSK’s Shingrix recombinant zoster vaccine is the preferred shingles vaccine. \u2014 Miguel Hanz L. Antivola
\n", "content_text": "The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved a vaccine for the prevention of shingles, a viral infection caused by the same virus that causes chickenpox, biopharmaceutical company GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) announced on Thursday.\nThe GSK shingles vaccine is administered intramuscularly in two doses and is intended for the prevention of shingles in adults aged 50 and above, as well as those aged 18 and above with immunocompromised conditions, according to the company.\n“Shingles is a disease that can cause excruciating pain and is caused by the reactivation of the varicella-zoster virus,” Giovell P. Barangan, GSK Philippines medical director, said in an e-mailed statement.\n“As people age, the cells in the immune system lose the ability to mount a strong and effective response to infection, increasing the risk of developing shingles,” GSK Philippines said, citing a study from the British Journal of General Practice.\nA paper from the BMC Public Health journal noted that shingles typically presents as an unbearably painful, isolated rash and can also lead to long-lasting nerve pain called post-herpetic neuralgia.\nA study on the long-term protection provided by the vaccine, published in the Infectious Diseases journal, showed that the vaccine maintains an 89% efficacy rate at 9.6 years post-vaccination, one month after the second dose.\nThe vaccine was initially approved in the United States and Canada in 2017 for shingles prevention among those aged 50 and older, and it has since been adopted by over 40 other countries.\nIn December 2022, the FDA issued a public health warning against the unauthorized sale of the Shingrix shingles vaccine from GSK Philippines, which was under evaluation at the time.\nThe Quezon City government allocated P20 million to fund its free shingles vaccine program for senior citizens in 2018, using Zostavax, according to the Philippine News Agency.\nHowever, the sale and use of Zostavax in the United States were discontinued as of November 2020, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.\nThe Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices has noted that GSK’s Shingrix recombinant zoster vaccine is the preferred shingles vaccine. \u2014 Miguel Hanz L. Antivola", "date_published": "2023-09-22T16:54:12+08:00", "date_modified": "2023-09-22T16:54:12+08:00", "authors": [ { "name": "BusinessWorld", "url": "https://www.bworldonline.com/author/rgentribirthfurd/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/67e0d160ec455979f75e504cb026950a?s=512&d=mm&r=g" } ], "author": { "name": "BusinessWorld", "url": "https://www.bworldonline.com/author/rgentribirthfurd/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/67e0d160ec455979f75e504cb026950a?s=512&d=mm&r=g" }, "image": "https://www.bworldonline.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/health-default.jpg", "tags": [ "Health" ] }, { "id": "https://www.bworldonline.com/?p=545979", "url": "https://www.bworldonline.com/opinion/2023/09/18/545979/elevating-the-voice-of-patients-in-healthcare-decisions/", "title": "Elevating the voice of patients in healthcare decisions", "content_html": "Evidence shows that when patients are treated as partners in their care, significant gains are made in safety, patient satisfaction, and health outcomes, said the World Health Organization (WHO) in leading the observance of World Patient Safety Day this month.
\nThrough the theme \u201cElevate the voice of patients!,\u201d the WHO calls on all stakeholders to take necessary action to ensure that patients are involved in policy formulation, represented in governance structures, engaged in co-designing safety strategies, and are active partners in their own care. This can only be achieved by providing platforms and opportunities for diverse patients, families, and communities to raise their voice, concerns, expectations, and preferences to advance safety, patient centeredness, trustworthiness, and equity.
\nFor the research-based pharmaceutical industry, patient-centric drug development is not just a strategic choice \u2014 it is a moral imperative. By placing patients at the heart of the biopharmaceutical industry\u2019s efforts, we honor their trust in the mission to advance medical science that is more personalized, effective, and, above all, safe for every patient around the globe.
\n\u201cThe first principle to which we all adhere is to put patients first because patients are our priority and are central to what we do. Patient-centered care can only become a reality when inputs from patients are included as a core part of the process\u2026 by making them part of crucial policy discussions, the design of initiatives and collaborations, and capacity building efforts,\u201d said Dr. Diana Edralin, president of the Pharmaceutical and Healthcare Association of the Philippines (PHAP) in her message for the World Patient Safety Day, celebrated on Sept. 17.
\nPatients who actively engage with and participate in decisions about their health are more likely to stick to and be satisfied with their chosen treatment path, according to a 2021 Economist Impact report, commissioned by Janssen, entitled \u201cEmpowering the patient voice in healthcare decisions.\u201d
\nThe report found that when patients are empowered to be part of the decision-making process, they are also more likely to build better and more trusting relationships with their healthcare providers, which enables them to work as partners in achieving better health outcomes. This shared decision-making, based on a foundation of mutual trust and shared goals, drives more appropriate and effective use of healthcare resources and better health outcomes, potentially eliminating wastage or unnecessary costs in the health system.
\nThe report identified four key takeaways. First, a concerted multi-stakeholder effort is required to empower patients. Governments must lead national efforts to enhance patient empowerment through policies and legislation. Healthcare professionals must be both willing and able to support shared decision-making. Patients must have access to knowledge and skills, as well as an environment that enables them to be truly empowered to make decisions about their health.
\nSecond, culturally relevant approaches to shared decision-making \u2014 developed in partnership with healthcare professionals and patients \u2014 are needed.
\nThere needs to be a shift from paternalistic to patient-centered care models founded on the fundamental right of patients to participate in decisions about their healthcare. Cultural sensitivities and personal preferences must be taken into account when designing health-communication models and tools, such as patient aids for shared decision-making.
\nThird, health and media literacy should be prioritized in national healthcare policies across the region. Australia\u2019s National Statement on Health Literacy is designed to drive national and community initiatives on health literacy; China has government-driven National Health Literacy Promotion initiatives; and researchers in Japan have piloted educational programs to increase health literacy in clinical and community settings. The Department of Health (DoH) launched the Healthy Pilipinas website to promote health literacy among the general public and included health literacy as one of the key strategies in its Health Promotion Framework Strategy 2023-2028.
\nLastly, systematic processes must be implemented to involve patients in drug approval and reimbursement decisions in a meaningful way. Patients are seldom involved in decisions related to drug approval or reimbursement in Asia. Patients, policymakers, and industry alike need clear guidance on how to ensure that patients are part of the decision-making process, and more needs to be done to formalize the structure of engagement to move from ad hoc to regular interaction and the co-creation of solutions.
\nThe guidance on patient engagement has been clearly established in the biopharmaceutical industry. Through the PHAP Code of Practice and adherence to regional and international laws and codes, the research-based industry supports patient safety by acting responsibly, ethically, and professionally. We act with integrity to improve patient care and build trust with those we serve, primarily the patients, their families and caregivers so that all healthcare decisions are made in their best interest.
\n\n
Teodoro B. Padilla is the executive director of Pharmaceutical and Healthcare Association of the Philippines (PHAP). PHAPrepresents the biopharmaceutical medicines and vaccines industry in the country. Its members are in the forefront of research and development efforts for COVID-19 and other diseases that affect Filipinos.
\n", "content_text": "Evidence shows that when patients are treated as partners in their care, significant gains are made in safety, patient satisfaction, and health outcomes, said the World Health Organization (WHO) in leading the observance of World Patient Safety Day this month.\nThrough the theme \u201cElevate the voice of patients!,\u201d the WHO calls on all stakeholders to take necessary action to ensure that patients are involved in policy formulation, represented in governance structures, engaged in co-designing safety strategies, and are active partners in their own care. This can only be achieved by providing platforms and opportunities for diverse patients, families, and communities to raise their voice, concerns, expectations, and preferences to advance safety, patient centeredness, trustworthiness, and equity.\nFor the research-based pharmaceutical industry, patient-centric drug development is not just a strategic choice \u2014 it is a moral imperative. By placing patients at the heart of the biopharmaceutical industry\u2019s efforts, we honor their trust in the mission to advance medical science that is more personalized, effective, and, above all, safe for every patient around the globe.\n\u201cThe first principle to which we all adhere is to put patients first because patients are our priority and are central to what we do. Patient-centered care can only become a reality when inputs from patients are included as a core part of the process\u2026 by making them part of crucial policy discussions, the design of initiatives and collaborations, and capacity building efforts,\u201d said Dr. Diana Edralin, president of the Pharmaceutical and Healthcare Association of the Philippines (PHAP) in her message for the World Patient Safety Day, celebrated on Sept. 17.\nPatients who actively engage with and participate in decisions about their health are more likely to stick to and be satisfied with their chosen treatment path, according to a 2021 Economist Impact report, commissioned by Janssen, entitled \u201cEmpowering the patient voice in healthcare decisions.\u201d\nThe report found that when patients are empowered to be part of the decision-making process, they are also more likely to build better and more trusting relationships with their healthcare providers, which enables them to work as partners in achieving better health outcomes. This shared decision-making, based on a foundation of mutual trust and shared goals, drives more appropriate and effective use of healthcare resources and better health outcomes, potentially eliminating wastage or unnecessary costs in the health system.\nThe report identified four key takeaways. First, a concerted multi-stakeholder effort is required to empower patients. Governments must lead national efforts to enhance patient empowerment through policies and legislation. Healthcare professionals must be both willing and able to support shared decision-making. Patients must have access to knowledge and skills, as well as an environment that enables them to be truly empowered to make decisions about their health.\nSecond, culturally relevant approaches to shared decision-making \u2014 developed in partnership with healthcare professionals and patients \u2014 are needed.\nThere needs to be a shift from paternalistic to patient-centered care models founded on the fundamental right of patients to participate in decisions about their healthcare. Cultural sensitivities and personal preferences must be taken into account when designing health-communication models and tools, such as patient aids for shared decision-making.\nThird, health and media literacy should be prioritized in national healthcare policies across the region. Australia\u2019s National Statement on Health Literacy is designed to drive national and community initiatives on health literacy; China has government-driven National Health Literacy Promotion initiatives; and researchers in Japan have piloted educational programs to increase health literacy in clinical and community settings. The Department of Health (DoH) launched the Healthy Pilipinas website to promote health literacy among the general public and included health literacy as one of the key strategies in its Health Promotion Framework Strategy 2023-2028.\nLastly, systematic processes must be implemented to involve patients in drug approval and reimbursement decisions in a meaningful way. Patients are seldom involved in decisions related to drug approval or reimbursement in Asia. Patients, policymakers, and industry alike need clear guidance on how to ensure that patients are part of the decision-making process, and more needs to be done to formalize the structure of engagement to move from ad hoc to regular interaction and the co-creation of solutions.\nThe guidance on patient engagement has been clearly established in the biopharmaceutical industry. Through the PHAP Code of Practice and adherence to regional and international laws and codes, the research-based industry supports patient safety by acting responsibly, ethically, and professionally. We act with integrity to improve patient care and build trust with those we serve, primarily the patients, their families and caregivers so that all healthcare decisions are made in their best interest.\n \nTeodoro B. Padilla is the executive director of Pharmaceutical and Healthcare Association of the Philippines (PHAP). PHAPrepresents the biopharmaceutical medicines and vaccines industry in the country. Its members are in the forefront of research and development efforts for COVID-19 and other diseases that affect Filipinos.", "date_published": "2023-09-18T00:01:00+08:00", "date_modified": "2023-09-17T16:47:40+08:00", "authors": [ { "name": "BusinessWorld", "url": "https://www.bworldonline.com/author/cedadiantityclea/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/eda8ffc51ac7ec8b231b61b4c6a0d14e?s=512&d=mm&r=g" } ], "author": { "name": "BusinessWorld", "url": "https://www.bworldonline.com/author/cedadiantityclea/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/eda8ffc51ac7ec8b231b61b4c6a0d14e?s=512&d=mm&r=g" }, "image": "https://www.bworldonline.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/doctor-patient.jpg", "tags": [ "Medicine cabinet", "Teodoro B. Padilla", "Health", "Opinion" ] }, { "id": "https://www.bworldonline.com/?p=545009", "url": "https://www.bworldonline.com/health/2023/09/12/545009/doctor-asks-court-to-toss-jj-lawsuit-against-her-over-cancer-research/", "title": "Doctor asks court to toss J&J lawsuit against her over cancer research", "content_html": "NEW YORK\u00a0–\u00a0A medical researcher\u00a0has asked a\u00a0court\u00a0to throw out a\u00a0lawsuit\u00a0that Johnson & Johnson\u00a0filed\u00a0against\u00a0her\u00a0over\u00a0her\u00a02019 study on the links between cosmetic talc products and\u00a0cancer, saying that\u00a0her\u00a0research\u00a0is sound and protected by free speech rights.
\nDr. Jacqueline Moline, who has served as a plaintiffs’ expert in more than 200 cases alleging that J&J talc products caused patients to develop\u00a0cancer, said in a Friday\u00a0court\u00a0filing in federal\u00a0court\u00a0in Trenton, New Jersey, that the\u00a0lawsuit\u00a0was an effort to “intimidate” scientific experts.
\nScientific conclusions based on accurate descriptions of the data and methodology used to develop them are protected by the First Amendment of the US Constitution’s protections for free speech and academic freedom, according to Ms. Moline’s\u00a0court\u00a0filing.
\nJ&J faces more than 38,000\u00a0lawsuits alleging that its talc products, including Johnson’s Baby Powder, can contain asbestos and caused\u00a0cancers including ovarian\u00a0cancer\u00a0and mesothelioma.
\nThe company says that its talc products are safe and do not contain asbestos.
\nJ&J’s subsidiary LTL Management, which absorbed the company’s talc liability in a\u00a0controversial 2021 spinoff, sued Ms. Moline in May and three other\u00a0researchers in July, accusing them of publishing fraudulent\u00a0research\u00a0that harmed J&J’s reputation.
\nJ&J in a statement on Monday reiterated a claim from the May\u00a0lawsuit\u00a0that Moline’s study was flawed because it claimed to focus on 33 patients who had no asbestos exposure other\u00a0than their use of cosmetic talc products. But at least one study participant was exposed to an additional source of asbestos, and J&J said it believes that other\u00a0study participants also have additional asbestos exposure.
\nAn attorney for Ms. Moline declined to comment on Monday beyond what was filed in\u00a0court.
\nMs. Moline, who works at Northwell Health in Great Neck, New York, said in\u00a0her\u00a0court\u00a0filing that\u00a0her\u00a0study properly disclosed that all information about the patients’ exposure to asbestos came from testimony that they provided during their\u00a0lawsuits. The study also disclosed a potential conflict of interest related to\u00a0her\u00a0work as a plaintiffs’ expert.
\nWhen one patient separately filed a workers’ compensation claim that appeared to contradict\u00a0her\u00a0court\u00a0testimony by alleging a different source of asbestos exposure, Moline updated\u00a0her\u00a0paper to say that she should not have included that patient, but stood by\u00a0her\u00a0paper’s conclusions, according to\u00a0her\u00a0court\u00a0filing.
\nJ&J has attempted to resolve the talc litigation by putting LTL Management in bankruptcy, and as part of that process offered $8.9 billion to end all current and future\u00a0lawsuits alleging that talc causes\u00a0cancer. Its efforts have so far been thwarted by\u00a0court\u00a0rulings\u00a0that the company is not in sufficient financial distress to qualify for bankruptcy protection.
\nJ&J has appealed those rulings, while also stepping up\u00a0attacks on scientific studies\u00a0that have been used as evidence in talc\u00a0lawsuits.
\nThe talc\u00a0lawsuits have a mixed record at trial, with J&J winning several verdicts but losing some others, including a $2.1 billion judgment awarded to 22 women who blamed their ovarian\u00a0cancer\u00a0on asbestos in the company’s talc products. The\u00a0lawsuits had been paused by LTL’s bankruptcy, but they are free to resume now that the bankruptcy has been dismissed.
\nJ&J has stopped selling talc-based Baby Powder in favor of cornstarch-based products, citing an increase in\u00a0lawsuits and “misinformation” about the talc product’s safety. – Reuters
\n", "content_text": "NEW YORK\u00a0–\u00a0A medical researcher\u00a0has asked a\u00a0court\u00a0to throw out a\u00a0lawsuit\u00a0that Johnson & Johnson\u00a0filed\u00a0against\u00a0her\u00a0over\u00a0her\u00a02019 study on the links between cosmetic talc products and\u00a0cancer, saying that\u00a0her\u00a0research\u00a0is sound and protected by free speech rights.\nDr. Jacqueline Moline, who has served as a plaintiffs’ expert in more than 200 cases alleging that J&J talc products caused patients to develop\u00a0cancer, said in a Friday\u00a0court\u00a0filing in federal\u00a0court\u00a0in Trenton, New Jersey, that the\u00a0lawsuit\u00a0was an effort to “intimidate” scientific experts.\nScientific conclusions based on accurate descriptions of the data and methodology used to develop them are protected by the First Amendment of the US Constitution’s protections for free speech and academic freedom, according to Ms. Moline’s\u00a0court\u00a0filing.\nJ&J faces more than 38,000\u00a0lawsuits alleging that its talc products, including Johnson’s Baby Powder, can contain asbestos and caused\u00a0cancers including ovarian\u00a0cancer\u00a0and mesothelioma.\nThe company says that its talc products are safe and do not contain asbestos.\nJ&J’s subsidiary LTL Management, which absorbed the company’s talc liability in a\u00a0controversial 2021 spinoff, sued Ms. Moline in May and three other\u00a0researchers in July, accusing them of publishing fraudulent\u00a0research\u00a0that harmed J&J’s reputation.\nJ&J in a statement on Monday reiterated a claim from the May\u00a0lawsuit\u00a0that Moline’s study was flawed because it claimed to focus on 33 patients who had no asbestos exposure other\u00a0than their use of cosmetic talc products. But at least one study participant was exposed to an additional source of asbestos, and J&J said it believes that other\u00a0study participants also have additional asbestos exposure.\nAn attorney for Ms. Moline declined to comment on Monday beyond what was filed in\u00a0court.\nMs. Moline, who works at Northwell Health in Great Neck, New York, said in\u00a0her\u00a0court\u00a0filing that\u00a0her\u00a0study properly disclosed that all information about the patients’ exposure to asbestos came from testimony that they provided during their\u00a0lawsuits. The study also disclosed a potential conflict of interest related to\u00a0her\u00a0work as a plaintiffs’ expert.\nWhen one patient separately filed a workers’ compensation claim that appeared to contradict\u00a0her\u00a0court\u00a0testimony by alleging a different source of asbestos exposure, Moline updated\u00a0her\u00a0paper to say that she should not have included that patient, but stood by\u00a0her\u00a0paper’s conclusions, according to\u00a0her\u00a0court\u00a0filing.\nJ&J has attempted to resolve the talc litigation by putting LTL Management in bankruptcy, and as part of that process offered $8.9 billion to end all current and future\u00a0lawsuits alleging that talc causes\u00a0cancer. Its efforts have so far been thwarted by\u00a0court\u00a0rulings\u00a0that the company is not in sufficient financial distress to qualify for bankruptcy protection.\nJ&J has appealed those rulings, while also stepping up\u00a0attacks on scientific studies\u00a0that have been used as evidence in talc\u00a0lawsuits.\nThe talc\u00a0lawsuits have a mixed record at trial, with J&J winning several verdicts but losing some others, including a $2.1 billion judgment awarded to 22 women who blamed their ovarian\u00a0cancer\u00a0on asbestos in the company’s talc products. The\u00a0lawsuits had been paused by LTL’s bankruptcy, but they are free to resume now that the bankruptcy has been dismissed.\nJ&J has stopped selling talc-based Baby Powder in favor of cornstarch-based products, citing an increase in\u00a0lawsuits and “misinformation” about the talc product’s safety. – Reuters", "date_published": "2023-09-12T12:30:04+08:00", "date_modified": "2023-09-12T12:30:04+08:00", "authors": [ { "name": "BusinessWorld", "url": "https://www.bworldonline.com/author/blexticauldulack/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/bb9711778f8535a5c41d2e047686ad3e?s=512&d=mm&r=g" } ], "author": { "name": "BusinessWorld", "url": "https://www.bworldonline.com/author/blexticauldulack/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/bb9711778f8535a5c41d2e047686ad3e?s=512&d=mm&r=g" }, "image": "https://www.bworldonline.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Johnson-Johnson-logo-2.jpg", "tags": [ "doctor", "J&J", "Johnson&Johnson", "medical research", "Reuters", "sued", "Health", "World" ] }, { "id": "https://www.bworldonline.com/?p=544450", "url": "https://www.bworldonline.com/health/2023/09/08/544450/mosquito-borne-dengue-grows-deadlier-in-south-asia-as-planet-warms/", "title": "Mosquito-borne dengue grows deadlier in South Asia as planet warms", "content_html": "DHAKA/KATHMANDU (Thomson Reuters Foundation)\u00a0–\u00a0Mosquito-borne dengue fever is taking a heavy toll on South Asian nations this year as Bangladesh grapples with record deaths and Nepal faces cases in new areas, with disease experts linking worsening outbreaks to the impacts of climate change.
\nAuthorities in the two countries are scrambling to contain and treat the disease – which is also known as “breakbone fever” for the severe muscle and joint pains it induces. Entomologists and epidemiologists say rising temperatures and longer monsoon seasons are providing ideal breeding conditions for mosquitoes.
\nThe threat is not restricted to South Asia as dengue rates are rising globally with 4.2 million cases reported in 2022 – up eight-fold from 2000 – the World Health Organization (WHO) says. Earlier this year, WHO said dengue is the fastest-spreading tropical disease worldwide and represents a “pandemic threat”.
\nIn Bangladesh, at least 691 people have died so far in 2023, and more than 138,000 have been infected, official figures show, making this the deadliest year since the first recorded epidemic in 2000. The previous record toll was 281 deaths last year.
\nA lack of proper prevention measures has allowed the dengue-carrying Aedes aegypti mosquito to spread across almost all of Bangladesh, said Kabirul Bashar, an entomologist and zoology professor at Jahangirnagar University in the capital Dhaka.
\nHe said this raised the risk of more infections occurring during September. Dengue is common during the June-to-September monsoon season, when mosquitoes thrive in stagnant water.
\n“This climate is favorable for the breeding of Aedes mosquitoes,” Bashar said in an interview. “Dengue is not only a problem for Dhaka, it is now a problem for the entire country.”
\n\n
NEPAL STRUGGLING WITH ‘STRANGE’ GROWTH OF DENGUE CASES
\nMeanwhile, Nepal – which first recorded dengue in 2004 – has had at least 13 dengue deaths and more than 21,200 cases so far this year across 75 of its 77 districts, according to officials.
\nThis year could match the 2022 toll of 88 deaths and 54,000 cases, said Uttam Koirala, a senior public health officer at the national epidemiology and disease control division.
\nMeghnath Dhimal, a senior research officer at the Nepal Health Research Council (NHRC), said the incidence and spread of dengue had been rising quickly nationwide in recent years.
\nRising temperatures mean cases have started occurring in colder autumn months,\u00a0while Nepal’s higher mountain districts that never before had the disease are now struggling to curb its spread, he said, describing the shifting patterns as “strange”.
\nFor example, the city of Dharan in the mountainous east has been hit particularly hard this year – with dengue cases rising so fast that hospitals and ambulances are overwhelmed by demand, according to Umesh Mehta, the local health division chief.
\nThe city of more than 160,000 people saw the number of dengue cases peak at 1,700 a day as of late August, he said.
\nAmrit Kumar Thakur, a Dharan resident, was one of four members of his family to contract dengue last month. The 27-year-old said the disease started with a mild body ache and got steadily worse before he was treated at a temporary health centre set up to deal with the fast-growing number of cases.
\n“Dengue was the worst health experience of my life,” said Mr. Thakur, adding that he and his relatives had fully recovered.
\n\n
CLIMATE CHANGE SEEN CREATING IDEAL BREEDING CONDITIONS
\nWHO says dengue is rising partly because global warming benefits mosquitoes, along with other factors including movement of people and goods, urbanization and problems with sanitation.
\nIn July, WHO said an unusual episodic amount of rainfall in Bangladesh, together with high temperatures and high humidity, had helped the mosquito population to grow across the nation.
\nFurthermore, Bangladesh has experienced longer-than-usual monsoon seasons in recent years, with erratic rainfall over the March-to-October period and more breeding grounds popping up for mosquitoes, according to various disease and health experts.
\nThe number of potential breeding sites identified in 2023 is the highest in the last five years, said Nazmul Islam, director of the disease control branch of Bangladesh’s health department.
\nFiercer floods fueled by heavy rains and melting glaciers – driven by climate change – are another major factor behind the spread of dengue, said Mohammad Mushtuq Husain, an advisor at the Institute of Epidemiology, Disease Control and Research.
\nThe Bangladeshi government has also cited climate change as a driver behind the country’s worsening dengue outbreak.
\nSaber Hossain Chowdhury, the prime minister’s special envoy on climate change, said last month on the messaging platform X, formerly known as Twitter, that the nation’s record dengue cases are “a clear instance of (the) climate change health nexus”.
\nBangladesh needs to think about a national plan for adapting its health system to prevent diseases like dengue from turning into major disasters, Mr. Chowdhury said in an interview.
\n\n
EFFORTS UNDERWAY TO CONTROL MOSQUITOES AND INFORM THE PUBLIC
\nAs dengue lacks a specific cure, health experts say the disease must be kept at bay through control of mosquito breeding, engaging with the public, and managing symptoms.
\nIn Dhaka, officials are going around the city spraying insecticide to kill mosquitoes and imposing fines on people if breeding sites for the larvae are found.
\nAtiqul Islam, mayor of the Dhaka North City Corporation, said the authorities would have to keep informing residents of the risks, and monitoring the situation, throughout the year.
\n“It’s not the time for pinning blame, rather everyone should come forward to deal with the dengue situation – for their love of this city where we are born, live and die,” said Islam.
\nIn Nepal, Dhimal from the NHRC said no authority alone could stop dengue as mosquitoes are found everywhere from garages to the corners of houses which are out of reach of the government.
\n“Everyone should be aware and proactive, and contribute from their side to control the spread of the vector,” he added.
\nCivil society and development organizations are also helping to tackle the disease.
\nSanjeev Kafley, head of the Bangladesh delegation for the International Red Cross, said it was helping to raise public awareness, procuring testing kits, and boosting the availability of platelets used in blood transfusions to treat some patients.
\nYet when it comes to treatment broadly, ordinary families face high costs. Researchers from Dhaka University’s Institute of Health Economics have warned that total medical expenses for dengue patients may exceed 10 billion taka ($91 million) this year, up from 4.5 billion taka ($41 million) in 2019.
\nDhaka resident Akhtar Hossain spent 60,000 taka ($545) on private hospital care for his daughter, Ayesha Tabassum Taqwa, who ultimately died of dengue last month at the age of 10.
\nHossain cried as he spoke of Taqwa’s love of learning.
\n“Her books, notebooks … are all still on the reading table. (She) will never arrange new books,” he said. “(But) who can we blame and what is the point of talking about it?” – Reuters
\n", "content_text": "DHAKA/KATHMANDU (Thomson Reuters Foundation)\u00a0–\u00a0Mosquito-borne dengue fever is taking a heavy toll on South Asian nations this year as Bangladesh grapples with record deaths and Nepal faces cases in new areas, with disease experts linking worsening outbreaks to the impacts of climate change.\nAuthorities in the two countries are scrambling to contain and treat the disease – which is also known as “breakbone fever” for the severe muscle and joint pains it induces. Entomologists and epidemiologists say rising temperatures and longer monsoon seasons are providing ideal breeding conditions for mosquitoes.\nThe threat is not restricted to South Asia as dengue rates are rising globally with 4.2 million cases reported in 2022 – up eight-fold from 2000 – the World Health Organization (WHO) says. Earlier this year, WHO said dengue is the fastest-spreading tropical disease worldwide and represents a “pandemic threat”.\nIn Bangladesh, at least 691 people have died so far in 2023, and more than 138,000 have been infected, official figures show, making this the deadliest year since the first recorded epidemic in 2000. The previous record toll was 281 deaths last year.\nA lack of proper prevention measures has allowed the dengue-carrying Aedes aegypti mosquito to spread across almost all of Bangladesh, said Kabirul Bashar, an entomologist and zoology professor at Jahangirnagar University in the capital Dhaka.\nHe said this raised the risk of more infections occurring during September. Dengue is common during the June-to-September monsoon season, when mosquitoes thrive in stagnant water.\n“This climate is favorable for the breeding of Aedes mosquitoes,” Bashar said in an interview. “Dengue is not only a problem for Dhaka, it is now a problem for the entire country.”\n \nNEPAL STRUGGLING WITH ‘STRANGE’ GROWTH OF DENGUE CASES\nMeanwhile, Nepal – which first recorded dengue in 2004 – has had at least 13 dengue deaths and more than 21,200 cases so far this year across 75 of its 77 districts, according to officials.\nThis year could match the 2022 toll of 88 deaths and 54,000 cases, said Uttam Koirala, a senior public health officer at the national epidemiology and disease control division.\nMeghnath Dhimal, a senior research officer at the Nepal Health Research Council (NHRC), said the incidence and spread of dengue had been rising quickly nationwide in recent years.\nRising temperatures mean cases have started occurring in colder autumn months,\u00a0while Nepal’s higher mountain districts that never before had the disease are now struggling to curb its spread, he said, describing the shifting patterns as “strange”.\nFor example, the city of Dharan in the mountainous east has been hit particularly hard this year – with dengue cases rising so fast that hospitals and ambulances are overwhelmed by demand, according to Umesh Mehta, the local health division chief.\nThe city of more than 160,000 people saw the number of dengue cases peak at 1,700 a day as of late August, he said.\nAmrit Kumar Thakur, a Dharan resident, was one of four members of his family to contract dengue last month. The 27-year-old said the disease started with a mild body ache and got steadily worse before he was treated at a temporary health centre set up to deal with the fast-growing number of cases.\n“Dengue was the worst health experience of my life,” said Mr. Thakur, adding that he and his relatives had fully recovered.\n \nCLIMATE CHANGE SEEN CREATING IDEAL BREEDING CONDITIONS\nWHO says dengue is rising partly because global warming benefits mosquitoes, along with other factors including movement of people and goods, urbanization and problems with sanitation.\nIn July, WHO said an unusual episodic amount of rainfall in Bangladesh, together with high temperatures and high humidity, had helped the mosquito population to grow across the nation.\nFurthermore, Bangladesh has experienced longer-than-usual monsoon seasons in recent years, with erratic rainfall over the March-to-October period and more breeding grounds popping up for mosquitoes, according to various disease and health experts.\nThe number of potential breeding sites identified in 2023 is the highest in the last five years, said Nazmul Islam, director of the disease control branch of Bangladesh’s health department.\nFiercer floods fueled by heavy rains and melting glaciers – driven by climate change – are another major factor behind the spread of dengue, said Mohammad Mushtuq Husain, an advisor at the Institute of Epidemiology, Disease Control and Research.\nThe Bangladeshi government has also cited climate change as a driver behind the country’s worsening dengue outbreak.\nSaber Hossain Chowdhury, the prime minister’s special envoy on climate change, said last month on the messaging platform X, formerly known as Twitter, that the nation’s record dengue cases are “a clear instance of (the) climate change health nexus”.\nBangladesh needs to think about a national plan for adapting its health system to prevent diseases like dengue from turning into major disasters, Mr. Chowdhury said in an interview.\n \nEFFORTS UNDERWAY TO CONTROL MOSQUITOES AND INFORM THE PUBLIC\nAs dengue lacks a specific cure, health experts say the disease must be kept at bay through control of mosquito breeding, engaging with the public, and managing symptoms.\nIn Dhaka, officials are going around the city spraying insecticide to kill mosquitoes and imposing fines on people if breeding sites for the larvae are found.\nAtiqul Islam, mayor of the Dhaka North City Corporation, said the authorities would have to keep informing residents of the risks, and monitoring the situation, throughout the year.\n“It’s not the time for pinning blame, rather everyone should come forward to deal with the dengue situation – for their love of this city where we are born, live and die,” said Islam.\nIn Nepal, Dhimal from the NHRC said no authority alone could stop dengue as mosquitoes are found everywhere from garages to the corners of houses which are out of reach of the government.\n“Everyone should be aware and proactive, and contribute from their side to control the spread of the vector,” he added.\nCivil society and development organizations are also helping to tackle the disease.\nSanjeev Kafley, head of the Bangladesh delegation for the International Red Cross, said it was helping to raise public awareness, procuring testing kits, and boosting the availability of platelets used in blood transfusions to treat some patients.\nYet when it comes to treatment broadly, ordinary families face high costs. Researchers from Dhaka University’s Institute of Health Economics have warned that total medical expenses for dengue patients may exceed 10 billion taka ($91 million) this year, up from 4.5 billion taka ($41 million) in 2019.\nDhaka resident Akhtar Hossain spent 60,000 taka ($545) on private hospital care for his daughter, Ayesha Tabassum Taqwa, who ultimately died of dengue last month at the age of 10.\nHossain cried as he spoke of Taqwa’s love of learning.\n“Her books, notebooks … are all still on the reading table. (She) will never arrange new books,” he said. “(But) who can we blame and what is the point of talking about it?” – Reuters", "date_published": "2023-09-08T11:10:41+08:00", "date_modified": "2023-09-08T11:10:41+08:00", "authors": [ { "name": "BusinessWorld", "url": "https://www.bworldonline.com/author/blexticauldulack/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/bb9711778f8535a5c41d2e047686ad3e?s=512&d=mm&r=g" } ], "author": { "name": "BusinessWorld", "url": "https://www.bworldonline.com/author/blexticauldulack/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/bb9711778f8535a5c41d2e047686ad3e?s=512&d=mm&r=g" }, "image": "https://www.bworldonline.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/mosquito-49141_1280.jpg", "tags": [ "Bangladesh", "Dengue", "kathmandu", "Reuters", "South Asia", "Health", "World" ] }, { "id": "https://www.bworldonline.com/?p=544200", "url": "https://www.bworldonline.com/health/2023/09/07/544200/moderna-pfizer-say-updated-covid-shots-generate-strong-response-vs-newer-variant/", "title": "Moderna, Pfizer say updated COVID shots generate strong response vs newer variant", "content_html": "Moderna\u00a0and rival Pfizer\u00a0on Wednesday said their\u00a0updated\u00a0COVID-19 vaccines\u00a0generated\u00a0strong\u00a0responses in testing against the highly mutated BA.2.86 subvariant\u00a0of the coronavirus that has raised fears of a resurgence of infections.
\nModerna\u00a0said its shot\u00a0generated an 8.7-fold increase in neutralizing antibodies against BA.2.86 compared\u00a0with an untreated natural antibody\u00a0response\u00a0in clinical trials in humans. The\u00a0variant\u00a0is currently being tracked by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
\n\u201cWe think this is news people will want to hear as they prepare to go out and get their fall boosters,\u201d\u00a0Moderna\u00a0head of infectious diseases Jacqueline Miller said in an interview, adding that the data should also help reassure regulators.
\nPfizer\u00a0said its\u00a0updated\u00a0vaccine with partner BioNTech\u00a0elicited a\u00a0strong\u00a0antibody\u00a0response\u00a0against BA.2.86 in a preclinical study in mice.
\nModerna,\u00a0Pfizer/BioNTech and relative newcomer to the\u00a0COVID\u00a0vaccine market Novavax\u00a0have created versions of their\u00a0shots\u00a0aimed at the XBB.1.5 subvariant, the dominant\u00a0variant\u00a0through most of 2023. Those are expected to be rolled out this autumn.
\nModerna\u00a0shares were down 1.6% and\u00a0Pfizer\u00a0shares were off\u00a0nearly 3% in afternoon trading.
\nTD Cowen analyst Tyler Van Buren said Wednesday’s news was unlikely to raise the share price because people already assume the mRNA vaccines will continue to be effective against new\u00a0COVID\u00a0variants as they crop up. Both the\u00a0Moderna\u00a0and\u00a0Pfizer/BioNTech\u00a0shots\u00a0are based on mRNA technology.
\n“This was not an anticipated catalyst that people were waiting for,” he said, adding that\u00a0Moderna\u00a0continues to be a favorite target of Wall Street short sellers who bet that shares will fall.
\nThe CDC has previously indicated that BA.2.86 may be more capable of causing infection in people who previously had\u00a0COVID\u00a0or were vaccinated with previous\u00a0shots. The Omicron offshoot carries more than 35 mutations in key portions of the virus compared with XBB.1.5, the target of the\u00a0updated\u00a0shots.
\nModerna\u00a0said it had shared the new finding on its vaccine with regulators and submitted it for peer review publication. The retooled shot has yet to be approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, but is expected to be available later this month or in early October.
\nLast month,\u00a0Moderna\u00a0and\u00a0Pfizer\u00a0each said their new vaccines appeared to be effective against another new subvariant\u00a0of concern dubbed EG.5 in initial testing.
\nEuropean regulators have since backed the\u00a0Pfizer/BioNTech shot, with Britain’s Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency\u00a0approving the vaccine\u00a0on Tuesday, but have yet to make any announcements on\u00a0Moderna\u2019s\u00a0updated\u00a0vaccine.
\nBA.2.86\u00a0has now been detected in Switzerland and South Africa as well as Israel, Denmark, the US and Britain according to a WHO official.
\nWhile it is important to monitor the\u00a0variant, several experts told Reuters it is unlikely to cause a wave of severe disease and death because of immune defenses built up worldwide from mass vaccination and prior infection. – Reuters
\n", "content_text": "Moderna\u00a0and rival Pfizer\u00a0on Wednesday said their\u00a0updated\u00a0COVID-19 vaccines\u00a0generated\u00a0strong\u00a0responses in testing against the highly mutated BA.2.86 subvariant\u00a0of the coronavirus that has raised fears of a resurgence of infections.\nModerna\u00a0said its shot\u00a0generated an 8.7-fold increase in neutralizing antibodies against BA.2.86 compared\u00a0with an untreated natural antibody\u00a0response\u00a0in clinical trials in humans. The\u00a0variant\u00a0is currently being tracked by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).\n\u201cWe think this is news people will want to hear as they prepare to go out and get their fall boosters,\u201d\u00a0Moderna\u00a0head of infectious diseases Jacqueline Miller said in an interview, adding that the data should also help reassure regulators.\nPfizer\u00a0said its\u00a0updated\u00a0vaccine with partner BioNTech\u00a0elicited a\u00a0strong\u00a0antibody\u00a0response\u00a0against BA.2.86 in a preclinical study in mice.\nModerna,\u00a0Pfizer/BioNTech and relative newcomer to the\u00a0COVID\u00a0vaccine market Novavax\u00a0have created versions of their\u00a0shots\u00a0aimed at the XBB.1.5 subvariant, the dominant\u00a0variant\u00a0through most of 2023. Those are expected to be rolled out this autumn.\nModerna\u00a0shares were down 1.6% and\u00a0Pfizer\u00a0shares were off\u00a0nearly 3% in afternoon trading.\nTD Cowen analyst Tyler Van Buren said Wednesday’s news was unlikely to raise the share price because people already assume the mRNA vaccines will continue to be effective against new\u00a0COVID\u00a0variants as they crop up. Both the\u00a0Moderna\u00a0and\u00a0Pfizer/BioNTech\u00a0shots\u00a0are based on mRNA technology.\n“This was not an anticipated catalyst that people were waiting for,” he said, adding that\u00a0Moderna\u00a0continues to be a favorite target of Wall Street short sellers who bet that shares will fall.\nThe CDC has previously indicated that BA.2.86 may be more capable of causing infection in people who previously had\u00a0COVID\u00a0or were vaccinated with previous\u00a0shots. The Omicron offshoot carries more than 35 mutations in key portions of the virus compared with XBB.1.5, the target of the\u00a0updated\u00a0shots.\nModerna\u00a0said it had shared the new finding on its vaccine with regulators and submitted it for peer review publication. The retooled shot has yet to be approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, but is expected to be available later this month or in early October.\nLast month,\u00a0Moderna\u00a0and\u00a0Pfizer\u00a0each said their new vaccines appeared to be effective against another new subvariant\u00a0of concern dubbed EG.5 in initial testing.\nEuropean regulators have since backed the\u00a0Pfizer/BioNTech shot, with Britain’s Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency\u00a0approving the vaccine\u00a0on Tuesday, but have yet to make any announcements on\u00a0Moderna\u2019s\u00a0updated\u00a0vaccine.\nBA.2.86\u00a0has now been detected in Switzerland and South Africa as well as Israel, Denmark, the US and Britain according to a WHO official.\nWhile it is important to monitor the\u00a0variant, several experts told Reuters it is unlikely to cause a wave of severe disease and death because of immune defenses built up worldwide from mass vaccination and prior infection. – Reuters", "date_published": "2023-09-07T10:51:26+08:00", "date_modified": "2023-09-07T10:51:26+08:00", "authors": [ { "name": "BusinessWorld", "url": "https://www.bworldonline.com/author/blexticauldulack/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/bb9711778f8535a5c41d2e047686ad3e?s=512&d=mm&r=g" } ], "author": { "name": "BusinessWorld", "url": "https://www.bworldonline.com/author/blexticauldulack/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/bb9711778f8535a5c41d2e047686ad3e?s=512&d=mm&r=g" }, "image": "https://www.bworldonline.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/covid-vaccine.jpg", "tags": [ "COVID-19", "Moderna", "pfizer", "Reuters", "subvariants", "vaccine", "Health", "World" ] }, { "id": "https://www.bworldonline.com/?p=543940", "url": "https://www.bworldonline.com/health/2023/09/06/543940/georgia-can-resume-ban-on-hormone-treatment-for-transgender-youth-judge-says/", "title": "Georgia can resume ban on hormone treatment for transgender youth, judge says", "content_html": "A\u00a0US\u00a0judge\u00a0on Tuesday allowed the state of\u00a0Georgia\u00a0to\u00a0resume\u00a0enforcing a new Republican-backed\u00a0ban\u00a0on\u00a0hormone\u00a0replacement therapy for\u00a0transgender\u00a0people under age 18, after a federal appeals court allowed a similar law in Alabama to go back into effect.
\nUS District\u00a0Judge\u00a0Sarah Geraghty in Atlanta two weeks ago blocked enforcement of\u00a0the\u00a0Georgia\u00a0law after concluding\u00a0that a\u00a0group of parents and\u00a0transgender\u00a0minors would likely succeed in establishing it violated the US Constitution‘s guarantees of\u00a0equal protection under the law.
\nBut a day after MS. Geraghty ruled, a three-judge\u00a0panel of the 11th US Circuit Court of Appeals on Aug. 21 reversed a lower-court ruling that had blocked enforcement of a similar Alabama law\u00a0banning the use of\u00a0puberty-blocking\u00a0drugs and\u00a0hormones to treat gender dysphoria in\u00a0transgender\u00a0minors.
\nThe appeals court\u00a0panel was entirely comprised of\u00a0judges appointed by Republican\u00a0presidents. The 11th Circuit hears appeals from\u00a0Georgia\u00a0as well, and after it ruled, the state’s Republican\u00a0attorney general, Chris Carr, urged Geraghty to vacate her injunction.
\nMs. Geraghty, an appointee of Democratic President Joe Biden, on Tuesday instead put it on hold, saying it “rests on legal grounds that have been squarely rejected by the panel” in the Alabama case, but that further appeals in that matter were underway.
\n“We are pleased with the court’s decision and will continue fighting to protect the health and well-being of\u00a0Georgia‘s children,” Kara Richardson, Carr’s spokesperson, said in a statement.
\nThe plaintiffs’ lawyers\u00a0did not respond to requests for comment.
\nRepublican\u00a0lawmakers in several states have\u00a0passed laws\u00a0restricting medical\u00a0treatments for\u00a0transgender\u00a0minors. Many have been\u00a0blocked\u00a0in court challenges, with\u00a0judges finding they discriminate by sex and interfere with parents’ right to direct their children’s\u00a0treatment.
\nGeorgia\u00a0Governor\u00a0Brian Kemp, a Republican, in March signed\u00a0the state’s\u00a0law\u00a0that\u00a0bans certain medical procedures and therapies for minors who experience gender dysphoria,\u00a0the term for\u00a0psychological distress that some individuals experience because of a mismatch between their biological sex and gender identity.
\nThe law also prevents minors from receiving gender-affirming surgeries, though that provision was not at issue in the case before Ms. Geraghty. – Reuters
\n", "content_text": "A\u00a0US\u00a0judge\u00a0on Tuesday allowed the state of\u00a0Georgia\u00a0to\u00a0resume\u00a0enforcing a new Republican-backed\u00a0ban\u00a0on\u00a0hormone\u00a0replacement therapy for\u00a0transgender\u00a0people under age 18, after a federal appeals court allowed a similar law in Alabama to go back into effect.\nUS District\u00a0Judge\u00a0Sarah Geraghty in Atlanta two weeks ago blocked enforcement of\u00a0the\u00a0Georgia\u00a0law after concluding\u00a0that a\u00a0group of parents and\u00a0transgender\u00a0minors would likely succeed in establishing it violated the US Constitution‘s guarantees of\u00a0equal protection under the law.\nBut a day after MS. Geraghty ruled, a three-judge\u00a0panel of the 11th US Circuit Court of Appeals on Aug. 21 reversed a lower-court ruling that had blocked enforcement of a similar Alabama law\u00a0banning the use of\u00a0puberty-blocking\u00a0drugs and\u00a0hormones to treat gender dysphoria in\u00a0transgender\u00a0minors.\nThe appeals court\u00a0panel was entirely comprised of\u00a0judges appointed by Republican\u00a0presidents. The 11th Circuit hears appeals from\u00a0Georgia\u00a0as well, and after it ruled, the state’s Republican\u00a0attorney general, Chris Carr, urged Geraghty to vacate her injunction.\nMs. Geraghty, an appointee of Democratic President Joe Biden, on Tuesday instead put it on hold, saying it “rests on legal grounds that have been squarely rejected by the panel” in the Alabama case, but that further appeals in that matter were underway.\n“We are pleased with the court’s decision and will continue fighting to protect the health and well-being of\u00a0Georgia‘s children,” Kara Richardson, Carr’s spokesperson, said in a statement.\nThe plaintiffs’ lawyers\u00a0did not respond to requests for comment.\nRepublican\u00a0lawmakers in several states have\u00a0passed laws\u00a0restricting medical\u00a0treatments for\u00a0transgender\u00a0minors. Many have been\u00a0blocked\u00a0in court challenges, with\u00a0judges finding they discriminate by sex and interfere with parents’ right to direct their children’s\u00a0treatment.\nGeorgia\u00a0Governor\u00a0Brian Kemp, a Republican, in March signed\u00a0the state’s\u00a0law\u00a0that\u00a0bans certain medical procedures and therapies for minors who experience gender dysphoria,\u00a0the term for\u00a0psychological distress that some individuals experience because of a mismatch between their biological sex and gender identity.\nThe law also prevents minors from receiving gender-affirming surgeries, though that provision was not at issue in the case before Ms. Geraghty. – Reuters", "date_published": "2023-09-06T12:57:04+08:00", "date_modified": "2023-09-06T12:57:04+08:00", "authors": [ { "name": "BusinessWorld", "url": "https://www.bworldonline.com/author/blexticauldulack/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/bb9711778f8535a5c41d2e047686ad3e?s=512&d=mm&r=g" } ], "author": { "name": "BusinessWorld", "url": "https://www.bworldonline.com/author/blexticauldulack/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/bb9711778f8535a5c41d2e047686ad3e?s=512&d=mm&r=g" }, "image": "https://www.bworldonline.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/gavel.jpg", "tags": [ "america", "Georgia", "hormone treatnent", "Reuters", "transgender youth", "United States", "Health", "World" ] }, { "id": "https://www.bworldonline.com/?p=541701", "url": "https://www.bworldonline.com/opinion/2023/08/28/541701/breast-and-cervical-cancer-control-in-phl-opportunities-for-improvement/", "title": "Breast and cervical cancer control in PHL: Opportunities for improvement", "content_html": "Breast cancer surpassed lung cancer as the most frequent newly diagnosed cancer worldwide in 2020, and the incidence and mortality of cervical cancer, the second most common cancer affecting women, is rising. Breast cancer and cervical cancer are among the most common forms of cancer in the Philippines.
\nSeeking to improve outcomes for people living with breast and cervical cancer across the Asia-Pacific region, the APAC Women\u2019s Cancer Coalition, with the support of Roche, commissioned The Economist Impact to examine the current disease burden and the quality of policies and programs in six countries. The comprehensive research output is entitled \u201cImpact and opportunity: the case for investing in women\u2019s cancers in Asia Pacific.\u201d
\nThe Economist Impact conducted an evidence review, convened an advisory board, and interviewed experts to inform the design of a benchmarking scorecard that allows stakeholders to assess performance compared to their peers, as well as to prioritize key steps to improve. The scorecard assesses five domains: policy and planning, prevention and screening, diagnosis and resource capacity, treatment and access, and awareness and education.
\nThe advisory board included two Filipino women who are respected leaders in cancer care in the country. They are Dr. Corazon Ngelangel, president of the Philippine Cancer Society; and Ingrid Magnata, country program manager of Jhpiego, an international, non-profit health organization affiliated with The Johns Hopkins University dedicated to improving the health of women and families.
\nThe Philippines scored moderately high in prevention and screening, and awareness and education. The government along with their partners have been spearheading these campaigns to prevent, screen, and raise awareness about the disease. On the other hand, our country scored moderately low in policy and planning, treatment and access, and diagnosis and resource capacity.
\nThe report identified key opportunities for improvement in the Philippines. One of them is that a dedicated national elimination plan for cervical cancer and a dedicated strategy for breast cancer in line with World Health Organization (WHO) ambitions and targets should be introduced. A national steering committee can be created to operationalize inter-governmental agency coordination to help drive these cancer control initiatives.
\nNational population-based and accessible digital registries for cancer, including for breast and cervical cancer, should be implemented to monitor and evaluate programs on cancer prevention, detection, and control. Cancer-specific registries which also track women\u2019s history of immunization and screening will also be critical for ensuring that coverage is met, to improve follow-up, to help study the burden, and to capture data which would improve programs and services.
\nOrganized population-based national screening programs for breast and cervical cancer in line with WHO recommendations should also be rolled out. Moreover, the Philippines should transition away from using visual inspection under acetic acid (VIA) and instead adopt HPV DNA testing as the primary cervical cancer screening tool in all settings. HPV self-sampling, especially for women living in rural or hard-to-reach areas, should likewise be introduced. Meanwhile, mammography for high-risk women should be included in the national screening program to facilitate early diagnosis of breast cancer.
\nInvestments in the country\u2019s infrastructure such as external beam radiotherapy machines, mammograms, and MRI scanners as well as workforce capacity, including those for radiologists and surgeons, should be made. The number of cancer specialists in the country should be increased and their equity in distribution improved to ensure universal access to cancer care.
\nMeanwhile, access to therapies must also be increased and expanded. The full implementation of the National Integrated Cancer Control Act (NICCA) should be sped up to reduce the financial burden on cancer patients by expanding access under Universal Health Care (UHC). Alternative funding mechanisms beyond national health spending should be identified to sustain UHC. These include grants and targeted funding by global donors, development agencies, and multilateral banks.
\nWhile the country scored high in health literacy, awareness and education around the beneficial and life-saving aspects of screening should still be increased. Education and awareness programs for women\u2019s cancers could be integrated into primary healthcare settings, with national-level campaigns and activities organized in collaboration with the Department of Health (DoH).
\nThe DoH and the government as a whole have made major strides in cancer prevention and control. As in other countries surveyed by the report, considering these recommendations will help not only improve the country\u2019s scorecard but, more importantly, save lives of countless girls and women.
\n\n
Teodoro B. Padilla is the executive director of Pharmaceutical and Healthcare Association of the Philippines (PHAP). PHAP represents the biopharmaceutical medicines and vaccines industry in the country. Its members are in the forefront of research and development efforts for COVID-19 and other diseases that affect Filipinos.
\n", "content_text": "Breast cancer surpassed lung cancer as the most frequent newly diagnosed cancer worldwide in 2020, and the incidence and mortality of cervical cancer, the second most common cancer affecting women, is rising. Breast cancer and cervical cancer are among the most common forms of cancer in the Philippines.\nSeeking to improve outcomes for people living with breast and cervical cancer across the Asia-Pacific region, the APAC Women\u2019s Cancer Coalition, with the support of Roche, commissioned The Economist Impact to examine the current disease burden and the quality of policies and programs in six countries. The comprehensive research output is entitled \u201cImpact and opportunity: the case for investing in women\u2019s cancers in Asia Pacific.\u201d\nThe Economist Impact conducted an evidence review, convened an advisory board, and interviewed experts to inform the design of a benchmarking scorecard that allows stakeholders to assess performance compared to their peers, as well as to prioritize key steps to improve. The scorecard assesses five domains: policy and planning, prevention and screening, diagnosis and resource capacity, treatment and access, and awareness and education.\nThe advisory board included two Filipino women who are respected leaders in cancer care in the country. They are Dr. Corazon Ngelangel, president of the Philippine Cancer Society; and Ingrid Magnata, country program manager of Jhpiego, an international, non-profit health organization affiliated with The Johns Hopkins University dedicated to improving the health of women and families.\nThe Philippines scored moderately high in prevention and screening, and awareness and education. The government along with their partners have been spearheading these campaigns to prevent, screen, and raise awareness about the disease. On the other hand, our country scored moderately low in policy and planning, treatment and access, and diagnosis and resource capacity.\nThe report identified key opportunities for improvement in the Philippines. One of them is that a dedicated national elimination plan for cervical cancer and a dedicated strategy for breast cancer in line with World Health Organization (WHO) ambitions and targets should be introduced. A national steering committee can be created to operationalize inter-governmental agency coordination to help drive these cancer control initiatives.\nNational population-based and accessible digital registries for cancer, including for breast and cervical cancer, should be implemented to monitor and evaluate programs on cancer prevention, detection, and control. Cancer-specific registries which also track women\u2019s history of immunization and screening will also be critical for ensuring that coverage is met, to improve follow-up, to help study the burden, and to capture data which would improve programs and services.\nOrganized population-based national screening programs for breast and cervical cancer in line with WHO recommendations should also be rolled out. Moreover, the Philippines should transition away from using visual inspection under acetic acid (VIA) and instead adopt HPV DNA testing as the primary cervical cancer screening tool in all settings. HPV self-sampling, especially for women living in rural or hard-to-reach areas, should likewise be introduced. Meanwhile, mammography for high-risk women should be included in the national screening program to facilitate early diagnosis of breast cancer.\nInvestments in the country\u2019s infrastructure such as external beam radiotherapy machines, mammograms, and MRI scanners as well as workforce capacity, including those for radiologists and surgeons, should be made. The number of cancer specialists in the country should be increased and their equity in distribution improved to ensure universal access to cancer care.\nMeanwhile, access to therapies must also be increased and expanded. The full implementation of the National Integrated Cancer Control Act (NICCA) should be sped up to reduce the financial burden on cancer patients by expanding access under Universal Health Care (UHC). Alternative funding mechanisms beyond national health spending should be identified to sustain UHC. These include grants and targeted funding by global donors, development agencies, and multilateral banks.\nWhile the country scored high in health literacy, awareness and education around the beneficial and life-saving aspects of screening should still be increased. Education and awareness programs for women\u2019s cancers could be integrated into primary healthcare settings, with national-level campaigns and activities organized in collaboration with the Department of Health (DoH).\nThe DoH and the government as a whole have made major strides in cancer prevention and control. As in other countries surveyed by the report, considering these recommendations will help not only improve the country\u2019s scorecard but, more importantly, save lives of countless girls and women. \n \nTeodoro B. Padilla is the executive director of Pharmaceutical and Healthcare Association of the Philippines (PHAP). PHAP represents the biopharmaceutical medicines and vaccines industry in the country. Its members are in the forefront of research and development efforts for COVID-19 and other diseases that affect Filipinos.", "date_published": "2023-08-28T00:01:04+08:00", "date_modified": "2023-08-27T17:21:43+08:00", "authors": [ { "name": "BusinessWorld", "url": "https://www.bworldonline.com/author/cedadiantityclea/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/eda8ffc51ac7ec8b231b61b4c6a0d14e?s=512&d=mm&r=g" } ], "author": { "name": "BusinessWorld", "url": "https://www.bworldonline.com/author/cedadiantityclea/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/eda8ffc51ac7ec8b231b61b4c6a0d14e?s=512&d=mm&r=g" }, "image": "https://www.bworldonline.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/pink-ribbon-woman.jpg", "tags": [ "Medicine cabinet", "Teodoro B. Padilla", "Health", "Opinion" ] } ] }